Small axe made from 1 inch square ag shaft. After hardening, I heat the eye drift in the forge, and use the heat of the drift to run the temper colors to the edge. The process is called mandrel tempering. It makes a great product, and is kind of pretty, I reckon.
I had to teach myself metal spinning to make this piece. The upside down cup shape above the silver globe was made on my lathe from a flat disc, over a maple mold. I scrapped many dozens of parts before I got the feel of spinning figured out.
I made this while visiting Gearhart Ironwerks last year. John has a big 300# DeMoor power hammer that he let me play with, this piece was made from a scrap of 1/2 inch plate, approx. 8 x 14 inches, and several cans of Miller High Life for inspiration.
I learned how to make the bird from Mark Aspery. The wing and body are one piece, folded over to give more dimension. The circle and wind vane were made on the power hammer.
The wheat heads use 4 pieces of roundstock each, doubled over, twisted, and then forge welded together. It took a day plus a bit to make the finished item.
