Thinning and Drawing Down to Forge a Taper |
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The term "drawing down" is used by a blacksmith to mean thinning a piece of metal by hammering it; a technique often used to forge a taper. Gradual and elegant tapers give life to bespoke metalwork and help distinguish it from mass produced wares. They are particularly effective when used as a finial detail. Tapers are forged by repeatedly hammering along, and working towards the tip of a bar; its thickness being slowly reduced as it is worked. A selection of previous commissions featuring this process is discussed below.
These candlesticks were forged from angle iron, which was flattened at one end to make a stable base, and then gradually tapered to a sharp tip.
This gate post was forged to taper along its full length giving it a deceptively delicate appearance but maintaining strength where needed.
This gate incorporates plenty of organic detail within its design. Tapers provide a graceful transition from the large diameter structural elements to the more delicate leaves.
This gate was made using as few straight lines as possible. Since the flowing curves are part of the gate's structure, they need to be relatively thick at their base. This thickness is offset by tapering the steel as it sweeps round; reducing its visual weight.
As in the above, a long gradual taper helps reduce the visual weight of the upper curve of this gate; an important structural element.
This leaf detail is part of a contemporary Art Nouveau gate. Its curved and tapered stem is very characteristic of work of this period.
This is the classic blacksmith's scroll. It gradually tapers down towards the tip, whilst exponentially opening as it unwinds. Mass produced work simply doesn't possess the same elegance.
Both long and short tapers are used as finials within this contemporary Art Nouveau gate.
