This bud shape is made by splitting a steel
bar whilst hot and then forging each side to shape. The forging
process gives the steel gives it a rich natural texture
and lends the bud a lively and sculptural quality unobtainable
using mass produced components. The stages involved in this
process are shown below
Firstly
a slit is punched in the steel, this is also the first stage in hot
punching a hole The rounded corners of the slit prevent the steel from tearing
when it is opened up in the latter stages.
The
slit is made round by pushing the steel to the sides with a tapered drift. The
swelling around the hole helps to give the bud it's ripe shape.
The
steel is then slit with a hot cutting chisel. The wedge sections of each side
are forged flat in latter stages
The
stem is then necked in using spring swages under a power hammer. The rest of the
bar will eventually be drawn down to the same size as the neck.
The
slit is then opened up using a hot set and the sides of the anvil
and
each side forged to shape on the anvil
The
sides are closed in
and
the tips of the bud shaped
•
Unit
26 Offerton Industrial Estate, Hempshaw Lane, Stockport, Manchester, England SK2
5TH •
