casting and forging Shibuichi for sword fittings

[bubba-san]

This is a piece I cast this morning , 45% fine silver and 55% copper . There are several types but I like the 45/ 55 blend .

This particular piece weighs about 12 oz. Used a fine silver .999 ingot and the rest good copper .

From this I will Hammer forge a Habaki and seppa for sword .

Another piece will be cast for Tsuba . Couple pics .... Bubba​

 

[bubba-san]

Tonight , I will hammer forge some pieces into useable shapes and post them wed.... Bubba

 

[TacticallySharp]

I'm very interested in seeing this process. Thank You for sharing!

 

[bubba-san]

Here is a seppa (Spacer) I forged last night . Pieces of shibu already dead soft are expensive ,about same price as silver Mokume , that is unless you make it yourself . The secret to forging it without cracking is to anneal , anneal anneal as much as possible .

This accomplished by heating metal to cherry red then quench . Metal will be soft and easy to work . It does become work hardened so, the more you anneal the easier it works ...

 

[bubba-san]

AS you work the metal to make thinner and elongate , it gets a nice golden color, kind of like black hills gold

 

[bubba-san]

here is cut out Seppa ( spacer) Now I have to mic blade and make sure hole (ana) is nice and tight .... couple pics

 

[stabber]

Very Cool, Buddy!! Can't wait to see it Finished

 

[Brad Lilly]

Really interesting thread Bubba. Its going to be interesting to watch develop.

 

[bubba-san]

Here is picture of rough Tsuba for sword . Made from shibuichi 45% silver and 55% copper . Hopefully it will look like one in picture adjacent to the rough tsuba ..... Bubba

 

[bubba-san]

worked it down some more . Starting to get better shape . After this I will smooth out some with hammer , cut hole , and do some engraving of pine needles. Tsuba is very heavy for its size ..

 

[KenH]

Bubba-san, please keep this WIP going. That is one interesting work you're doing. Perhaps a small comment on the casting/mixing of silver/copper? Just put chunks together and bring up to melting point then pour in ingot mold?

Keep your health and don't push too much.

Ken H>

 

[bubba-san]

Thanks Ken , The mixture is 45% fine silver and 55% copper . I make molds for casting flat metal that can be worked from thin stainless steel. here is picture of mold . You can make them any size . When done pouring molten mixture into mold , let cool for a minute or two then Quench with cold water , The silver just pops right out .......... Bubba

 

[bubba-san]

Casting and forging Habaki . This piece is approx. 1.25"x 4"x1/8" . Has been hammer forged and slot for sword has been cut . Tomorrow will bend habaki around piece of metal same thickness as sword. Metal needs to be annealed several times for each 90 degree bend , so bends are done 45 degrees at a time . Until you get horse shoe shaped piece . the scratch lines are where the bends will be . here are couple pics

 

[KenH]

Thank you for the updates Bubba-san. I'm following this thread, so keep it coming.

Ken H>

 

[wdtorque]

Good stuff here.
I'm with Ken.
Dozier

 

[bubba-san]

I will try and bend Habaki soon and, will cut the tsuba for this sword ..... I got busy with some relatives and got behind on my work . I will post it up soon ... Bubba

 

[KenH]

While we're anxiously watching, Please do pace yourself to stay feeling as well as possible! Bubba-San - YOU are important to the world - our world anyway.

Ken H

 

[wdtorque]

Beautiful.
Very nice work.
Dozier

 

[bubba-san]

Ok here is what I do to prepare sword for Habaki . First I clean and oil sword then wipe off excess. Then carefully wrap blade with soft paper , when finished, wrap sword in Newspaper to make a scabbard ( Saya) to protect sword as you work on it . Don't want any scratches on newly polished blade .

 

[TSCOTT]

awesome thread! cant wait for more!