Forging a toadstool themed fire poker

[favorit0]

New to the whole forging stuff and I've done one or two beginner projects but now I'm working on a fire poker with a toadstool theme. The idea is to have the shaft with a bit of natural, root like texture, then finish the handle as a cap and stem mushroom but I'm still in the process of trying to figure out the best approach for the mushroom top, I'm debating between forging it out of a flattened ball and dishing it, or maybe upsetting and spreading the end of the bar. If anyone has tried something like this, I'd love to hear how you went about shaping the cap and getting the texture right

 

[gl0vetr0tt3r]

That's a cool idea for a fire poker! Both approaches are good for the mushroom cap, but I think dishing a flattened ball is probably the most forgiving route for someone newer to forging. That will give you a more controlled, consistent dome shape. It's great for beginners, as you have more material to work with and can get the shape just right before welding it to the stem. The downside is that it's a two-piece project. Upsetting and spreading the bar, on the other hand, will give you a single-piece, more organic look, but this can be a bit more challenging and can be tricky to get a perfectly round cap.

 

[forge|fellow]

To shape the mushroom cap, begin by upsetting the end of the bar, this provides better control compared to starting with a ball. Heat about 3 inches of the end until it's hot, thicken it by upsetting, and then use a ball peen hammer to spread and dish it out.

While the metal is at an orange heat, use a cross peen and a texture hammer to create a root-like texture along the shaft. For the underside of the cap, use a shallow bowl or stake, and work from the center outwards to form the shape.

 

[warpaint_54]

That sounds awesome! I'm pretty new too and just finished a leaf-shaped hook for my shed. Been wanting to try something more organic like your mushroom idea.

For the cap, have you tried starting with a ball and dishing it cold first, then heating and refining the shape? I've seen some use a rounded swage block or even a big socket to help with the curve. What kind of texture are you aiming for? Smooth like a button mushroom or more wild and bumpy?

 

[Billinthedesert]

Great idea. I have never had much luck with upsetting, but I think it's because I needed more heat.

 

[Strauss Lee]

Hello greetings t

That sounds awesome! I'm pretty new too and just finished a leaf-shaped hook for my shed. Been wanting to try something more organic like your mushroom idea.

For the cap, have you tried starting with a ball and dishing it cold first, then heating and refining the shape? I've seen some use a rounded swage block or even a big socket to help with the curve. What kind of texture are you aiming for? Smooth like a button mushroom or more wild and bumpy?

o you and welcome into blacksmithing, If you have any question, or you want to buy any blacksmith tools contact me via [email protected] Thank you.

 

[Strauss Lee]

New to the whole forging stuff and I've done one or two beginner projects but now I'm working on a fire poker with a toadstool theme. The idea is to have the shaft with a bit of natural, root like texture, then finish the handle as a cap and stem mushroom but I'm still in the process of trying to figure out the best approach for the mushroom top, I'm debating between forging it out of a flattened ball and dishing it, or maybe upsetting and spreading the end of the bar. If anyone has tried something like this, I'd love to hear how you went about shaping the cap and getting the texture right

Hi greetings to you and welcome into blacksmithing, If you have any question, or you want to buy any blacksmith tools contact me via [email protected] Thank you.