How to do the twist properly?

[Honeymoon Ave.]

I heard that modeling clay could really be of use here, so I did try and I practiced my patterns before actually blacksmithing. I can't seem to perfect it. The pattern is seen perfectly on about half but it fades towards the end. I'm trying to collect twists. I have already tried the most basic ones, but do you guys have any more suggestions for other types? TIA.

 

[freshprince70]

You're on the right path, modeling clay is your robin if youre batman. Go play with it and youll learn more along the journey.

 

[Jacksonday]

well well.. I'm not some know it all but you're losing heat or pressure control mid twist, and look, clay's fine for practice, but steel's a whole different game. Keep it hot, stay consistent and yeah, a side note
if you want better patterns and ready to go out of your comfort zone, try reverse or counter twists

 

[HandsomeBlueCollar]

I heard that modeling clay could really be of use here, so I did try and I practiced my patterns before actually blacksmithing. I can't seem to perfect it. The pattern is seen perfectly on about half but it fades towards the end. I'm trying to collect twists. I have already tried the most basic ones, but do you guys have any more suggestions for other types? TIA.

Yes, modelling clay is commonly used for practice. we also use it on demos for kids, along with wooden hammers and a wooden anvil. It works awesome

 

[BlackAnvil]

I heard that modeling clay could really be of use here, so I did try and I practiced my patterns before actually blacksmithing. I can't seem to perfect it. The pattern is seen perfectly on about half but it fades towards the end. I'm trying to collect twists. I have already tried the most basic ones, but do you guys have any more suggestions for other types? TIA.

If you're having issues with the fade at the end, it could be about keeping the heat steady or how you're holding the twists while you work. For more twist options, you might want to give reverse flat twists or rope twists a shot, they can add some cool texture. Also make sure your heat is consistent and try out different clays. You're definitley on the right path so keep it up

 

[Deleted member 87]

I agree with that basically everybody's saying as far as having trouble keeping consistency in your twists. It's really maintaining consistency in the heat along the length of what you're twisting. If you're making a long twist sometimes it's useful to have a torch with a rosebud or maybe even just in a settling torch and running on the extended parts of the twist so that you can keep it hot. If you're just twisting small square stock like quarter inch maybe 3/8 you'll get a much more consistent short twist just twisting it cold