Trying to forge a simple leaf keychain for my niece turned into a two-day ordeal

I thought it would be a quick project, maybe an hour tops. The problem was getting the stem to taper right without it getting too thin and breaking. I must have burned through six pieces of 1/4 inch round stock before I got it. The whole thing took me about five hours spread over two evenings. Anyone have a solid method for drawing out small, even tapers?

3 comments

3 Comments

grace6072mo ago

Oh man, I just used a pair of flat jaw tongs to pinch and pull.

jesse_williams622mo ago

Try a lighter hammer and work the taper over the edge of your anvil, not the face.

cameronn622mo ago

Heavier hammer or lighter hammer, which one are you using? I've heard people swear by both for drawring out tapers. Been messing around with different weights myself lately. Curious if the edge of the anvil gives you more control or just makes it easier to mess up the shape.