Forging hairpins

Can anyone describe how to produce the look I’ve seen in some pins
or hairpins – a wavey, almost floral look, with what looks like a
rather narrow strip of sheet metal that appears to go around a center
point several times, gently and irregularly waving up and down. It’s
not a spiral, nor does it extend downward very far.

I tried running some strips of metal slightly sideways, through my
rolling mill, to get curved pieces, but then I was stumped as to how
to keep things together in the center. I don’t want to re-invent the
wheel! Can anyone describe to me a reasonably simple way of getting
the effect I’m trying to describe?

Thanks in advance!
Judy Bjorkman

Hi Judy,

wind up a coil of wire, take it off the mandrel and pull it out as
hard as you can, then put it through the rolling mill. This will
give you the wavy effect. You will need to do some base metal samples
first to give you your required results from an initial thickness
and size of coil and the length from peak to peak when stretched. It
gives a consistent effect though,

kind regards Tim Blades.

Do you have any photos or a web site to see what you are describing?

Francesca

wind up a coil of wire, take it off the mandrel and pull it out as
hard as you can, then put it through the rolling mill. 

That’s fantastic!!! I had a go at it today and it’s a great effect.
It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with metal. Everyday
virtually, I’m picking up new little hints and tips and ways to
manipulate metal. Thanks!

Helen
UK

That's fantastic!!! I had a go at it today and it's a great
effect. It never ceases to amaze me what can be done with metal.
Everyday virtually, I'm picking up new little hints and tips and
ways to manipulate metal. Thanks! 

I’ll second that! Thanks, Tim! By the way, I found the website where
the effect I’m looking for is shown. Jayne Redman, in Maine. See the
“Poppy” pin. Beautiful jewelry! I couldn’t copy it(!) but I love the
look.

Judy Bjorkman