Finials continued...

So this was an SCA weekend and had plenty of forge time.  I was working on the finials most of the day but I will come back to that.  First, some of the other interesting tidbits...

Had a lady approach me.  She was complaining that she had injured her leg and that a friend had given her a cane.  The problem was that the cane was too long by several inches.  She asked if I could help and I said sure.  I took my hacksaw and cut about 3-4 inches of the cane.  She was very appreciative.  Next, a gentleman approached me.  He said that because of diabetes, his spurs were tight on his feet.  A few quick taps on the anvil and he was very happy.  Finally, another gentleman approached me because he has some misshapen tent stakes.  After a quick dip in the forge, straightened them out.  It was just one of those days when I felt like the local village blacksmith.  Most blacksmiths spent a bulk of their time fixing existing items instead of making something new...

I forgot to bring a camera so will have to describe the things I did.

I started with making a new master finial top.  I used a file and got it nice and clean.  I took my tool steel and created another die.  I took a break and made a few crucifixion nails(don't ask...).  I then proceeded to attempt to make a finial for real.  I started with the fuller and in the process the fuller broke.  So I had to stop to fix that.  Luckily a friend was working with me so it was bit easier.  After forming the top side of the finial I cut it off from the stock.  I then had a piece about 1.5" long and 1" wide.  I then took that piece, heated it and dropped it into the die and proceeded to attempt to put the socket in the bottom of the finial.  Then I realized the error of my ways...

Because the finial is sitting in the die, it is *VERY* difficult to form the socket.  Quite simply since I am attempting to punch the socket into the metal and the finial is sitting in the die, the metal has no where to go.  I think I could form the socket with enough patience as it would eventual go out to the sides.  I think the better idea may be to not initial form the top of the finial.  Have the actual punching of the socket push the metal into the die to form the top.  I will give that a try sometime this week.

Getting close with the finials...  The good news is that most everything else on the clock should be fairly straight forward.  Not saying that it won't be challenging.