CHAPTER VII
Art Smithing and Scroll Work
141. Art Smithing.—This subject might appropriately be considered a separate branch, because many smiths, who really deserve the credit of being excellent mechanics, have never become proficient in this particular line of work.
Art smithing is the highest development of metal work. The best art smiths are foreigners, as European countries use much more of this kind of work for decoration than this country does. The greater part of this work is entirely too difficult for the average student unless it is attempted with the assistance of machinery.
It is possible, however, to do a certain amount of scroll work with accuracy and make simple decorative pieces. One should commence with the design of the article to be made. The harmonious combinations of straight and curved lines and their adaptation for different purposes should be studied. The study of design will not be taken up here, but several examples which will furnish a basis for further work along this line are given for consideration.
Designing may be done on any convenient material such as paper, wood, or blackboard. The last is preferable because confusing marks can easily be erased. A sketch thus made may be used as a working drawing. If the design is to be used many times, a very convenient and substantial method is to reproduce it on a piece of shellacked pine board, and then paint it on in solid form. When this is dry, a few more coats of shellac should be applied to preserve it. If desired, the length of each individual scroll may be indicated.
There are various methods of obtaining the different lengths: by placing a strong string over the scroll and then measuring the string; by using a piece of soft wire in the same manner, lead wire being preferred; or by the following method:—
Take a piece of 1⁄8-inch material 3 or 4 feet long, mark it lightly on both edges into equal spaces either 3 or 6 inches long, and stamp the feet or inches upon it with steel figures. After this is done, a small rolling curl, as shown in [Fig. 129], should be formed, and the entire length bent on the scroll former while the material is cold. This is the manner, minus the markings mentioned, in which all scrolls are to be formed. This product with the markings upon it should be kept for ascertaining the number of inches required for either large or small scrolls. Always place the curled end of this measure in position on the working drawing and adjust it until it conforms to the outline of the design. Then place a crayon mark on both the drawing and the measure where they cease to correspond; the length of that portion which corresponds can be ascertained from the markings on the measure, and all remaining irregular curves can be measured by a string, wire, or rule. This measure will prove also to be quite a satisfactory and accurate means of arranging new designs.
142. Scroll Fastenings.—There are three different methods used for joining scrolls: welding, riveting, and banding with clips. The first is the most difficult and the most artistic, but unless one is quite expert at welding, especially in joining light material such as is generally used for scroll work, it would perhaps be better to disregard this method entirely.
Riveting presents a very neat appearance and makes the product quite strong and substantial, but unless the marking and drilling of holes is accurately done, the result presents a distorted and ill-shaped combination, which cannot be remedied without drilling new holes.