Pour one for me

[Joe Gondek]

I' started making another sgain dubh and thought that some of you might like to see how to pour a metal bolster. Its fast,easy,cheap,and doesn't look bad either.

[James MacMillan]

Nice looking blades! But you mentioned "how to pour a metal bolster..."

Well?

[Joe Gondek]

Raw materials


the blades are high carbon from sheffield

the bolster will be poured from 50/50 lead/tin solid core solder
I also add more solid core tin solder to make the bolster harder and brighter
you can use antler or wood for the handle,it will work with anything except plastic

[Joe Gondek]

lay out

[James MacMillan]

So that's basically a tin/lead alloy?

Neat!

And it's hard enough?

[James MacMillan]

I know, I know! Patience!

[Joe Gondek]

cut tang


drill handle


square up face of antler

[Joe Gondek]

lead tin alloy is poor mans pewter
Its plenty hard and pour smooth and easy

[Joe Gondek]

leave the blade extended out to the desired bolster thickness don't go more than 3/4 inch with this method


cross pin blade into handle

[Joe Gondek]

wrap masking tape around the base of the handle.ido about ten wraps
this will alllow for shrinkage of the metal and require the metal to be filed down to the horn




I also wrap the blade almost to the bottom of the blade blank to aviod tool marks when filing