PSA: I changed my tune on dry forging for texture work

I always thought you needed water or oil to get good texture on hot metal. After a demo at the local guild meet, I tried dry forging on some decorative hooks. The control over the hammer marks was way better, and now it's my go-to method for adding character.

3 comments

3 Comments

wilson.piper28d ago

Read that dry forging gives cleaner texture lines, which tracks with your hammer mark control.

nora_wells584d ago

Yeah, that's the trick. Less water means less slipping, so the hammer stays put. Lets the metal do what it wants.

phoenixd9728d ago

Cleaner texture lines totally makes sense. Honestly, my wet forging attempts always ended up looking messy because I overthink the hits. Dry forging lets me be less perfect and it actually turns out better.