That's a good one to start with Lin! "W"s might be the most versatile pattern...meaning that there a huge number of possibilities with it.

I generally start "W" pattern with 15-30 layers, depending on how fine or coarse I want the end pattern to appear. In many cases I will multi-stack similar alloys within the billet to achieve different effects.

Stack the billet, weld it, then flip it 90 degrees (so I'm forging on the edges) and take it down to approx 1/2"-3/8" thick. I then let the billet cool, grind off both side, then cut and re-stack. Generally I try to achieve 7-9 pieces on the re-stack. Once the next weld is accomplished, I bring to the dimensions I desire (usually a square of the desired blade width). Then I anneal and accordion fold.

There are also times that I will use "the Ferry Flip" method.

Many times that is only the beginning of the pattern for me. Often times I will cut and re-stack the billet in various ways to achieve different patterns.

Thank you Ed. I'm thinking we will eventually get a few pictorials up to see our individual methods better. I start off the same way as you and then I guess I flare off a little and grind my pattern instead of cutting it in. Mine is more of a ladder. I'll try to get a step by step set of pictures when I do another, even though I'm sure you know, some of the guys unfamiliar with the process might appreciate it. If you get or have some pictures of the Ferry Flip process, that would be interesting too, if Tom is OK with that. If some of these are complete with pictures of the process and the end result, they might end up in the "techniques" section. Lin

You guys are right on the money when you refer to the "W" pattern as being very versatile. It's often the basis for some of the more interesting looking pattern welded steel.

I often don't even start the "crush down" until I'm around 200 layers. This way after I've got 6-8 repetitions, the layers are changing directions at very sharp angles and creating a whole lot of chatoyance. I wish we had the band width to post nice photos.

Oh...I'm so out of it...The Ferry Flip??? What has Tom done now? Anyway these are a few shots of my very tight "W"'s

JD,

The chatoyance in that last photo is very nice. Good photos. I'm going to try to build up some more layers before I crush the billet and should start seeing some good results in that area.

Guy's, any other photos or tips are much appreciated. A step by step "how to" with end result photos are always beneficial. Thanks, Lin

Lin,Ed, and J.D.

I really look forward to more discussion on pattern development. I am really fascinated

with the process. For you guys with a lot of experience and willingness to share it with others is one of the joys of bladesmithing.

Thanks Guys!

I'm still waiting for the dope on the "Ferry Flip". C'mon, give out.

|quoted:

I'm still waiting for the dope on the "Ferry Flip". C'mon, give out.

Going to have to go out of house for this, JD...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623358

Mike

|quoted:

Going to have to go out of house for this, JD...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623358

Mike

Got it!! great idea! I'm going to try it at once!

|quoted:

Got it!! great idea! I'm going to try it at once!

If you can make the time, JD, I'd love to see the outcome of this.

Mike

|quoted:

I would like to hear your procedure for stacking and developing your billet. May we start with "W" pattern? Feel free to post photos too. Thanks, Lin

This is a great look at "W's" making, Lin. Bruce Bump does some wonderful WIP's.

"W's" from Walla Walla

Mike

I'm glad to see someone posted the link to how I do the Ferry Flip. I did in in hopes to help invision how it goes. I sure had a heck of a time gettin it right in my head.

After reading Lin's post I sure hope I didnt step on any toes or was out of Line in any way by posting it. Apologies in advance if so.

J.D, it was great ot meet you at Ashoka this year, I really enjoyed your Demo's!

Sorry to go off topic Lin.

Shawn

To all who have posted on this thread, as I have been following from the beginnig, thank you. This is a very very informative posting.

I'm really sorry to have missed Ashokan this year. Hopefully JD will make it next year for the Ashokan Sword, I won't miss that one.

Good deal! That's easy enough to understand. Now to give her a try. Good posts guys.

I certainly want to give Tom Ferry due credit for his method. Thanks, Lin

Here's something I've been working on lately and that is twisting my single twist billets in the forge.

This piece started as 324 layers and was forged out to about 15/16" round and then twisted.

I got so much chatoyance from the hammering, as well as what I can only perceive is some type of after-effect from the twisting at full heat, that it made it difficult for the camera to focus!!

I got these wild lateral striations that are really phenomenal, and are new to me in my twisted steel.

It's really radical.