Pour one for me

**Joe Gondek** · 25th September 07, 07:13 PM

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** · 25th September 07, 07:17 PM

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

Well?

**Joe Gondek** · 25th September 07, 07:21 PM

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** · 25th September 07, 07:22 PM

lay out

**James MacMillan** · 25th September 07, 07:24 PM

So that's basically a tin/lead alloy?

Neat!

And it's hard enough?

**James MacMillan** · 25th September 07, 07:24 PM

I know, I know! Patience!

**Joe Gondek** · 25th September 07, 07:25 PM

cut tang

drill handle

square up face of antler

**Joe Gondek** · 25th September 07, 07:26 PM

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

**Joe Gondek** · 25th September 07, 07:30 PM

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** · 25th September 07, 07:41 PM

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