Forging machines are good tool for artistic and creative people who have a desire to create something beautiful and individual in their home to highlight the interior, or can make a good DIY gift for important people. There are two ways to forge metal. To forge something using the hot forging method, you need to make a lot of preparations and steps, so it’s easiest to do it at home hand forging given using the method cold forging. The learning curve for this process does not take much time, and there is a real opportunity to design a machine with your own hands.
The beginning of cold forging with homemade machines.
Cold forging with your own hands requires two mandatory actions - pressing and bending. To perform all these actions, it is not necessary to apply a certain temperature to the metal, but it is still necessary to carry out heat treatment.
To design something with your own hands, it is no longer necessary to have special machines for artistic forging, now you can create machines for forging metal at home. But you still can’t cope with such tools without experience. For all the work to be successful, you need to use metals of a certain thickness.
A homemade cold forging machine can easily be used to create structures that will be much stronger than those made by stamping. Do-it-yourself forged products will turn out to be of high quality when everything is done correctly and without errors, because it is very difficult to correct them. After a few jobs, with the experience gained, you can begin to make excellent designs using homemade cold forging machines and fixtures.
During production large quantity For identical metal structures, it is best to use drawings prepared in advance. Drawings for do-it-yourself cold forging machines are prepared in advance. In some cases, it will be better to warm up the part in order to get rid of defects in the future. Those who have recently started using homemade machines for cold forging should first think through a work plan, as well as acquire the necessary skills. The help of various video lessons on the Internet, as well as special courses, will not be superfluous here.
Machine components and necessary tools.
A do-it-yourself forging machine consists of certain devices. Among which must be:
- gnutik;
- snail;
- wave;
- globe;
- twister;
- flashlight;
These devices are best to use. You will need a do-it-yourself cold forging snail to weave steel rods. You can look at the photo to better see the design and an example of parts. Forging equipment for cold forging of metal plays out important role at work. The main tool during the work will be a bender. This is a very simple element.
To process pipes with hexagonal and round use "wave". A “flashlight” is used to bend metal rods, and a twister is somewhat similar to it, a very convenient device. A globe is made into a large arc of profile rods.
Cold forging machines are most profitable to do yourself, because not everything can be processed with hand tools, and the price for an artistic forging machine is very high. When a master, using his skills and equipment, creates a design, it will be unique and special, even if in some ways it will not be as high quality as the factory one. When manufacturing a large number of parts, it would be correct to create a coductor on an electric motor. This makes the work process easier.
A do-it-yourself cold forging machine must be suitable for types of work such as bending, twisting and drawing.
During the drawing process, the structure acquires a certain form. Therefore, it must pass through the press, after which the cross-section of the primary material will become smaller. By flexible we mean creating a bend at the desired angle. For this you will need templates. Photos of drawings of forged products with your own hands are prepared in advance from which the template will be made. The curl is attached to the steel plate, and the sheet itself is secured in the machine holder. A slot is placed at the end of the workpiece, and the other end is secured in place. Using a lever, the end of the structure is influenced, which must be carried out along each bend of the plate, which is used as a template.
Video of a homemade machine for bending balusters.
Many experienced manufacturers assemble simple mechanisms with their own hands, which allow them to create unique designs. This is influenced by work experience. Drawings for do-it-yourself cold forging machines can be found in sufficient quantities on the Internet, as well as photos of cold forging products that can be obtained in the end. A photograph of such equipment allows the master to complete the drawing from scratch, if he has experience.
You can consider the “Snail” machine. Using it you can create various spirals or waves. To create such a machine, you need to have drawings for a do-it-yourself cold forging machine of this type, and also do everything in accordance with the technology. The working surface must consist of sheet metal. 4 mm thickness will be enough. Dimensions are set based on the size of the part. To give shape it is necessary sheet metal 3 mm thick and in the form of strips. It is bent according to the template with pliers and a spiral is obtained.
To create a normal work process, you need to firmly fix one of the ends of the part. A rod equal to the width of the strips will help with this. To secure the work platform you will need to use a workbench. The main goal of everything is to give maximum immobility to the part, because during cold forging you need to put in a lot of effort.
Before starting the manufacture of any cold forging machine, tools for self made you need templates, sketches and various drawings, including a drawing for do-it-yourself cold forging equipment.
Give more good accuracy Marking can be done using graph paper. You need to draw a spiral on it, where the turns in the radius will increase. Equal distance must be properly maintained between them. This condition will be mandatory only for creating symmetrical patterns.
Machine design.
To create any machine, you can use several options to choose from - collapsible, monolithic or solid. It is recommended to weld small rods along the entire length of the machine. For this purpose, it is worth drilling special holes at the work site. It is necessary to securely secure the ends of the parts that will bend.
This forging method is very popular among blacksmith beginners.
Using a machine for cold forging of metal made by hand, an inexperienced craftsman will be able to make forged balcony canopies, handrails for stairs, various window grilles, fences, numerous home furniture, fences, various forged accessories and decorative items that complement the interior of the premises, on similar to grates for fireplaces. This a good option for beginners.
Collection of drawings of cold forging machines.
Drawing for a snail with a ploughshare.
The drawing shows the device of a bending scroll with a plowshare and the rules for working with it.
Detailed drawing snail machine
Drawing of a device for bending the “Clamp”.
Drawing of the Gnutik device.
Video of cold forging equipment for small businesses.
Any master, setting up a home forge, acquires minimum set tools and accessories. But, as a rule, the simplest technological operations with metal blanks are done only at the first stage.
With the acquisition of experience working with “iron”, both the desire and the need to engage in artistic forging appear - this is both home decoration and additional income. Unfortunately, a machine for giving samples a spiral shape - a snail - is practically not found on sale. One way or another, home craftsmen, as a rule, make it with their own hands. Features of independent design and assembly of a snail for cold forging are the topic of this article.
Features of the snail
The author specifically decided to draw the reader's attention to a number of points. This will help you avoid some mistakes in the future. For example, having understood the structure of the snail and the principle of its functioning, someone will want to assemble their own device, different from those whose drawings will be presented below.
Such a device is quite (if we're talking about about do-it-yourself equipment) will allow you to bend samples with a cross-section (square side) of no more than 10 - 12 mm. This implies a “manually controlled” snail model. Almost no one has anything to do with larger samples in everyday life. The machine can be improved by installing a drive and an electric motor.
But how rational is this for a small home forge?
- Cold forging is carried out at low speeds. A sharp change in the geometry of the metal leads to the appearance of cracks (ruptures).
- You will have to not only select the power of the electric motor, but also the gear ratio of the gearbox. Plus, you need to mount the automation circuit with the installation of the corresponding elements (buttons, starter, and so on). All this significantly complicates the manufacture of the machine.
Conclusion - for a home forge, a snail is enough, with which you can bend metal products by hand. Anyone who understands all the nuances of its design and understands at least something about electrical engineering will be able to independently install an electric drive on it.
Making a snail
Several devices are shown in the figure. This is roughly how it should turn out (basically).
Assembling a snail with your own hands is one of the options for independent design, when you give recommendations indicating the exact parameters of all components doesn't make sense. Here you need to focus on your own idea of what will bend and how (radii, number of spiral turns, and so on). But if the essence of the manufacturing process becomes clear, then the assembly itself will not cause any difficulties.
Desktop device
The cold forging process requires a lot of effort. If you already have a ready-made workbench, you may have to strengthen it. When making a snail from scratch, the table frame is made only of metal - a channel, a corner, a thick-walled pipe.
It is clear that the tabletop should also be metal. During the operation of the snail, it will be subjected to both static and dynamic loads. Therefore, ordinary iron sheet is not suitable. Only a plate, and not less than 4 mm.
Marking and installation of “attached” equipment
Perhaps the most creative stage of work. You can do everything with your own hands. But how, taking into account the future or limiting ourselves to the production of similar samples?
Option 1. The simplest. The meaning of the operation is that the outline of a spiral is drawn on the tabletop.
Essentially, this is a sketch of future shaped parts, for example, from a rod. After this, it is enough to cut out several segments from a thick strip of iron, bent along a radius. They are welded to the tabletop, and the bending mechanism is basically ready.
Some may find this design more attractive - with a solid stripe.
But practice shows that it is more difficult to work with such a snail. For example, when removing from it finished product certain difficulties will arise.
Option 2. The same, but several contours are drawn. Holes are drilled along each one and threads are cut into them. All that remains is to prepare the templates for the stop segments. They are usually made with your own hands from thick cardboard or plywood.
Overlays are made from metal, in which, after the next marking, holes are also drilled, coinciding with the landing “sockets” in the slab. This design will make it possible to organize the production of spiral-shaped workpieces with different radii on one table. You will only have to, depending on the shape of the bend, install the appropriate segments in certain places. Their fastening to the base is bolted. You can do it differently. Instead of such stops, install cylindrical ones.
For fixation, they are attached with bolts (from the bottom of the slab) or are made immediately with legs (+ thread) and screwed into the tabletop. It's much more convenient with them. And if you have your own, then turning it with your own hands will take a couple of hours.
Option 3. Prepare several removable modules that can be changed as needed.
Snail assembly
The ploughshare is installed, the levers and the side stop are attached. All this is clearly visible in the pictures.
Everything that is in the shed (garage, attic) will be used - cuttings of pipes, rods, corners, and the like. If the principle of the snail’s operation is clear, then no further hints are required.
Functionality check
This is always implied, so no comment.
In principle, making a snail for cold forging is not so difficult. Moreover, some uniform standard for such devices does not exist. Someone will say - isn’t it easier to buy factory model? Firstly, as already said, you will have to search for a long time. Secondly, it is not a fact that her capabilities will coincide with the fantasies of the master. Thirdly, you will have to lighten your wallet by about 19,000 (manual) and 62,000 (electric model) rubles, at a minimum.
Good luck in making your own snail!
What technologies and techniques are used in cold forging, what you need to know about production operations? More on this later in our material.
Today, small home metal processing workshops have become widespread. This is both a hobby and additional income. family budget. Do-it-yourself cold forging is more common. This technology does not require large expenses for initial stage, and handmade products are highly valued.
What technologies and techniques are used in this method of metalworking, and what do you need to know about production operations? More on this later in our material.
The cold process mainly processes rolled metal in the form of rods, squares, circles, strips or sheets.
Special devices and tools are used for production, and they are often highly specialized and not suitable for work in other areas.
Heating blanks to forging temperature is not provided for by technology, which uses one of the main properties of metal - plasticity. Heating is only possible partially in places where some products are bent (for example, when the metal of the starting material is too thick).
Cold forging of metal is used to make gratings, fences, gates, wickets (and individual elements their decorations), furniture frames and various parts decor.
Moreover, during the production of these products, the metal can be pressed and bent, which makes the product even stronger than with hot forging, since the properties of the metal do not change, but crystal cell, on the contrary, is strengthened due to compression.
Cold forging at home is quite simple, but at the same time complex. technological process which requires experience. What do you need to know about such metalworking, and also what is required to manufacture products without heating the materials?
DIY cold forging
The entire workflow for creating products using cold forging can be divided into several stages.
- Drawing or diagram of the finished product.
- Selection of materials.
- Metal processing and parts manufacturing.
- Assembly and finishing.
Drawing
Bending is practically the main process on which cold forging is built. The machines listed above (except for the twister and flashlight) operate on the same technological principle. The most commonly used is a snail, which forms a large list of different kinds of curls (monograms, volutes, spirals and others).
Torsion is based on the property of metal - plasticity and the ability to maintain a given shape. During such processing, the workpiece is twisted under force around its axis. Usually the procedure is done on a twister. However, items such as baskets are produced using a flashlight. It is capable of twisting several workpieces, thereby forming a three-dimensional element.
Usually all processing is carried out cold, however, sometimes it is necessary to heat certain points on the workpiece. This is done when bending or twisting thick parts or when defective elements need to be corrected. Heating can be carried out in blacksmith forges or a gas cutter to a temperature of 200-300 degrees, which is significantly lower than the forging temperature.
Also, standard methods are used in cold metal processing: cutting, chopping, grinding and others. For this purpose, grinders are used, cutting wheels, grinding machines, guillotines, chisels and others.
Assembly and finishing
These two stages complete the process of manufacturing products using cold forging.
Assembling parts into a single combination is carried out in several ways:
- With rivets.
- On clamps.
- Welding.
The easiest and fastest method to assemble a product is electric or gas welding (the latter is used less often).
However, some parts are fastened with clamps and rivets, if this is provided for by the style.
Previously, forge welding was used, which today has lost its relevance due to the labor-intensive process.
TO final finishing include grinding, cleaning metal surfaces, as well as applying a decorative coating (paint or any other). After which the work is considered complete and the finished product is installed as needed.
What can you add to the material in this article from personal experience? Share it in discussions and leave your comments.
You can make machines for cold forging from scrap materials.
Since universal devices from manufacturers have enough high cost, a self-made machine for cold forging of metal will be an excellent solution for people involved in the manufacture of forged products.
Today metal constructions With unique design and brave architectural forms used for furnishing houses in cottage villages.
Figuratively curved forged elements of gates, fences and gates bring an unusual image to landscape design estates.
In the proposed photos you can see how unusual artistic view create metal structures.
What parts can be made on a cold forging machine?
Cold forging, unlike hot technology, simple and safe. This process does not require the use of hot metal and precise adherence to operating temperature.
You can make a cold forging machine with your own hands specifically for the production of a certain type of part.
Also, a homemade machine will allow you to solve a wide variety of problems, so it will be simply universal.
By using homemade machine will be able to achieve the ideal geometry of metal elements for individual design idea and make original parts with a pattern yourself.
In the process of cold decorative forging, as a rule, soft metal is used - this can be nickel and magnesium alloys, steel, copper or brass.
Otherwise, the range of products produced on the machine will be limited only by the imagination and ability of the master.
If desired, you can make openwork elements for stairs, gates and fences with your own hands.
The use of decorative details will allow you to decorate fireplaces and barbecues, beautifully decorate the outer walls of the house and gazebo, and make original tripods for flowers, as in the photo.
Types of cold forging equipment
Existing types of machines can be operated using an electric motor or manual force.
The first version of the device makes it possible to perform work faster than manual ones, but at the same time requires certain skills from the master.
Forging machines are divided into types:
- snail - a machine with separate removable parts or solid cast - it is used when making spiral-shaped individual parts;
- universal device - used for cutting, riveting and adding volume to the product;
- bender - with its help you can perform arc bending of metal or bending parts at a certain angle;
- device for forming rings;
- twister - allows you to bend the product along the axis;
- press – to form a matrix imprint on the product;
- wave – for producing wave-like elements from metal rods.
Making the “Snail” machine
Using the list of tools below and metal parts, you can assemble a machine made from a single snail.
To work you will need:
- metal rods;
- steel sheets and strips;
- profile steel pipe;
- welding, pliers, grinder.
Drawings and step by step diagram, as well as watching a thematic video, will allow you to get a high-quality device with the necessary parameters:
- Using a piece of paper, draw on it an image of a spiral with three turns. Next, check the dimensions so that a reinforced rod with a diameter of 10 mm fits into the thread;
- Using a grinder, cut out steel sheet two plates. The first should have parameters of 100x100 mm, the second - 130x130 mm;
- Take a 3 cm rod and three steel strips. The cut edges of all used parts must be sanded to remove burrs;
- Using pliers, bend the steel strips according to the template, as a result you will have three spiral parts with different lengths;
- Using welding, all elements of the machine are welded according to the diagram, welding work It is recommended to carry out it qualitatively, since the service life of the tool will depend on them;
- The steel pipe is welded last from the bottom in the center of the machine.
As a result of the work carried out, equipment for cold forging of metal should be obtained, as in the photo.
If no one experiences any difficulties when decorating any interior elements with cutting profile pipes, then if it is necessary to bend them, on the contrary, everything becomes more complicated.
A special specialist will allow you to carry out such work efficiently and quickly bending machines for pipes that you can make yourself in advance.
Different drawings for the manufacture of this type of equipment can be used, depending on what materials will be used in the work.
At first glance, assembling a production-type machine for cold forging of metal, as in the photo, is difficult.
But if a master has already gained experience working with metal, nothing is impossible for him. The main thing is to choose a durable one stable basis for future construction.
For example, it could be massive metal table, made on the basis of pipes or profiles.
Since bending of the metal will occur due to the shafts present in the structure, it is necessary to select three such elements.
Each of them is a metal cylinder with thick walls and an axis of rotation. Two cylinders are fixed slightly above the table, and the third, central, is placed above them.
The distance of the two outer cylinders determines the angle at which the pipe will be bent.
In order to be able to change the position of the cylinders if necessary, it is necessary to make additions to the design drawings in the form of stoppers and rollers, which will make this part adjustable.
After the cylinders are fixed, it is necessary to organize a rotation transmission system for them.
For this purpose, they use a chain mechanism from an old car, which can be found on the spare parts market.
It is better if the mechanism is equipped with gears; if not, then they will have to be purchased separately.
The gears are mounted on the two outer cylinders and the tensioner is placed below the shafts in the center. Then one of the outer cylinders is equipped with a handle in order to create a rotating force.
The machine for cold forging of metal products is ready. The following video will help supplement the above material with details.
How to make a torsion bar machine
A machine for cold forging of torsion bar type products is used for twisting metal spirals in the form of a snake.
It is difficult to work with such a device manually, therefore, most often, drawings with electric options machine tools
In order to properly assemble the torsion bar, we suggest watching the video and reading the instructions below.
Tools and materials for assembling the machine:
- steel sheet;
- I-beam;
- vices and fasteners;
- gearbox, electric motor, chain;
- Bulgarian;
- welding.
Action sequence diagram:
- The basis will be an I-beam, to one side of which a steel sheet must be welded;
- Then a vice is attached to the steel, welded and secured with bolts and nuts;
- So that when tension metal product does not jump out of the machine, plates are attached to the vice from below and above;
- The other side I-beam equipped with rollers, on which the platform is subsequently mounted;
- Another vice with movable main elements is attached to the surface of the resulting structure. In this case, both structures located along the edges of the I-beam will have to be located on the same level;
- Next, the structure is equipped with a steel handle made of rod; due to its rotation, the product will be bent;
- Using bolts, connect the reduction gearbox and the engine. The steering wheel rim is equipped with a chain;
- The structure is covered with a steel casing.
As a result of these actions, a machine with two blocks is obtained - movable and stationary.
are universal decorative elements , used to complement the design of products of various shapes. For the manufacture of parts of this type mechanized equipment is used, as well as hand tools and devices. Some equipment is sold at fairly high prices. But there is also the possibility of making (assembling) equipment with your own hands.Making homemade vertical devices from metal, corrugated pipes and other materials, video
Making machines of any type with your own hands is a complex matter. The manufacture of the component parts of the device, as well as assembly, should be carried out carefully. Correctness guarantees the quality of manufactured elements and metal objects.
How to make a snail with and without electric drive, for cold forging and bending of curls, volutes, commas
- The table is made of steel, a pipe is welded to it from the bottom, to which a movable lever made of profile pipe 45x25, wall thickness - 1.5 mm.
- This part of the machine is attached to the legs and supports.
- An additional adjustable part, additionally reinforced with a square, is attached to the lever.
- In a flat surface where holes have been previously made, mandrels (conductors) made of a square rod with a cross-section of 10 mm are attached. and stripes.
- The production of mandrels is carried out according to the drawing.
- Multiple holes allow the mandrels to be positioned in different ways, allowing you to bend elements of different configurations and sizes.
- The master demonstrates the process of making elements.
Hand tools and devices for making forged scrolls
Manufacturing hand tools requires less time and Supplies. Such devices have a simpler structure.
Matrix
- To make the device, you will need a piece of channel 25 cm long: a purchased or machined loop with a diameter of 22 m with a sleeve made of two types of pipes and an element complex shape, as well as another loop.
- A pattern of this type allows you to produce volutes of different sizes.
Conductor
- For production you will need a strip 60 cm long and 4 cm wide; a piece of tin 16 by 16 cm, thickness - 3 mm; piece of square; small elements cut from springs with rounded corners and chamfered. From small parts, a part is welded at an angle of 90 degrees to secure the workpieces during bending.
- An inclined line is drawn on the strip; part of the workpiece will be removed later.
- The strip is slightly bent, a small square is welded to it, after which bending continues.
- The spiral is attached to the base, to a piece of tin.
- The conductor is fixed in a vice, the excess part is cut off with a grinder.
- A square is welded from the bottom of the base, ensuring fastening of the product in a vice.
Other forging equipment
The entire list of equipment should be divided into four separate categories; the criterion for classification is the level of automation.
- Universal equipment represents automatic or in some cases manual installations, allowing you to process workpieces with different sections. Such multifunctional machines serve as a replacement for a whole set hand-held devices used for bending square and round bars. An important advantage is the ability to produce elements of various shapes.
Forging machine Azhur-1M. Photo
- designed to facilitate manual labor. The list of devices also includes a bender, a wave, a twister, and a globe. Each unit is designed for the manufacture of a certain type of elements. Lever (manual) control allows you to reduce labor costs, but not eliminate them completely. are used by craftsmen who engage in forging as a hobby, since the productivity of these devices is not too high. For improvement technical characteristics it is necessary to equip the unit with an electric motor.
Volna type cold forging machine
- The tools are simple objects , forging is done manually, using force. K include heavy hammer (sledgehammer), pliers, forks.
