Explaining Pattern Welding (virtually)

[Niels Provos]

While I don't have any new photos of blades - I broke the last two swords I made, I thought I would share some progress on a new video in which I plan to explain pattern development. Here are some low-res example illustrations.

 

 

The video will show an animation of stacking, twisting and progressively removing layers, etc. I plan on showing the typical herring bone pattern, perhaps some interrupted twists, etc.

 

Are there any patterns you would like to see explained? I am still thinking of more animations of historical patterns to include.

 

Thanks,

Niels.

[BCROB]

thanks Niels , I'll be gladly following along

[JJ Simon]

Any mosaics you want to show I'm game to learn about.

[Dan Hertzson]

Crushed W, Feather, 4 bar variants, jellyroll...

[Wes Detrick]

+1 to Feather

[Kevin Colwell]

w's would make a good topic to show how different things can become from a minor change in the beginning. Also, it would show the squashing effects on the layers very well. Just my ideas. I am glad to see you doing this.

thanks.

kc

[Jesus Hernandez]

Checkers.

[Joshua States]

Crushed W, Feather, 4 bar variants, jellyroll...

 

+1 to Feather

If you understand the basic W pattern, feather is one more manipulation in place of the final drawing out, accordion cut, and flatten.

I never knew what "crushed W" was, I thought all W patterns were "crushed".........

 

Thanks Niels, this should be great fun to watch.

Edited December 28, 2016 by Joshua States

[JJ Simon]

 

If you understand the basic W pattern, feather is one more manipulation in place of the final drawing out, accordion cut, and flatten.

I never knew what "crushed W" was, I thought all W patterns were "crushed".........

 

Thanks Niels, this should be great fun to watch

I thought a feather was just a vertical cut on a stacked layer billet that pulls the layers into the cut and then were rewelded?

[Joshua States]

JJ you can do it on a plain stack of flat laminates, but it looks much better when a W pattern is used.

[mseronde]

Man, this is excellent!

I second crushed W's and feather pattern!

 

Looking forward to seeing more!

[GEzell]

I've always admired the work of Daryl Meier and his method used on his... Well, perhaps it would be easier to show you:

I haven't quite figured that one out...

[Aiden CC]

If there's a good way to randomly add in distortions (pitting/hammer marks/grinding between stacks) it could be cool to see what random patterns a simulation makes.

 

I've always admired the work of Daryl Meier and his method used on his... Well, perhaps it would be easier to show you:

I haven't quite figured that one out...

Wow, I've never even been able to draw the right spacing/number for the stars on a US flag. Now I admire his work as well.

[Alan Longmire]

IIRC he used a method similar to canned mosaic, but used solid bars ground to fit tight instead of shims and powdered steel, then added his own incredible skill for the curved tile effect. Still a very impressive pattern after nearly 30 years!