Branding Iron

[matt_i]

Just finished up this branding iron, request from a friend for their family's friend. Not sure it will actually get used, strongly suspect its a deco piece.

Not having made one before I studied internet for awhile The bottom is SS304 which is not my favorite to work with, I had to bend the letters orange-hot on the Diacro and got some hot-tearing of the outer surface that had to be blended.

All of the ones I saw had a "relief" in the letter at "T" and "+" intersections, I am not sure if this is to prevent heat-buildup there, or if welding would spoil the clean lines there and require metalfinishing or (?) So I machined those pieces for a little relief.

Tig welding inside the sharp corners was interesting, I had the tungsten stuck out a good inch outside of the cup via necessity in a couple spots.

Looking for feedback from cowboys in case I have to refine the design and build another









Tape measure is because I inevitably forget sizes of things and then get asked to make more later....the camera at least doesn't forget!

 

[Lelandwelds]

Pretty. The ones that get used are mini for steaks. Novelty wears off quickly. (Some people actually request "less polished" and "add some hammer marks" and mill scale. Go figure.)

The relieving is for sharp lines where they get close together. Avoids the "blob".

SS isnt the best choice. Moves too much. Brass is best for freeze irons. ( I was actually making a little money on dark horses until a lost wax guy stole my thunder.) Mild steel for fire irons. Tapered stock works best. Thin edge for sharp lines. Thick back side for more brands while the others heat up.

Nice job. Best feature is how smooth you made the back end.