Chatting with Forrest Fenn about bronze and ironDear Forrest,

You had mentioned that melding iron and bronze is difficult to do.  Would you explain a bit of the process on how it can be done and what makes them hard to marry?

Thanks so much, Jenny

 

Jenny, I like your use of the word melding instead of welding. Some would have used the latter in this context, which would have been incorrect, although debatable in some classrooms. I probably would not have thought to use your word, which is accurate, but arguable by those who are naturally bent to disagree.

Here is my take on the subject, and I offer it hoping no one will research my opinion. If I’m wrong please don’t tell me because I’m too old to change my mind.

The laws of physics insinuate that joining a ferrous metal to a non-ferrous metal is difficult, but may be accomplished with the use of a heliarc, which uses an inert gas that keeps oxygen away from the joining process. When heated to a high temperature iron will start to oxidize before it melts, where bronze will not.

So the secret to marrying the two metals is to keep the iron from oxidizing, thus making the two compatible. The inert gas does that. That’s my story and it always worked for me when I had a foundry, although some guys who are smarter than I am said I couldn’t do it. f

(Here are some photos of iron fireplace pokers that I welded to bronze heads. The human head is the famous rodeo clown Emmett Kelly. The other one is a cow head. I cast both bronzes and wrought the iron pokers myself.)

Forrest's Iron fireplace pokers with bronze heads

Forrest Fenn's bronze and iron cow head (2)

 

Forrest Fenn's bronze and Iron

84 Comments

  6. You’re a talented man Forrest. Like you say, someone could look at these works 1,000 yrs from now and wonder what you were thinking and how you made those. I’ve TIG welded brass and bronze to steel a few times out of necessity… similar to brazing. Here is some Mokume and damascus steel made by my brother (the knife also)…

    http://www.devinthomas.com/images/heroImages/heroImage_home.jpg

    (Mokume gane translates closely to “wood grain metal” or “wood eye metal”)
    adding new meaning to “in the wood”

    decall

  7. Thank you for your great answer Forrest and your great question Jenny! I love to learn more about the bronze and pottery and I guess, any kind of craft like that. I find it very interesting and would like to learn how to do it all. I love the pokers Forrest! I thought you did an awesome job!

    Carolyn

  8. WOW!! LOL!! Thanks Forrest, well said. Your choice of words, and usage of, never ceases to amaze me. You are correct, even something proven to be accurate never deters those who have a natural bent to disagree. Even when shown the finished product, in your case it was the pokers, I am sure there were those who said, “That’s not possible”. (I wonder if it’s something in the water they drink?? 🙂 )

    It is interesting that meld is also used in reference to “showing one’s cards”.

    And the pokers are both equally amazing, and beautiful! I would be proud to display them on my fireplace.

    –The Protector(rodeo clown) on one side and Wisdom(lead cow) on the other side.–

    Hope you had a great Father’s Day and that your garden is doing well!! 🙂

    locolobo

  9. We are living in an electromagnetic universe. Heliarc welders use an RF (radiofrequency) arc at a typical fundamental frequency of 2.6 MHz

    Forrest knows his electromagnetic spectrum from rainbows at 42 degrees to heliarc welders and beyond.

    “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” ….
    “The day science begins to study non-physical phenomena, it will make more progress in one decade than in all the previous centuries of its existence.” ― Nikola Tesla

    23kachinas

    1. I like the way you think 23 but in the 4th dimension. I work with 63.87 Mhz and 127.77 Mhz. On can only see half the image 3db down. So I have to find the problem or put an X on it and send it back. Anyway, perhaps we can trade our knowledge some day for one of those.

      Geydelkon

      *An Indian Scout and a Saint*

      Geydelkon

      1. Geydelkon – you may find this interesting since you work with medical technologies such as MRIs. The point is it’s always there you just have to think of a new way to see it.

        Giant plasma tubes found in SPACE: Huge structures spotted circling Earth filled with charged particles from the sun

        Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3107166/Giant-plasma-tubes-SPACE-Huge-structures-spotted-circling-Earth-filled-charged-particles-sun.html#ixzz3e0JQvB1n

        23kachinas

        1. Great article 23…. I have been fascinated with magnetism since I was a small child. Back in the day once a sound device was no longer functioning, I would take the magnets out of the speakers. I loved playing with them the magnets I mean. Then when I was in my 40’s I had one and I dropped in the dirt. I picked it up and tried to clean most of the earth off. But looking closer I noticed minute particles still attached in a ferrous kinda of way. At that same time I was operating a radar for M.I.T. Lincoln Labs in researching to develop the first wind-shear radar for the FAA. I studied the effects of weather and the relationship of lightning. In 1988 I had the first on-line (BB) weather reporting in the world. I was in Huntsville Al. There are some that claim they were the first. I would login into the BB and give weather reports and rain cell information to alert nearby cities of what I was tracking. Anyway, I worked with top lighting scientist in the country. I also worked with French lightning experts that were use HF triangulation to detect lighting strikes. I can go on and on to explain how I discovered the the effects of lighting created by the earths magnetic field and ferrous particles. Perhaps you can read all about it in my book “An Indian Scout and a Saint”. It will also include also some of my Thrill of the Chase adventures as well.

          E. T.

          Geydelkon

            1. 23, for some reason I like that number….. I had the opportunity to read a few articles on Venezuela’s Catatumbo lightning? Sorry, it took me so long to get back. I was up in Wy on another honeymoon. We had a great time like always. Even went up to the mummy cave. Now that was the highlight of our trip. The earth material was really interesting, it just wants me to buy a few acres up on the Shoshone or get a 99 year lease. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t bring a fishing pole. The water was pristine by the cave. Anyway, what was your question?

              Geydelkon

              1. 23, Catatumbo has some interesting geological features that could produce substantial lightning activity in that region due to windshear. I am not a geologist but I find most is the lightning that volcanoes make when they erupt. It is the same principle that during divergent upper level winds and rotation through the earths magnetic field. I have never seen any eruption live but I am sure many can produce lightning just like the Mazama eruption. That must of been a doozy leaving traces far away.

                Geydelkon

  10. There will always be naysayers. It’s nice to hear a “can-do, I-did” story Forrest. I enjoyed learning about heliarc/tungsten used in melding and reading about ‘Weary Willie.’ He must have been a friend of yours.

    My question for you Forrest…Is there anything you haven’t attempted? Poet, fighter pilot, author, metals artist, foundry chemist, archaeologist, photographer, bird whisperer, antiquities diver, conservationist, gallery owner, artist promoter, fishing guide, collector with a capital C, friend of movie stars, family man…..

    anna

  11. EMMETT KELLY >>>>

    KEY: MELT MELT

    (= MELTS >>>> SMELT?)

    More letter twins.

    If you look at twin Xs (XX) you can see a W above and an M below, as in:

    William Marvin
    Welding Melding
    Writings Mysterious

    The pictures of the pokers might correspond to two horizontal and two vertical lines. If you cross the two pairs correctly, and adjust a bit, you can get a XX. This could be used as a simple blaze that honors both a father as well as a mother who happened to be a twin…

    Eliza

  12. I had previously believed that when exposed to air bronze patinized to different shades of green. So, I found this info interesting. Who knows what color we are looking for? Or, if Forrest coated the Romanesque box with a thin layer of wax or mineral spirits to protect it’s original bronze color.

    “All bronze is an alloy, or a mixture of metals comprised of mainly copper mixed with other metals, usually tin and zinc. Bronze will oxidize when exposed to air, developing a patina coating. A brown, black, red or blue to green coating on bronze is a sign of normal, harmless corrosion. This outer layer protects the inner layers of the bronze object from deteriorating. This coating is sometimes considered attractive or desirable, as well.”

    anna

  14. Hi Jenny,

    As usual Forrest is very informative and interesting – this shows his wisdom, craftiness, and skill.

    To meld those was difficult and you can see the beauty in his works.

    Considering he was the architect that designed The Thrill of the Chase, and “the answers he already

    knows” – it comes as no surprise to me : )

    The Lone Aspen

    2. .
      I saw that too, Iron Will. I wouldn’t doubt it, but shouldn’t affect the puzzle work one way or the other.

      Iron Oxide = Rust (so, I think Forrest is referencing the rate of oxidation).
      .
      astree

      ( I wouldn’t want to be standing on the other side of the wall when he put that poker in it… I know, I know … How deep is a hole? )

      astree

      1. Astree – here’s an abstract tie-in to both rusty and bull..

        Forrest’s favorite rescue dog was Rusty, and his car the Bullet.
        Forrest’s dear friend Suzanne Somers starred in films called “Bullitt” and “Rusty, A dog’s tale”
        She’s also an amazing person who overcame an abusive father, and dyslexia to succeed in the art world before film, author, health/nutrician advocate, etc.

        anna

      1. Hi, to answer about the poker in the wall……I took that picture while visiting with Forrest. It is in the wall right beside his fireplace and so is easily accessible when wanted….. That’s where he keeps the one….lol…. perfect and practical….:)

        Jenny Kile

          1. LOL! I hope Forrest isn’t reading this. What a weird group he’ll think we are. I just hope to have a cozy den just like Forrest’s one day. I may not have all those awesome things, but I can probably score me a poker in a hole…and liquor on the…where was that again?…oh, yeah…liquor on the SHELF. Sorry, my mind wanders…but I’m really not a shelfish person. I’ll just clam up now. 🙂

            JC1117

          2. Y’know, the more I examine that hole with that poker, I realize I love forrest even more! That’s a hole like you’d find at MY house, not a gozillionaire! 🙂 and that, my friends, is awesome. I always wonder about your thoughts forrest. I wonder when you were the fidgety little boy in that Lanier school pic; when you sought Lewis and Clark with donny; when you kept your eye on that bomb; did you EVERYONE imagine you would be described as an eccentric millionaire? That, I wonder, among other things. 🙂

            Jdiggins

            2. I have noticed that, too, Jdiggins. Forrest is a down-to-earth gentleman. Many wealthy people are very snobby and pretentious…a great many, in fact, but not Forrest. I have worked for lots of rich people over several decades. I have met some really nice wealthy people and others …well …not so much. That’s a long discussion for another day. Suffice it to say…when someone cares about others it shows…even if only God knows for a little while. You know…”let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth” and all that. But Word gets out. It always does. “By their fruits ye shall know them”. 🙂

              Once in a while a person comes along who breaks the mold. That’s Forrest Fenn.

              JC1117

    1. .
      Thanks, Jenny. It is one of the best articles I’ve read.

      Here is a comment re: the article, and a Facebook post you made.

      http://www.chasechat.com/chat/?mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=2758.1#postid-65038

      ( ” New Story about the Chase! ” thread )

      I found this

      https://www.facebook.com/jenny.kile.50

      ( by the way, is that a four-leaf clover at the corner of “sign up”? )

      I don’t have an account, can you describe how much of this is from you vs Forrest (e.g., the “see all here” and the wagon picture)?

      Thanks,
      astree

      astree

    2. He says two separate search parties have been within a few hundred feet. This is significant. I won’t analyze the parties comment yet, it’s the importance of the feet I’ll comment now.
      Previously, searcher (s) had been within two hundred feet. Now, within a few hundred. Few, more than one but not many, right? More than one, and within two hundred. That’s pretty significant, I’d say.

      Jdiggins

        1. I am pleased that he didn’t insinuate that either of these two parties were just lost and had no understanding of the poem.. ff embellishment imo … I am quite certain that people understand more than the first two clues… for example when asked about HOB if anyone had correctly identified that he said he couldn’t answer… This of course means that someone has identified HOB. Simple logic applied
          Jdiggins
          Do you believe you are one of the two parties?

          decall

  26. Hey Ya’ll hope all of you had a wonderful 4th of July!! I have just seen these wonderful bronze’s of the walking canes is that what they are? The are magnificent, I want to make some sometimes. My Mama used to make ceramics years ago when I was a child.She has a nice Statue of a Lady holding an urn and my Sister and I fight over who will end up with it all of the time. These are great pieces and done so beautifully I will have to check into some place around here and see what goes into making and casting such fine art….LOL So rustic yet refined. I need them to add to my collection of favorite things in my house…. Just chatting a little to all The Thrill of the Chase Searchers my regular g-mail account on my pc will not let me post on Dal’s site!! when I get on someone else’s pc it goes straight through… Still in the chase MS. Girl Judy Williams…..

    Judy Ms.Girl

  27. Now I see they are fireplace pokers and have a bit of humor about them Forrest!! You did an awesome Job how old are they? The process is quite fascinating I still would love to give them a try to make my own maybe a wolf on top of one and maybe a pirate head on the other just for fun. Too extreme for a first try maybe I can just make the pokers with no heads I could do that just fire them up and then I could use them along the trails as walking sticks and stick a snake and stab him before he strikes…. I hate snakes and do not have any use for them at all. Anyhoo Great Pokers..See you in the funny papers MS. Girl

    Judy Ms.Girl

      2. My 7 year old enjoys completing connect the dot drawings when we go to restaurants. I love watching her. I think as we grow up we can sometimes forget the simple things that are so easy for the young.

        I eagerly await my next family adventure in the Rockies later this year. I think sometimes about how children so look forward to birthdays and holidays especially Christmas time. It’s rare to feel that feeling. Thank you Forrest for creating this adventure that allows us all to feel like children again! It is a gift beyond imagination!

        Point Foot

              2. I can kinda see that in my mind’s eye, PDenver.

                The BB gun isn’t pointed over the fence at the neighbors in the East.

                It’s the neighbors in the Wild, Wild West you gotta keep an eye on. lol!

                That ammo wagon looks like a good place to shoot from. Those double-thick walls were likely designed to keep a stray BB…or two…from settin’ off the whole show. M

                On second thought…maybe not such a great place to hide out after all.

                JC1117

          2. My oldest granddaughter and grandson got one this past Christmas. Not sure if my granddaughter used hers yet, but my oldest daughter sent me a video of my grandson plinking targets and cans in their backyard. This year, the grandkids are getting a telescope to do some stargazing.

            pdenver

            1. I love that. My youngest love to get me playing in their games too. How can we not partake in the fun. They grow up too quick and then we just have the memories to cherish. I think if I had a large property with a wall and wagons I’d be out there with BB gun too. 🙂

              Point Foot

              1. They do grow up quickly. I remember good times when the same grandson would come over and he and I would pretend we were on a jungle safari. He’d wear a small set of binoculars looking for animals; usually monkeys. I’d peel a banana for him so that he could offer it to the monkeys we’d see. 🙂

                pdenver

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.