Steve im thinking that it would be nice to have a thread on going where those that can post nice picture of pattern welded steel to have a place here to post them ,hoping that will feed the fire ,, and in seeing some new stuff that's being worked on will help in explaining or help in learning to read patterns ,
if this is some thing that you feel would be ok let us know im sure these guys can produce a lot of pictures

I'd like that also. Right now I'm making a neat "W" pattern billet, and could post a picture later this week of the end view. Fitz even liked it! Process came from Bowie, thanks guy!

Thanks Robert looking forward seeing it , hope your having fun with it
,
I learned the process from Larry Harley.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/763973/jellorollcombo.JPG

I agree this would be a good thing! Even having step-by-step photo's or cartoon drawings such as the link that Ron posted would be good to have. Since there isn't a single source for most of the Damascus patterns and how to do them out there, why not utilize this forum as a starting place to organize this information? Sounds like a good idea to me! :)

-Darren

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/763973/wpatterndrawing.JPG
this is a drawing of the w pattern hope its of some help
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/763973/wbegining2.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/763973/wradial3.JPG
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-6/763973/w-radpatteren2.jpg

Thanks for the drawings Ron. Post more if you want to!!!!!!!!!!!

Bowie, Man im definatelly going to like this thread. Keep em coming. I have been toying with Chainsaw now for a month and having a blast. Real cool to see patterns and drawings of different ideas and ways that people have come up with to create such masterpieces.

Shane

Oh, I am going to like this area.. I am just getting to have my first in depth look around our new forum site, and I am excited by some of the new ideas, and different avenues we have to explore and discuss.. I will be checking here often, looking, and trying to learn all I can about damascus patterns and how you guys do it..Excellent idea Ron, way to go...Best, Rich

My first attempt at a w's. Pattern has been deformed since I am flying somewhat in the dark on this since Bowie's not here to watch how I squish it! Still, once squared and opened, may be a blade in there if i can get the grainy to go away during normalizing. Thanks, Guru Bowie, for the help!

http://www.fototime.com/7B3B079EB7F200B/standard.jpg

Fitz you probly do better that im not there , I confuse me
looks great making me want to weld some thing dang it .
you guys are looking great keep it up,and keep the pictures coming ,

My friend, I'd rather be confused and in your company than have us so far apart! :) It would be a blast to live close by. Dangit, I should have bought that trailer above your property!

Then we could both be cussing these danged import bandsaws together. I'm cutting 1/2" plate for dies, and that poor old saw just doesn't have a lot to give anymore.

mike that billet is awesome will that be known as the "fitz" pattern or "chicago fire"? :p

Thanks, Romey! We'll have to see what it looks like if I can get it cut and flattened decent. It's sitting in vinegar now. I'll surface grind it today and set up for cutting.

That billet looks great Mike! What's cool about the photo is that if you study it, you see the straight pieces of metal coming in on the lfet hand side, about the middle. Then you can see what happens to them. HEY! I want to be up there with you guys also! I need to borrow Bowie for a few weeks, and them maybe I'll know one-percent of what he does :o) Thanks to you guys for the help on mine, plus Paul Harm!

What I thought was cool about that Robert is that it shows what a press does versus a hammer, the pressure inside versus outside thang. Wish I had the place and the bucks for that Lizard Ridge air hammer. Ah, well, can't have everything. But, we can try,eh? LOL

.
Well thanks guys but I fear you give me more credit than I deserve I have had some really great teachers and have been fortunate to have been exposed to good people that tell all , I owe all I know to them thanks Steve S. Don F. Keith K. Hank N. Larry H. Devon T Poindexter AKA, Rick F Ed C. Tom F.
the list goes on and on thanks guys .
And I can think of nothing better than to see a new pattern made by new smiths.its a life long study and they are more to come ,

That first radial and W pattern was the most exciting thing I'm been able to accomplish in a long time. It's been years since I've jumped out of bed, had a quick cup of coffee, and charged out the door running to the shop, to see how a pattern turned out, pretty exciting stuff! I'm ready for anything you guys can throw at me, having a big time with it all, and so far, have been successful with the patterns, but that means that trouble is lurking just around the corners. Now the drawback, I think about patterns while I'm eating, at the Doctors office, at church, when sleeping, while at the dentist, it's become some sort of obsession. Ron (Bowie) told me to keep a notepad next to the bed, because ideas come to you while your resting, and you need to write them down right then. Ya know, he's absolutly right. Is this a fun deal or what? Now to try and make some knives from the steel I've already patterned, hope I can keep up the enthusiasm!

:101

confirmed diagnosis: chronic damascus syndrome

:lol

There is no reliable record of anyone ever being cured. :)