now some pics of the body and the forging process
Mokume Gane is cold forged, meaning it does not need to be heated up in order to move the metal as the metals are highly malleable at room temperature. I started the patterning by twisting a square billet that was then cut in half and carved to further enhance the pattern. Then the piece was drawn out until it was at the appropriate thickness and the pattern begins to take shape. further flattening and polishing was done as well as bending the straight pieces into a circle for the rosette.
Untitled by
sam guidry, on Flickr
the twisted rod
Untitled by
sam guidry, on Flickr
further carving to create the pattern
Untitled by
sam guidry, on Flickr
The rosette rings and a straight strip. I was able to forge enough material for two guitars
Untitled by
sam guidry, on Flickr
Here is the rosette installed in the completed instrument.
Untitled by
sam guidry, on Flickr