Screwdriver Scrolling

I thoroughly enjoy scrolling steel. The bends are complex, and they work the fingers and hands in different ways. Plus, once you're finished you have a one of a kind work of art.

Drywall Hammer

Sunday afternoon fun, that blade was nasty.

3/8" x 12" "S"pike

Last week I posted a 6" spike that I had bent into an "S" design. Early this morning I decided to attempt this style of bend with a 3/8" thick by 12" long steel spike as well. Shown in the photo is the 6" spike and a U.S. quarter for scale along with the 12"er.

The year is almost complete. There is not much left of 2008. Did you make this past year a productive one? Are you ready for the challenge of improving yourself in 2009? As great a year as it has been for me, I'm looking forward to conquering new challenges and advancing all the more in the coming 12 months. Now is the time to make that commitment to yourself!

"S"pike Bending

My good friend and fellow strongman John McGrath sent me a few spikes recently and said "Can't wait to see what you do to them". I had thought about that for a little while and wanted to do something special for my friend. I decided that since I'm known for bending assorted items into an "S" shape like hammers and adjustable wrenches, why not a six inch spike? Here is the result, what do you think John?

#4 Horseshoe Double Twisted

Here is a video post at the request of a private collector. What I have is a 1/4" x 3/4" # 4 polished steel horseshoe that I am bending into a double twisted "S".

This is just a "teaser" sample of what I have been filming for my upcoming first DVD release. Be sure to watch for it as filming is almost complete, I have some BIG feats on this project! You won't want to miss it!

Double Twist "Paperclip"

I was feeling good today and decided to have some fun with a horseshoe. I bent this solid steel horseshoe around two complete times before finishing it off with my signature "paperclip" move.

Perspective

One of the things I really enjoy about doing scroll work is the diversity of every sculpture. Take this one for example. It began as three 20' lengths of straight, flat steel bar. Over the course of several hours I twisted, coiled, and bent the steel together into the form now seen.

Now lets take a look from a different angle. Looks completely different doesn't it? By slightly changing the way we look at things, a whole new vision is created. From a mass of twisted steel, to an abstract, yet more recognizable figure.



Now, how do you look at things? Are you seeing only the surface or forming your view from only one angle and ignoring the potential that is truly there? What could you accomplish with a slight shift in your outlook? What goals would move within reach from a small change in perspective? It can mean the difference between being stuck in the same old rut and achieving true happiness and success.

The Mark Of...

For some reason today, I was remembering watching the television show "Zorro" as a kid. Zorro would go around leaving his "mark" on nearly everything he came across. He would take his sword and carve a letter "Z" to show that he had been there.

This got me thinking, I wonder what a horseshoe would look like the shape of a "Z"? I decided enough thinking about this, it's time for action! I proceeded to grab a horseshoe and leave a "mark" of my own.

The Cork-screw Bolt

Today I decided to do something a little bit different with a large bolt. I put a cork-screw style twist in it. I accomplished this by bending the 1/2" x 18" hex head bolt in half over my thigh, then by pulling the halves in opposite directions similar to how I bend horseshoes. I finished it off by once again pushing the bolt down over my thigh.

Twisted Twice

I've been asked if I ever attempted to twist a horseshoe twice. Yes, I have done this several times. The end result is quite unique looking. I have named this bend of mine "The Horseshoe Shoe". What do you think - resemble a shoe?

Artistic Touch

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

A Sculpture of Steel

I also practice a form of scroll work with long lengths of steel bar. The picture to the left shows a bar that began as a straight piece of 1/2" square steel at a length of 20 feet. Over a period of several hours I twisted, coiled, and bent this piece into the flowing work of art now seen.

Scrolling an "Odd Object"

Scrolling - multiple bends in the same piece of steel.

Odd Object - implement other than one traditionally used in a performance of oldetime feats.

One of the feats that I have become known for is the scrolling of a tool, in the case at hand, a framing hammer. This is an extremely difficult feat of strength due to many factors. First off, hammers are not supposed to be bent in this manner or even at all. They are tempered steel and are very tough. When putting the power to an implement of this type, the steel wants to "load" on itself like a giant flat spring. In addition to this, the bends are made in opposite directions. As one bend is being completed, precision needs to be applied as to not undo the other.

Another hindering factor is the length. The general thought is that the longer the object the greater the leverage. This is true, however when dealing with complex designs the increase in length also transfers into an increase in difficulty because of the distance from the bend to the hand and the ability to control the piece. Think of it this way, what is easier to hit a nail with? A hammer grasped near the head or grasped near the end of the handle? The farther away from the target area, the more difficult to control.

Pictured above is a 24 oz. tempered steel framing hammer. It's overall length was 15-3/4" prior to being scrolled.