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| The tool above will create an excellent rounded raised vein in the leaf. Another smaller version of this tool may be used to create the effect on the edges by stamping it at an angle on the left and right sides of the leaf. To make the larger vein tool, upset the end of a 3/8" x 1 1/2" bar of tool steel (see illustration below). Then scribe a center line and file into the center line with a triangular file. This will create a valley in the Vein Tool. See more steps below. |
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 Above, fullering the Vein Tool. |
Acquire a thin coil spring approximately 1/4" thick and straighten it. Then curve the rod to the same curvature of the tool made above. Heat treat the rod. Then heat the Vein Tool to an orange heat and clamp in a vise. Lay the cold rod into the valley of the hot Vein Tool and hammer on the rod until it is half way deep along the full curve. Use a round file to smooth the sharp edges on the Vein Tool and then heat treat it. Save the coil spring rod for later use in making a Parallel Chisel. |
 Cross section of leaf showing raised center vein and raised outer area. |
To create a leaf, forge a pointed end on the work piece on stock such as 1/4" x 3/4". Then use a Parallel Chisel to form tracks down the center of the stock . Work the Vein Tool down the tracks, by rocking back and forth as shown in illustration on top of this page. After using the Vein Tool, the outer edge appears raised. A similar, small Vein Tool can be used to form the outer veins. After creating the center vein, heat the leaf shape and hold it flat on anvil with hold down. Then use a small Vein Tool to form radiating lines, creating outer veins, (see photo on top of this page). Back to Top |
Upsetting, scribing and filing a center valley in the Vein Tool.