Hammered or Wrough Iron Texture?

[ABitoSlo]

Can anyone describe or show how to do a texture that resembles rough blacksmith style surface effect? (prefer hand tools but if it takes a dremel I'll do that too)

I'm working on my 1st chain, Basswood, and the links are inconsistent enough they will be very thin if I smooth them all the way - so I'm thinking some type of textured look to blend in the more radical oopsies would be good practice. 'Sides, if I don't like it, I can still smooth the chain.

The links are about 1 1/4 or so long, about 3/4 - 1 in wide, and squarish. If I smooth them they will be about 1/8 in dia - pretty long and thin.

[mpounders]

You should probably experiment on some scrap, but you might try several techniques I've used for fur or sheeps wool. I use a small u gouge (#11) veiner to make little divots in the fur trim on my Santa's hats and then sand it pretty low with dristle sanders in a flex shaft tool. Or you might try some ball shaped burnishing tools. I bought a package at Hobby Lobby with several sizes; they are used for embossing metal foil. I have used them like a stylus to draw in very fine gouges for eyebrows. I suspect you could get the hammered effect you want by just pressing down with them to create little dimples to look like it was hammered? Might be worth a shot!

[ABitoSlo]

The ball-shaped burnishing tools - ding! I have an index of drill blanks! Round, slightly flattened, just like a hammer. Any size I want. And when I'm done some brass colored paint should work. I'll also try my small veiner again, but this time sand them pretty low just as you suggested this time.

Thanks Mike!

[Scott Hagerty]

Just take that chain and whack it around on a pile of old bolts and stuff, that will give it that "used" look.