Installation of leaves for swing gates
The question of how to install a gate is an important point among all the work performed in the manufacture of gates with your own hands, since mistakes made can lead to both a short service life of the gate and the fact that they simply will not perform their functions, for example, to open well . Installation work begins with the installation of the frame. The procedure for this looks like this.
- Hinges are welded to the leaf panels using a continuous seam. This should be the part of the loop that has a blind hole at the end.
If heavy gates are installed, they should be equipped with three hinges on each side. When installing lighter structures, two hinges will be sufficient.
- For each welded loop on the frame, its second half is put on, which is immediately welded to the support.
- The gate leaves are lined:
- 1) repeated measurements of corrugated sheets are made (this will avoid errors);
- 2) using metal scissors, cut out the required sheets;
- 3) all existing edges are thoroughly cleaned;
- 4) the sheets are overlapped in one direction;
- 5) the corrugated sheet is attached to the frame with self-tapping screws. The number of self-tapping screws used to fasten the corrugated sheet is chosen arbitrarily; the distance between them should be from 10 to 15 cm.
- The finished product is painted.
A little history
The art of forging has a thousand-year history, but to this day it does not stop in its development, although it has not changed dramatically over the past few centuries (the techniques of cutting, twisting, and welding metal are fundamentally the same). Hot forging appeared before our era; this period can be considered the birth of metal casting and forging. As for fine artistic casting, it originally decorated products made of silver, copper, and gold. And only in the 17th century did cast iron “lace” appear, which was used to decorate household items, tombstones, furniture, floors, walls, etc. Russian blacksmiths were famous for their art, and their products were in demand in Europe. Modern forges produce not only gates, but also bars for windows and balconies, bridges, fences, railings, and canopies.
Stamping, as an element of mass production, appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. Stamping temporarily pushed aside manual artistic labor. In Russia, artistic forging was returned only in the 70s of the 20th century, when sculptors turned to it. And only with the beginning of perestroika it again gained wide popularity, when people actively turned to individual construction.
Dimensions of each leaf and gate
When calculating the height of the gate, it is important to take into account that at the bottom there should be a distance of 5 - 10 cm from the ground. If there are tiles or asphalt in the area where it is planned to install the gate, then this gap can be reduced to 5 cm
When talking about the size of future gates, we take into account that they must be such that a vehicle can pass through them freely. The height also depends on the height of the fence, the dimensions of the vehicle and the size of the sheet.
The dimensions of the gate should provide free and comfortable passage through it. It is believed that it is most correct to make a gate 1 meter wide and 2 meter high.
Popular trends and styles
Artistic forged elements that are used in the manufacture of entrance gates have certain styles. They are chosen taking into account the architectural trends that are present on the territory of a private house.
Forged doors with a wicket
Today the following styles are most popular:
- Byzantine. Forged structural elements are mainly dominated by complex patterns with multiple bindings, floral patterns, and geometric elements.
- Russian. Mostly there are fairy-tale characters, animal figures, and Slavic motifs.
- Gothic. The predominance of arches with pointed tops and oblong shapes. There are also images of grape leaves, roses, and clover.
- Renaissance. Forged gates with drawings, a large number of decorative patterns, a clear geometric order of the elements, usually in the shape of a spiral.
- Loft. Rough shapes, lack of intricate pictures, decorations, and other decor.
- Modern. Graceful forms without a clutter of design elements with an ascetic frame, the presence of simple lines.
Fence sections at the dacha
When making an entrance gate to organize a single architectural ensemble in the same style, lanterns, furniture, and canopies are installed.
Most artists and craftsmen, for whom the manufacture of forged elements for gates and gates is their main business, include photographs of various monograms in their catalogs, which can be purchased ready-made or a sample can be ordered separately.
Wicket and doors with forging elements
The more complex and smaller the pattern, the higher its cost. The price of large monograms is relatively low, but only small curls can give the fence a complex, beautiful design. The most popular are arrows, rounded spiral patterns, leaves, and flowers.
Sketches of forged elements
Do-it-yourself forged gates, photos of various design options can be seen below in the article.
Forged structures in the country
Main features of forged gates: photos and characteristics
Forged structures harmoniously combine qualities such as functionality and aesthetics. They can be assembled from various materials. However, regardless of what components are included in such a fence, all structures are highly durable and perform an excellent job of protective functions.
Forged gates are divided into different types according to their purpose.
Buying or independently assembling forged gates is, first of all, a chance to show your taste. The variety of patterns contributes to the great popularity of these designs. Each person can choose a design they like and order a product or try to make it themselves. Photos of beautiful forged gates make it possible to visually evaluate their advantages.
On a note! Before you buy a forged structure, you need to remember that it will require the construction of reliable supporting elements. This is due to the fact that such gates are made of metal and are heavy.
Forged structures are distinguished by a wide variety of patterns.
The mass of such structures is, perhaps, their main disadvantage. This also complicates their independent production. Mistakes made when drawing up a project for inexpensive wrought-iron gates are fraught with serious consequences, so to prevent them you need to know how a sketch is drawn up.
The drawing of the future metal structure must contain the following elements:
- frame;
- fixation products;
- decorative details;
- awnings;
- locking devices.
One of the main disadvantages of wrought iron gates is their heavy weight.
In addition to the mandatory image of all elements, it is also required to indicate their dimensions in the diagram. The choice of the geometric shape of the valves depends on the financial capabilities of the owners and their personal preferences. For example, you can choose ordinary rectangular sashes, the organization of which is not difficult. Figured elements are reflected in the final cost of the gate.
How to make a forged gate with your own hands
The first step to creating your own masterpiece is choosing a sketch. You can come up with it yourself or pick up a ready-made one in one of the catalogs. The easiest way is to use a ready-made sketch or photograph of the product. Once the appearance of the gate has been determined, you can start purchasing material for it. For the frame, it is best to use a square profile pipe with a cross-section of 30 x 20 mm.
The base rods can be made from thicker material, and small curls from a square rod of small cross-section. For single curls and baroque, metal strips with a size of 12 x 6 mm are ideal. All this can be bought at any metal warehouse or in a specialized store.
- To cut rods and profile pipes, it is best to use a grinder with medium power.
It is compact and not too heavy to work with. When cutting an empty profile or metal pipe with your own hands, you need to rotate them. This way the cut will have smooth edges. - If the gate has a curved top frame bar, then this part of the profile should be bent in a device called a pipe bender. But we must remember that the edges remain smooth on both sides for more than 10 cm. Therefore, the length of the pipe must be taken a little longer than the required size.
- When all the frame parts are prepared, you can begin assembling it. This is done on a table or any flat surface. Having laid out all the parts, carefully weld them into one structure.
- If it is not possible to print the pattern from the selected sketch in full size, then you will have to draw it on a flat surface.
So, with the help of a rope you can accurately measure how much length of a metal rod is used for each curl. Beautiful original forged gate pattern - We heat up the gas forge and place the workpieces there at one end. After the end of the workpiece warms up and becomes pliable in processing, we roll it out on a machine called “eccentric”. If there is no result the first time, the workpiece is again placed in the forge and the procedure is repeated. The rolled out but not cooled blank is formed into a “crow’s foot”.
- Curls can also be made with your own hands. For this, a machine called a “snail” is used. Workpieces heated in a forge can be processed easier and faster than cold ones. If the curls are symmetrical on both sides, then you need to twist them gradually on each side, trying to maintain symmetry.
- If the pattern contains elements in the shape of a sharp peak, they are made on a familiar machine called “eccentric”. In this case, the workpiece is rotated 90 degrees with the other side each time.
- Clamps for fastening several curls or leaves are made from small metal plates measuring 20 x 2 mm. They will hide the welding areas and decorate the overall appearance of the forged product.
- To ensure that the pattern rods have a beautiful twisted shape, they are twisted on a torsion bar machine. Each of the blanks must be scrolled the same number of times so that they are the same.
- After all the details and curls of the future gate are ready, you can begin assembling the structure, strictly following the sketch.
- This work must be done slowly and observing the order of the pattern elements. Once you are sure that the pattern is symmetrical and correct, you can fasten the parts together with small welds.
- The seams can be cleaned well with a grinding wheel and a metal brush.
- If the sketch contains complex elements in the form of leaves or flowers, then it would be better to buy such blanks in a specialized store.
They are welded last. Forged gate pattern decorated in antique style - After all the elements of the gate have already been welded, and the gate itself has been cleaned and degreased at the welding points, you can begin painting. The first layer is a primer, and after it has completely dried, paint.
- They use a special matte paint, most often black. To give the gate a richer appearance, some of its elements are silvered or covered with patina.
- The finished gate can be left openwork, but if desired, it can be partially or completely covered with a sheet of corrugated board or carboxyl.
You can make forged gates yourself, but this process requires patience, some skill and skills in working with metal. Therefore, it is much easier to use another method.
Installation
Installation begins with fixing the pillars. Choose a suitable location. The soil at the installation site should not be too soft, and the surface should be flat enough so that the pillars are at the same height. Mark a place for their installation and dig holes 110 centimeters deep.
A pillar cut from a solid pipe will be used to securely fix the gate. Its length should be calculated so that 110 cm remains underground, plus the above-ground part of the required height. To prevent the pillars from rotting over time, treat them properly. Wipe with a special compound, degreasing, and then remove the deposit with a rag. If you don’t have the necessary anti-corrosion compound on hand, use gasoline. It has the same protective properties.
When the surface of the corrugated pipe has been treated, you can bury the pillars in the hole, cover it with earth and compact it well. For structural strength, the pit must also be filled with a solution of sand mixed with cement. Before moving on to the next stage, you need to wait until the cement composition has completely dried.
Next, you should install the sashes. They are installed according to the same principle as the gate. Before installing the gate, level the site. The gate leaves themselves should also be neat and smooth. If there are any burrs or uneven edges, you can use a grinder to smooth out the surface. Check whether the parts fit together and whether they open when secured.
Once everything is ready, lay out the pieces and use welding to attach all the pieces to the pillars. If the doors are made of corrugated sheets or other dense and durable material, then they should be decorated with forged elements after you have secured the gate.
Before attaching the parts, think about their location in advance and draw a sketch on paper. This will give you confidence that the gate will look really nice. As for fastening parts, small ones are fixed first, then large inserts. So, for example, if you decorate a gate with a forged pattern that looks like a peacock’s tail, then you should start at the top and work your way down. When they are ready, you can proceed to attaching the valve and special stops.
DIY forged gates
Making a forged structure is quite difficult if you do not have the necessary experience and the appropriate tools. But, with great desire and patience, making forged gates with your own hands is a completely solvable matter. And it is not at all necessary to become a blacksmith to make them, because now there are many tools with which you can create a unique creation with your own hands.
The first step is to select a sketch of the future product. You can draw it yourself or choose from a catalog. Based on this, the necessary materials for the manufacture of the frame are purchased. A selection of individual finishing elements is also carried out.
Finished sketch of three wicket options
Let's look at how to make a gate from ready-made forged elements. To start work, you need to prepare a perfectly flat surface on which the gate will be welded. Tools you will need:
- Welding machine.
- Grinder, cutting and cleaning wheels.
- Measuring and drawing tool.
- Vise or clamps.
- Hammer.
- Sandpaper.
The work is performed in the following sequence:
The frame is being made. A 20 x 30 mm profile pipe is best suited for this. The cut pieces of pipe are welded together. The most massive elements (rods, rings and other parts) are welded to the frame. All decorative elements are laid out on the gate. At this stage it is not too late to somehow change the drawing
It is important to maintain symmetry and some kind of pattern. All unfolded elements are fixed to the frame by welding. All seams are cleaned and polished. Particular attention is paid to welded seams, since it is in these places that the metal corrodes most quickly. The surface of the gate is degreased. The product is being painted. First, a layer of primer is applied, which should have anti-corrosion properties. After it dries, a layer of paint is applied
Usually matte black enamel looks best. Individual elements can be highlighted against a black background. For example, gold or silver. A completely dry gate is hung in a permanent place. The operation of the product is checked, locks and visor are installed.
End of work
After the assembly is completed, all errors must be eliminated. Using a grinder, carefully and thoroughly grind the welding seams and corners to remove any burrs that have appeared. Using an attachment similar to a metal brush, rust is removed from the gate, polished, and the forged gate prepared in this way is degreased, primed and painted. After complete drying, the product is carefully inspected and, if necessary, any defects formed during painting are removed with fine sandpaper.
After this, paint with a second layer. Typically, forged fences, wickets and gates are painted matte black, and sometimes some decorative details are sprayed with silver or gold.
The forged gate you dreamed of is ready, you can install it in place and be proud of your work.
How to treat the surface → Room decoration → How to choose the right paint → Surface treatment technologies → Leveling and finishing the walls → Selecting and applying a primer → Removal from the surface → Stretch ceilings and technologies → Reviews and testimonials
What is the difficulty of creating forged products?
To start forging individual elements or a whole fabric yourself, you will need to purchase a special device for spiral longitudinal and transverse twisting. Thanks to it, you can create ornate patterns of any size and shape.
Creating a forged element requires an accurate sketch, according to which the workpiece is cut. Before welding, all elements are laid out on the surface to get the overall picture and maintain symmetry.
When forging, it is important not to overexpose the parts so that they do not end up twisted. If you do not have the experience or time to create a gate, then it is better to seek help from specialists
If you do not have the experience or time to create a gate, then it is better to seek help from specialists.
Gate covers, images
It is recommended to decorate forged gates:
- overlays;
- zhikovina;
- overhead loops.
Overlays for gates and doors are elements that have decorative qualities, practicality and serve as reinforcement for the structure. They give the product a strict and sophisticated appearance. The overlays are suitable for styles: country, gothic, baroque, modern.
Among the variety of overlays there are:
- specimens of trees and plants;
- compositions;
- geometric figures.
The use of overlays will give the main entrance to the courtyard an aesthetic appearance.
Wooden gates with forged gates and handles. Photos Svyatoslav
Zhikovinas give the products an antique elegance. They harmoniously combine with metal and wood, emphasizing the good taste of the owners of the estates. Forged gates can be decorative overlays, or they can carry loads if they also serve as gate hinges.
Overhead hinges for gates combine decorative and functional qualities. With sufficient thickness of the products, they cope well with their intended purpose. Curly hinges for gates will complement any exterior. And their wide range allows home garden owners to choose the best option that will be combined with a forged door handle and other fittings.
Reference. Photos of forged gates (how to send a photo) demonstrate designs made in accordance with cold processing technology, as well as other types of products.
Installation of wrought iron gate supports for a home: photo of the process
Before you start developing a sketch of the future gate, you need to decide on its type. To do this, all individual factors are taken into account: the type of fence, the reliability of the support posts, the design of the site and buildings located within its boundaries.
Before you start developing a sketch, you need to decide on the type of gate.
Installation of such a structure is a labor-intensive undertaking that must be approached with the utmost seriousness. It is recommended to entrust the installation of wrought iron gates to qualified craftsmen who have professional knowledge and skills. Otherwise, there is a high probability of making errors that reduce the technical characteristics of the structure, as well as its service life.
Before starting the actual installation of forged gates, you should prepare an opening for installation
A properly mounted opening will allow the gate to be positioned evenly, which is very important, as this will affect its future operation. In case of an error, there is a possibility that the structure’s lock will often jam
Forged gates have a high mass, so it is recommended to make supports in the form of strong pillars with brickwork.
Since forged gates have a large mass, the supports under them must be strong and reliable. The best option in this case is to organize strong pillars with brickwork. Each support must have a base, represented by a rod, providing the necessary stability.
Such a pipe is dug into the ground and fixed with cement mortar. Cement, sand and water are used to prepare the composition. The ratio of components in this case is 1:1:1. The rod must be deepened into the ground by at least 1 m. When choosing the depth, you need to focus on the weight of the future structure for which the support is being mounted. It is also worth noting that the pipe for the core of the support must have thick walls, otherwise it simply will not withstand the pressure exerted on it.
Layout diagram of supports for swing wrought iron gates.
What details and patterns are used to decorate gates and gates?
The following forged elements are used to decorate gates with and without wickets:
The vine completely imitates plant patterns and carries artistic value. The use of the hot forging method allows you to create leaves and berries that are quite realistic.
Gate, wicket and fence with grapes, vines and leaves. Photo Iron Age
Curls are equilateral, versatile and C-shaped. Suitable for classical styles: Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo.
Wrought iron gates with a built-in wicket are decorated with peaks and scrolls. Photo by TNV Kovka
Leaves and petals. The presence of a double-sided texture makes the appearance of the products natural. They harmoniously combine with the vine and various floral motifs.
Closed gate with curls, leaves and flowers
Roses and flowers. These decors will suit any stylistic motif. They have a noble and elegant appearance. Fragile, sophisticated and delicate flowers will make any fence exclusive and attractive.
Kinds
Forged fences and gates are divided into three types.
- Protective. The name already indicates their functional purpose. They have simple shapes, easy production, and relatively low cost. Their installation is simple and takes relatively little time, because they consist of stamped blocks.
- Decorative. These are exclusive, highly artistic fences with beautiful forging. The design is non-standard, as it is made by hand according to individual orders. Hence the high cost. Initially, the master develops sketches and demonstrates them to the customer, who chooses the option he likes. Soldering and welding are practically not used when connecting decorative parts. For this, clamps and rivets are enough.
- Combined fences. Contains elements of previous options. They combine expensive exclusive components with stamped sections. They are the most popular because they are beautiful, and installation is cheaper than purely decorative fences.
Metal structures of any kind come in different heights and designs. They are not suitable for every building and site.
Option for a wrought iron fence with lanterns on posts
Beautiful fence
Looking at photos of forged gates, we always admire the work of the craftsmen and the beauty of their products. Such wickets and gates will help visually ennoble the area and also protect it from unwanted guests.
If desired, you can make a variety of patterns on your fence and gate. Thanks to modern technology, you can draw almost any pattern and forge it.
Tips and tricks
Although developing a sketch of the future gate design is one of the most important steps, before you begin it is necessary to decide which of the various types of construction will be most suitable for the site.
To do this, you will need to make calculations and take into account some parameters:
- Design level. Depending on the purpose, the height of the structure can vary from 1.5 to 3 m: a small one is suitable for decorative items, and a three-meter high gate provides the highest level of security.
- Width. Depends on the width of the access road, as well as on the overall width of the site: the larger it is, the wider the gate.
- Parameters and design of the fence.
- Design functionality. This is the most important point for calculations, determining the distance between sections, the presence of a wicket inside the gate, the mechanism of movement of the leaves and their type.
Another important aspect is the combination of forged gates with a fence.
A nice bonus is that forged structures look great with various types of fences:
- A hedge in combination with a wrought-iron gate adds mystery and originality to the entrance area of the site, especially if this hedge is molded. But a simple interweaving of vines can also give the site the unique look of a fairy-tale estate.
- The combination of a wrought iron gate with a wrought iron fence is not uncommon, but this type of entrance group cannot provide the proper level of privacy, and if you spend money on a solid type of fence, it will be a rather expensive purchase.
- The way out of this situation in terms of financial savings is to use corrugated sheets. But a significant disadvantage is that often this material, along with forged patterns, looks out of place and alien.
- A fence made of brickwork in combination with forged elements is one of the best solutions in terms of combining forging and a fence.
- A stone fence, along with brickwork, very elegantly complements a wrought-iron gate, but this type of fencing is quite expensive. The way out of this situation is to purchase an imitation stone.
- Also, a very elegant way to decorate the gate and fence in the same style is to combine forging elements on the gate and the fence itself with another type of material, be it stone or its imitation, wood, brick or profile.
Here are some tips that can be useful to everyone when buying wrought iron gates:
Forged structures are easy to maintain, but taking care of their technical condition will only have a positive effect on the performance properties of the product.
Here are some tips for caring and maintaining wrought iron gates:
- If rust stains, paint webs and other defects appear, which especially often happens when the metal is negatively affected by climatic conditions, additional painting may be required. Rust spots, chips and defects are treated with sandpaper until completely clean, and then covered with paint.
- It is necessary to check the condition of the gate once a year and get rid of any shortcomings so that you do not have to completely paint or replace them in the future.
- To protect metal from rust, it is necessary to treat it with specialized compounds.
We spare nothing for the right pillars
We spare no expense, time and effort. In other words, all the resources you have.
Support pillars must be as stable, durable and strong as possible. Everything rests on them, this is half the success of the whole work, believe me.
The components are a metal pipe, mortar and facing bricks. Your task is to make sure that all this stands on the ground as stable as possible.
- To do this, we dig two holes, as deep as possible. The depth of the hole must be at least one meter. But you need to carefully monitor the width: it should be slightly wider than the metal pipe. This difference should not exceed 10 cm, otherwise the pillars may become loose in the future: after all, metal gates with a lot of weight will be hung on them, so the load will be more than serious.
- When installing pipes in holes, fill them with crushed stone and compact them at the same time. We plumbly monitor the verticality of the pipes, which is extremely important in the construction of gates: after all, at the slightest deviation, the doors will lean in one direction or another.
- Fill the filled crushed stone with a solution of cement and sand in proportions of 1:3. When pouring the solution, we again carefully check the verticality of the pipe. It is better to take M300 cement.
- Give the solution time to dry thoroughly, usually several days. Don’t rush, let the concrete dry for real, we agreed not to spare anything, including time.
- We weld special fastenings for the valves to the pipes, which are called shanks. Their width should be at least 6 - 7 cm, they should be visible from under the bricks.
- We line the pipes with alternating bricks: the next seam should overlap the next one.
And again we give our new pillars time to stand. At least for a couple of days. After all, we have something to do at this time - doors.
Peculiarities
The main feature of gates with forging elements is their attractive appearance. Depending on what details you choose to decorate the base of the gate, you can get different results. A simple gate with a minimum of decor will look good against the backdrop of a modern building. And next to a house stylized as a medieval castle, it is better to install a richly decorated gate that will turn your house into a real fortress.
Artistic forging is a process that requires from the master not only a huge amount of time spent, but also a rich imagination. This is why the appearance of gates and fences is so highly valued. Most often, this is exclusive work that is performed according to individual sketches.
Such gates always look attractive due to the fact that forged elements look great against the background of all other materials. Artistic forging can perfectly complement structures made of corrugated sheets, metal and brick fences. Such gates will decorate a site in any style, be it exquisite Provence, discreet modern or shocking rustic.
It is also important to note that despite their fragile and elegant appearance, such products are actually quite durable. The structures are not afraid of bad weather or time
In order for the new gate to serve you for many years, you should treat it with a protective layer of a special composition or cover it with a neat visor on top. In some cases, the beauty of forged gates is hidden with an additional layer of corrugated sheeting, which allows only those who enter the yard to admire the structure.
And finally, the last advantage is environmental friendliness. The material from which durable metal patterns are made is safe for both you and the environment.
Specifics of self-manufacturing entrance structure
Drawing up a drawing
A gate with forging elements consists of many details that need to be depicted in a sketch. The drawing must include the dimensions of the structure, main and decorative elements drawn to scale. The standard height of the product is 1.5 m, width is 1 m, minimum distance from the ground is 10 cm.
The structure consists of:
- supports;
- frame made of corrugated pipe with a section of 30x20 mm;
- awnings;
- patterns;
- locks, latches.
Tools needed to build a forged gate with your own hands:
- anvil;
- bugle;
- sander;
- vice;
- welding;
- machines “Torsion”, “Ex;
- Bulgarian;
- mites;
- hammer;
- stitching for forming holes.
Installation of pillars
Since a forged gate is heavy, it is better to install metal supports for it. These can be round or profile pipes. To ensure the stability of the structure, they are deepened into the ground by at least 1 m and secured by concreting.
Frame construction
The basis of the gate is the frame, which is the basis for the arrangement of decorative parts of the structure. It has the shape of a rectangle and is made by welding a frame of four profiles with a cross-section of 30x20 mm. First, they are welded on top and sides, then the seams are welded, and then the arc is cut.
Manufacturing of decorative parts
Artistic forging of gates is carried out sequentially, by manufacturing individual elements. The patterns are formed from reinforcement rods, cut into the required lengths.
The blank is heated to 300˚C, and then brought to the maximum temperature in the oven. After this, the part is compacted with hammer blows, rolling it in a circle. During this procedure, scale is removed and the elements are given the desired shape.
Assembly of the structure
When the decorative elements are ready, they should be fixed to the frame
It is important to observe the principle of symmetry. First, they are laid out on the canvas, forming a certain pattern.
Then the parts are connected to the base using small tack welding. It is done so that the seams remain on the inside of the gate.
Hanging, decorating the product
All that remains is to install the finished structure on the supports. To do this, it is best to use point canopies that are welded to the pillars and frame of the structure. Additionally, the product is equipped with a latch/lock.
When the welds have cooled, they are cleaned and ground. After this, they begin painting the product. Its surface is degreased, primed, and covered with a coloring compound or patina.
Beautiful forged gates allow any area to be given a solid, respectable look. They emphasize the good taste of the owners and their status. It is not at all necessary to spend a huge amount to order such a product. With basic skills in working with metal, such a design will not cost much.
How to make a forged gate with your own hands
The first step to creating your own masterpiece is choosing a sketch. You can come up with it yourself or pick up a ready-made one in one of the catalogs. The easiest way is to use a ready-made sketch or photograph of the product. Once the appearance of the gate has been determined, you can start purchasing material for it. For the frame, it is best to use a square profile pipe with a cross-section of 30 x 20 mm.
The base rods can be made from thicker material, and small curls from a square rod of small cross-section. For single curls and baroque, metal strips with a size of 12 x 6 mm are ideal. All this can be bought at any metal warehouse or in a specialized store.
- To cut rods and profile pipes, it is best to use a grinder with medium power.
It is compact and not too heavy to work with. When cutting an empty profile or metal pipe with your own hands, you need to rotate them. This way the cut will have smooth edges. - If the gate has a curved top frame bar, then this part of the profile should be bent in a device called a pipe bender. But we must remember that the edges remain smooth on both sides for more than 10 cm. Therefore, the length of the pipe must be taken a little longer than the required size.
- When all the frame parts are prepared, you can begin assembling it. This is done on a table or any flat surface. Having laid out all the parts, carefully weld them into one structure.
- If it is not possible to print the pattern from the selected sketch in full size, then you will have to draw it on a flat surface. So, with the help of a rope you can accurately measure how much length of a metal rod is used for each curl.
Beautiful original forged gate pattern
Forged gate pattern decorated in antique style
You can make forged gates yourself, but this process requires patience, some skill and skills in working with metal. Therefore, it is much easier to use another method.
Variant of forged gate pattern made from profile pipes
Material calculation
Selecting a sketch is the first and most mandatory step. You can find a ready-made one (photo, sketch from the Internet) or make it yourself. And only then buy the necessary material. This will save you from mistakes and incorrect calculations.
First we need the size of the opening. Divide the width by a factor of 1.60 and you will get the optimal height. For gates with a curved shape at the top, calculate the area at the top point of the bend.
You will find the cost of the material by multiplying the area and the cost of 1 m 2 of the selected canvas.
A good pipe is a square profile. The material for the base rods should be thicker, and a square rod with a small cross-section is suitable for small curls, strips of 12x6 mm are suitable for baroque curls.
Types of forging
Forging can be done in two ways: cold and hot.
Cold
The metal is treated with special equipment without being exposed to high temperatures. Cold forging is much cheaper than hot forging, since the parts are repeated and do not have complex patterns. Doors made using this method are sold in stores. They are simply welded to the finished frame.
The most popular cold forging parts:
- Vine. Simulates a plant trunk.
- Plasticine. Rods without edges, imitation of hand molding.
- Baroque. Combined option. The details have from 4 to 8 curls, complemented by sharp peaks and petals.
- Vine shoot. Metal rods are intertwined in a spiral.
- Monogram. A figurative element resembling a dollar symbol.
- Twisted pipe. An imitation of a braided braid is performed.
- Basket. Lightweight inserts made of several thin rods intertwined with each other.
Even on simple wrought iron gates there are:
- cast clamps;
- twisted squares;
- bagels;
- peaks.
Hot (artistic)
This is how they worked with iron blanks back in the old days. Artistic forging differs from cold forging in that metal must be forged at high temperatures. Hot raw materials are more flexible. It is easier to design different openwork compositions and patterns from it.
It is artistic forging that allows you to create compositions that have no analogues. In terms of service life, they are many times longer than those made using the cold method.
The customer can provide a sample or sketch from which the blacksmith will create a design.
The only negative is the high price.
You will learn about the technological processes of forging methods in the article: “Forged fences for a private home.”
Complete independent production of forged gates
Professional level. All forged elements (curls, spirals, peaks) are made by hand.
Tools and materials
- Profile pipe (preferably thick-walled).
- Installation diagram.
- Furnace/forge
- Electric welding.
- Various hammers and mallets.
- Sheet metal.
- Everything for welding (gas).
- Vise.
- Quadrangle.
- Drawing.
- Anvil.
- Ticks.
- Small yews.
- Machines for bending work.
- Welding machine.
- Breakdowns.
- Bulgarian.
Machines for bending (cold forging)
It is worth saying a few words about cold forging. This method, of course, is more complex than making forged gates from ready-made elements. However, if you have the equipment, you can create forged elements without special technical training. For this you will need bending machines. They are different. Each is used to manufacture a specific type of element.
Machine | Description |
The “Snail” machine is used for making curls. The blanks are quite easy to process and are twisted in turn on each side. | |
On the "Eccentric" it is best to make a sharp peak. | |
"Torsion bar" is suitable for spirals. If you make peaks this way, keep in mind that all the rods are twisted the same number of times. This is necessary so that they look identical. | |
“Flashlight”: several thin round rods are fixed together, and by rotating, a workpiece resembling a flashlight is obtained. | |
“Gnutik” allows you to bend the workpiece at any angle. | |
“Wave” with its help you can make a workpiece in the form of a wave. |
For a beginner, the first three machines will be enough. In principle, you can get by with even one “snail”. The remaining machines should be purchased or manufactured by those who already have experience in the manufacture of forged elements and do this constantly.