Blacksmithing - The Oil Lamp Experiment!

In this video I forge a pair of oil lamps from a piece of steel pipe. A fun project that involves a bit of metal turning as well as brazing. The end result was a bit unexpected but unique!
The inspiration for this video came from a facebook post by Jim Whitson - The Blazing Blacksmith. Check him out here:
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#blacksmith #christmasdecorations #maker

[@komitadjie]

Honestly, that copper flash made the whole thing even better. Those look amazing!

[@andrewtinker7537]

If the copper didn't flash over the surface, these would be a great candidate for wire brush brassing.

[@komitadjie]

@@andrewtinker7537 No kidding, that could really have been a good option as well!

[@mumiemonstret]

Yes, a true "happy accident"!

[@viriato8566]

The final texture & the serendipitous copper sheen are magical. Another masterpiece.

[@analkumar9146]

​@@mumiemonstret10:44

[@Mr99Sebastien]

Great video! I can provide a little explanation about the copper coating on the steel. Copper alloys tend to act like water in a sponge (capillarity) if given enough time at high temperatures. The copper can climb up the steel and spread on the surface. If you want to avoid that, you have to get the part out of the oven sooner, just after the copper was melted. It’s a matter of finding the sweet spot!

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks!

[@michaelrockwell9691]

I'm glad he didn't. It looks beautiful like that!

[@abrothafromanothamotha7840]

Didn't we all figure that out from watching though? 😅

[@Mr99Sebastien]

@@abrothafromanothamotha7840 the fact that the copper alloys climbs up on steel like a sponge maybe, but it's not that obvious that you can avoid an issue like that by getting it out of the oven sooner. I'm just sharing a tip I have from personal experience

[@BobTheBoss1]

Starts with an experiment. Ends with perfection

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

And between ~ 6:00 & 7:00, it juked toward what looks like aerospace propulsion, just to keep me guessing!

[@RobleViejo]

Its balls

[@ivicaantolic4]

Nemaš pametnijeg posla?

[@reconnectdoo3194]

Perfection for fire, one bump in table and table is on fire.

[@matthewmarting3623]

Yeah, what is this crap? He just dances on into the workshop to experiment with hollow form forging and ends up defying physics! I think he must be in cahoots with big copper

[@SuperdooperScrooge]

You are a true Master of Metal, Torbjörn Åhman! 😊😊 Thank you for giving me the pleasure of watching your work!

[@BlackBearForge]

Very nice, I never would have thought of the power hammer tooling done that way. It was also a surprise to see how far the copper traveled. God Jul

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks! The idea with the tooling is not mine. I got it from a picture in a facebook post, but I can't find it to give due credit. Yes, very surprised, but having done a few brazings with copper I can certainly recall it being present not only where it was supposed to be... But I haven't given it much thought until now! :)

[@torbjornahman]

GOD JUL to the Switzer family!!

[@Zippeddashdash]

This was designed by my boss, Jim Whitson - The Blazing Blacksmith in Scotland. :)

[@torbjornahman]

@@Zippeddashdash Thank you so much for that. I usually save the name with any pictures I save in my inspirations folder, but this time I couldn't find it. I will add it to the description!

[@ВалераАртишук]

Не понял как сталь с наружи начала отдавать медным отливом . Это какая-то магия.👏👏👏👏👏👍🎄🤝

[@imajeenyus42]

Those are beautiful! I’m actually surprised at how uniformly the tubing forged down. The process is actually very similar to how small hollow metal beads are made for jewellery applications - a tube is constantly fed into a set of oscillating jaws which progressively squeeze it into bead shapes. As for the copper flowing, it can actually wick to a surprising extent under the right conditions. Bronze is used to impregnate sintered 3D printed steel parts. The parts are porous, and are placed in a vacuum furnace with some chunks of bronze touching them, which melts and flows throughout the part, making it totally solid. Likely the same sort of thing was happening here. Whatever it is, beautiful result! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

[@torbjornahman]

Coooool! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@Katzztar]

The scale and capillary action may been a surprise, but I love the texture that is the result from them. The oil lamps look unique and beautiful.

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

[@testing1567]

@@torbjornahman You should do some small scale tests to see if this copper finish is reproducible. It's incredibly gorgeous and unique.

[@stewartwoerle6351]

Ok, that pretty much makes it official. You are not only a master blacksmith, you’re also a freakin genius. Have always loved what you do and please don’t ever stop.

[@Acampestre]

Wow, I like the surface finish and how it contrasts with the turned wick holder. Thank you for having been such an inspiring artist. Waiting with anticipation for all that is still to come. Seasons greetings, Torbjörn.

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you! Merry Christmas

[@hawthronetoolie6806]

Just wanted to let you know. Your videos are huge for me. I enjoy them alot. The quality of stuff you make is phenomenal, but the most important part to me is just how wholesome and calm your videos are to watch. My kids thoroughly love watching the videos with me, and its helping to inspire them to want to "make metal." I just wanted to extend my thanks for all the videos and learning you've given myself as a novice and my children

[@torbjornahman]

Wow, thank you! Hug the kids from me, and best wishes for the new year!

[@slyfox7429]

It is amazing that in just 18 minutes you can bring so much joy to so many people around the world. As a collector of old oil lamps I like your creation.

[@torbjornahman]

Great! Thank you!

[@DouglasLambert]

Collector of oil lamps?! Wow! That's rad!

[@rickden8362]

@@torbjornahman How long in real time did it take.

[@torbjornahman]

@@rickden8362 Not sure, I don't keep track and the work is usually spread out on several sessions and days... 3-4 days or so is my guess. The tooling is the majority of the work

[@JaneGraeSmithy]

What a great project. I’ve been a blacksmith and machinist for years now, and I’ve never seen this technique. Thanks for sharing.

[@tobiasheal]

The bit with the copper appearing under the scale was fascinating. I recently saw a presentation that was talking about a Roman iron ring with a very thin coat of silver on its surface, and they couldn't work out how they'd gotten it so thin, i wonder if they could have done something like that.

[@torbjornahman]

Cool, well it might work the same?!

[@tobiasheal]

@@torbjornahman Only one way to find out, I now have a commission for a blacksmith friend of mine

[@janhemmer8181]

I wonder what would happen if you put the copper ring on top. And if the scale is necessary. And what temperature works best.

[@tobiasheal]

@@janhemmer8181 There's probably an experimental paper in that

[@andrewtinker7537]

I've seen a study where some of those silver plated iron rings turned out to be tin dipped upon actual chemical analysis. That would just be an acid flux and a dip into molten metal.

[@FarmsteadForge]

Once again, I am blown away by your craftsmanship and your editing skills. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks, Merry Christmas!

[@erikcourtney1834]

Anyone unaware, don’t forge pipe and never quench pipe with open ends. It will not end well I promise. That’s why he packed the cold end when forging. Great work as always! 😉

[@torbjornahman]

Yes, I even ended up taping the end completely shut so it wouldn't let any fumes out.

[@andrewtinker7537]

Something I learned the hard way. Hot gasses heat the entire length, and then quenching it turns it into a steam rocket. Now if I work with pipe I crimp one end shut.

[@erikcourtney1834]

@@andrewtinker7537exactly. I learned the same way.

[@matthewmarting3623]

I really appreciate you posting your experiences with hollow form forging. It’s not something I’ve ever tried but your success opens it up as a possibility for me.

[@robertogrady1321]

Well they turned out even better than expected. That's a cool finish that's worth exploring more!👍

[@torbjornahman]

Yes, thanks!

[@IdleLayabout]

That copper was the perfect accident. Gorgeous work as always.

[@Jay-kk2rd]

I knew you wouldn’t disappoint Torbjörn. I look forward to your Christmas video so much. You combine the artistry of your craft with the sentiment of the season. Well done. Merry Christmas to you and your family. And here’s to a happy and prosperous new year.

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you very much! Merry Christmas

[@lukelofgren4108]

Absolutely beautiful! And perfect can't express how they turned out. Merry Christmas Torbjörn and everyone else that appreciates his masterful skills.

[@theafro]

What a lovely texture they've got, and that copper tinge is the sort of thing you might spend a long time trying to achieve intentionally! Fantastic work as always, Merry Christmas!

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@aviweisbach7816]

Every time I watch one of your videos I am blown away by your skill level, and creative use of ordinary tools. Like the way you used the square to grind the top of the lamps. Simple, yet ingenious. I look forward to your next video.

[@ogi22]

That was amazing. I would never suspect that copper covering the whole piece. Wonderful Christmas lamps!

[@torbjornahman]

No, definitely not. It's not perfect, but nice in it's own way. Merry Christmas!

[@teeanahera8949]

What a great pleasure to watch. I would imagine you’ve solved the patina/rust proofing problem all in one fortuitous accident.

[@A-h.m.e-d]

the Bob Ross of blacksmithing

[@KC_463]

Amazing texture and tone. I really appreciate both your technical content and your video style - thanks for sharing your work.

[@justin.booth.]

That accidental copper finish is incredibly subtle and beautiful, you should look more into that

[@ironthornkoncepts]

Truly beautiful... And the copper coating on the outside under the scale is a "happy accident"... Perfection! Thanx 4 sharing your artistic process! ✌😎👍

[@Danieljc98]

Love these, the copper plating was very interesting! What a great result 😮

[@MyJamhead]

I think the copper on the outside looks amazing. It's always a pleasure to watch you work. Great job.

[@JeffChristensen1]

This brings me joy. Your mastery of so many disciplines is spectacular. I wondered if a genie would emerge when you were polishing the lamps. In actual fact, no genie is necessary when you are in the shop. Well done. Merry Christmas to you, too.

[@nickjones6040]

reminds me of some earthing rods i used to forge some leaf stems once. i had thought the copper coating would just melt away but it got forged into the work, it really set it all off. i love it when these things happen.

[@marcsenteney3160]

You never cease to amaze me sir! What another fun project to try! Thank you sir and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family!

[@torbjornahman]

Happy holidays!

[@braddobson2060]

Very nice

[@chrisanderson2368]

That surface is amazing

[@physicsguybrian]

Merry Christmas Torbjörn! As always, your creations are not only functional but beautiful as well! Thank you for 18 minutes of viewing delight and anticipation of the results!!!!

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you. Merry Christmas!

[@physicsguybrian]

@@torbjornahman Most welcome good Sir!

[@philipshane768]

@@torbjornahman we're waiting for the full length movie.

[@Beschaulichkeit]

Oh the texture of the steel and the accidental copper plate were absolute perfection!

[@lewiswinters6736]

Well done sir!! I have been waiting for another video from your and you didn't disappoint. Those look great. The unexpected change from the copper only added to the look.

[@torbjornahman]

Yes it did. Thanks

[@bradrichards8122]

You are a true craftsman.

[@TruculentGoose]

My goose sticker made it on the cabinet 🎉 Happy Holidays!

[@torbjornahman]

It did! Thank you!

[@Lawrence1203-f7s]

Amazing workmanship. Impressive

[@brentelsing4447]

That was AWESOME!! First off, I appreciate your dedication because I’m guessing that took a lot of heats due to how thin the wall of that tube is. Secondly, I know you’re a busy man with a beautiful family but I’d like to see more videos from you 😁 lastly, I’m really glad that worked! Gives me a few ideas 😁

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks! I understand, and I do my best. Merry Christmas

[@FlyingHammerForge]

I was a little confused what you we’re doing with the copper until you put it in the oven then it hit me. Genius!

[@johnvaluk1401]

Merry Christmas to you and your Family. Thank you for the video. Very interesting form and how the copper wicked its way up.

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks! Merry Christmas!

[@carlosgea9542]

The work has been worth it, two small gems worthy of an artist. Thanks for your videos, they are very interesting.

[@BobbyDukeArts]

Beautiful

[@andersjjensen]

Nice seeing you here! Can't wait for your next project :D

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks Bob!

[@shaunandrews6313]

wewd

[@reedjarvis3824]

Absolutely fabulous… I had to watch it a second time with my Wife! You are incredibly creative and talented. Your home is Beautiful!

[@torbjornahman]

Wow, thank you!

[@suindara70]

Um trabalho maravilhoso, desde o cuidado do artista com a precisão do gabarito até a execução das peças! Ficou lindo!

[@mattyal9347]

I wasn't expecting this. Excellent work!

[@erkanayhan4060]

Another great work that smoothed my soul while watching. Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks, Merry Christmas!

[@shunyaku7759]

I'm guessing you make your own billets? Metalworking is so cool. I'm glad we're finally far enough on the other end of the industrial revolution that handcrafting specialists are making a comeback. Modern tech makes so much possible it's kind of insane more people weren't already doing this in like the 1950s, really.

[@DocFeelGood4]

Don’t be fooled these are grenades pretending to be lamps.

[@Wyi-the-rogue]

Lmafo

[@brianadamsjr2664]

Wow, that was awesome!

[@theflyingfool]

Do you think the copper vapourised Torbjörn? It looked a quite even coating and very attractive too! Thanks for this pre-Christmas gem and all best wishes for the festive season and beyond to you adn your family :D

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks. No, it was just max 50C above the melting point. Merry Christmas

[@HubrisInc]

Besides, if it were vapor deposition it would have been blown right off by the wire wheel

[@theflyingfool]

@@HubrisInc OK, so how about the flux then, did that transport the metal I wonder.

[@sennest]

Merry Christmas Torbjörn and Åhman family! Blessings on you all for a wonderful new year. The Christmas videos are now a set tradition for me, inspiring and warming. Thank you for what you do!

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas!

[@EdJratNight]

Seems very dangerous to me. Hopefully you don't knock them over because the base is so narrow and you burn your house down.

[@torbjornahman]

Well, the base is not that narrow, and I added some extra weight to the plugs. Treat it as a candle!

[@bilbo_gamers6417]

PLEASE post more stuff like this. i love industrial metalworking processes. maybe you could do another video on deep drawing? there's a serious learning curve to that king of toolmaking.

[@Kanakid]

I’ve been a welder and enjoy working with metal. Just love this!

[@torbjornahman]

Great! Thanks

[@fireantsarestrange]

I love this dude. Pretends that he didn't mean to get the result. Nice fitting gift.

[@torbjornahman]

Ha ha, I'm not pretending... I just wanted to braze the bottom plugs.

[@jjscheckel2]

I do commercial furnace brazing work and I expected you to find a puddle on the brick. I don't think I would ever have expected the coating result to happen! I think you're exactly right about the capillary action under the scale because the copper would never climb a clean steel surface.

[@torbjornahman]

Was also expecting something along those lines and maybe a little traveling up, but nothing like this.

[@marchess923]

I'm not sure how the surface got so cragy, but it definitely looked good. The fading copper tinge was another good result. After the holidays, you can tie them to your truck's rear bumper for that hillbilly look.

[@blipzero]

THANK YOU ONCE MORE FOR YOUR ART CAN CARE .

[@pigbenis8366]

I don't know the first thing about blacksmithing, metal working, lathes, or any of that stuff but i would absolutely love to be this mans apprentice and learn everything i could from him.

[@MrPod15]

Blacksmithing? No, this is Art and Craft! Long may the skill smiths endure. Brilliant.

[@NagelHausForge]

Those are absolutely gorgeous!! And I love how the copper somehow made its way to the entire outside!! Great job as always!!

[@arnekristianlvikstellander6008]

Wow! They came out great. I love what the copper did to them. 👍🏻

[@mikethespike7579]

How to copper plate without copper plating. Great video, I find the solution interesting and the results amazing.

[@jeffreylynch3203]

You sure love what you do. That is such a gift. Thanks.

[@jasonmatthewson8534]

I love that last year's Christmas project was on the table at the end as well.

[@Izawwlgood]

Awesome video. When you turned on the smooth jazz I had a laugh and was like "Alright, settle down there"

[@InformatrIIcks]

I want a testicle looking accidentally copper plated hand forged oil lamp. It's not I want, it's I need ! It's amazing a beautiful! Also that first forging shot looks unreal. It looks like it shouldn't work and just crumple everything but the end result is stunning!

[@otaspetrauskas1602]

I can imagine what magical power the light of that bulb has, when so much thought and work has been put into it... Have a nice solstice time!

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks!

[@NineWorldsWorkshop]

Brilliant all the way around! I love the approach and tool making and process development to come up with the volume change. Thanks as always for sharing!!

[@Tavnott]

Thanks for the opportunity to peak over your shoulder and spend virtual time in your space. Great craftsmanship! Merry Christmas.

[@torbjornahman]

:) Thanks

[@kimtae858]

Cozy Christmas blacksmithing at its finest. Love how the former came together, the final design looks so elegant; I bet it's a surprise when they're picked up so you can feel how heavy and solid they are.

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks!

[@Painless61]

Thx Tobjörn for all the amazing videos in 2023 … I wish you and your family merry Christmas and a happy new year …

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you!

[@hentzant]

Pure artistry

[@AirfixLtd]

Another BEAUTIFUL result from WONDERFUL workmanship. 👋👍Thank you!

[@andreasostensson5747]

Wow! Häftig effekt med kopparna. Tack för att du delar med dig.

[@markjlewis]

Absolutely beautiful. Watching this in June 2024 so I'll wish you a very Merry Christmas for later this year. In the meantime I hope you make the most of your wonderful long days and short nights.

[@garymcalister7126]

Beautiful, I'll be trying that this weekend. Thank you.

[@Crrosher]

Спасибо! Наблюдать за вашей работой это удовольствие. Вы большой мастер своего дела. Thanks! It is a pleasure to watch your work. You are a great master of your craft.

[@NathanNostaw]

Love the finish from the hammer forming and that copper surface is a great bonus. Beautiful lamps. Thanks for sharing

[@piccalillipit9211]

*ASTONISHINGLY BEAUTIFUL*

[@tonywharton5220]

Absolutely gorgeous my friend ✌️ What a lot of hard work ✌️

[@69adrummer]

Those are beautiful!! Now you get to make the piece that "snuffs" out the flame.

[@SkelNeldory]

That was a twist ending for sure. Jim Gaffigan making Christmas decorations in his metal shop was the last thing i was expecting.

[@torbjornahman]

Ha ha!

[@stuffbywoody5497]

That's wonderful. I especially like how the copper bled through the scale to coat the outside. Looks awesome ❤

[@tessaflores5466]

I love your work, it's just always so relaxing and cool to watch someone who's a master and who really understands what they are doing!

[@sambonefarmer9139]

Outstanding craftsmanship as always, both the metalwork and the videography. Thanks much for entertaining us throughout 2023 and looking forward to what you will make in 2024! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@DadGamingLtd]

I hope a genie pops out at the end! Can't wait to see this one.

[@OldSneelock]

Beautiful work.

[@davidstrickler6570]

Well done.

[@mayhem1988]

Happiness is a comfortable house filled with family and beautiful objects made by your own two hands. Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@adammontgomery7980]

Amazing little metal figs.

[@Edwardmaybe..]

yo love the music, hope your haveing a fun time makeing it !!

[@bertroost1675]

Perfect video for a lazy, cloudy Saturday afternoon. Merry Christmas!

[@HighDesertForgeIronworks]

Beautiful.

[@GySgtRay]

That is absolutely the coolest metalworks I have ever seen. You are one very gifted Blacksmith. I really liked the copper part of it! Well done! It's a pity I cannot order a set like that! LOL!

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you very much!

[@vladimirflocea5917]

Merry Christmas! It was such a pleasure watching the process of creation those lamps. Thanks for sharing your skillful work with us!

[@dragontattooee]

Absolutely beautiful pieces