Forging the claw[]
Introduction[]
The claw is attached to the fork and tenon in the cheiroballistra. This article shows one method for forging the claw from round bar. Another and probably better method is described here.
The process step by step[]
Heat a rectangular bar in a forge:
Forge a length of the bar into rectangular shape:
Forge the end of the rectangular portion into a wedge-shape:
Flatten the wedge-shaped part until it's fairly thin, then bend it into a curve:
Now use a tapering punch to punch the hole for the axle. Alternatively, you can flatten the area around the axle and drill the hole.
Once you're happy with the thickness and the curvature of the claw, split the wedge-shaped part in two:
Heat the split part in a forge and force the "fingers" of the claw open:
Finishing touches[]
After the forging cut away the excess part of the claw:
The fingers of the claw are at this point probably a bit asymmetric, which we'll fix later:
If punching the hole was not complete, drill the axle hole to correct diameter:
Finally file the fingers of the claw until they're symmetrical: