Replies

1. 
   RickL | Sep 19, 2005 10:52pm | #1

   You could start out with searching the web or even better in some cases, the library on the subject of metal working.  If you go with brass you can use pretty much standard woodoworking tools. Brass cuts nicely on a table saw or chopsaw with a negative hook blade. I spent four years making custom hardware and architecturural details. For the most part you can fabricate pretty easily with brass and learning how to silver braze will add a lot to what you can fabricate. For more ornate hardware casting is the  way to go. We would make masters to have cast. Most hardware is sand cast but I have done lost wax for hardware as well.

   Your local library might have some general metal craft books to cover some of your questions but metal covers a lot of ground from tin work to welding and machine shop stuff and all sorts of casting.

   http://www.horton-brasses.com/products/latchescatches

   You didn't like anything at Horton Brasses?  I think you might be better off searching a bit more on what's out there.  Have you looked at White Chapel???

   http://www.whitechapel-ltd.com/

   There's a bunch of other high end sources that you won't find in the regular hobby mags. Hace you tried the old house restoration magazines.

   http://www.period-homes.com/902.htm

2. 
   Ricks503 | Sep 20, 2005 04:19pm | #2

   No info in your profile on where you hail from, but you might look in your area for any blacksmith or wrought iron fabricators in your area and maybe work with them on a design you like that they can make.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
3. 
   BenM | Sep 20, 2005 11:55pm | #3

   Try Issue 74 of American Woodworker.  This is an article on hammering hinges, etc for Stickley/Mission/Arts and Crafts type furniture.