Excellent Geoff, I'd like to see some images when you are ready to show off :-)
The main point is that using these raw materials is that it's cheap and it works.
Normally to do a maiden hair or a star pattern you are required to do a minimum of 200 layers (that's minimum). You do your folds square up twist the billet loose for a star pattern, tight for a maiden hair. With layering the billet in a square nail, washer, washer nail, welding and twisting this billet will give you the same effect as the previous method (in theory, I've had a little too much on to get back to the shed to prove this:-( ), as the more you twist the thinner the metal bands of colour get.
You've done this with two pieces of metal. Do try a larger billet, you'll have more metal to play with.
Another thing to note is that some people like to scarf their metal... a round nail is perfectly scarfed ;-)
The difference that you noted could be a little carbon migration, or it could be a bit of chrome from the nail (if the nail has chrome in it). Regardless, if the weld is good it will make an interesting highlight.
Your wife wants something... hmmm, maybe your hobbies are very useful after all ;-) Time to buy some equipment ;-)
Spring steel and a saw blade will make a nice pattern, although L6 plus a black spring washers also make a nice subtle contrast.
I've sent you an example off list.
Regards Charles
Geoff wrote: