Forging buckles

[BillinOregon]

Any smiths here who forge their own? (I'll bet old Mikey would jump in here if he was still with us.)
I was thinking of using a length of 1/4-inch with the middle section drawn thinner, then bending the stock into a figure 8, but squared up, then flattening the edges and forge-welding to close.
Another way would be to flatten some stock, then drift two holes and work from there.
Must be easier ways.

 

[BrownBear]

I'm not a smith, but I watched an old timer make some buckles using your first method. He made it look fast and easy.

 

[blacksmithman64]

I take some 1/4" round and form the frame, weld the ends and shape to either square or round, then drill 1/8" holes thru the top and halfway thru the bottom and run a piece of 1/8" wire in for the center bar, then close the holes and dress it up.

 

[BillinOregon]

Thanks guys. Stumblin Wolf: Did you originate the method you use, or does it go back in time?

 

[blacksmithman64]

I bought a couple H&B Forge buckles years ago when I was a greenhorn, I just kinda copied 'em the best I could! I really don't know if they're PC or not,but they look the part!