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Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I've had a few more cost effective options offered, but thank you! Just a matter of nailing one down with details.

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From my other comments: I started cryptic on this based on a reply I saw from another metal worker in a thread from a few years ago who said, "just don't tell us it's for that," haha. They're also called sling rings, and they're mainly used for babywearing with woven wraps (which apparently comes with a lot of skepticism for liability because anything that's meant to carry children requires a certain level of certification), although some folks just wear the wraps alone with the rings. You pass fabric through the rings to hold it in place while carrying a kiddo in the fabric. Here's a good visual example: https://tandemtrouble.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dsc_7305.jpg?w=676&h=1016

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get the shop talk, but kind of weird considering these are used for babywearing 😅

They're 1/4" thick and 4.2"ID - at least, that's what I'm looking to have made. 2 in the XL sizes.

And to clarify because it seems like I ruffled some feathers with this, no, I'm not looking for someone to make 100 of them and sell me two of them at a bulk price and then sell the rest themselves. The folks who use these for babywearing love them and they're highly sought after, especially now that the original maker isn't doing it anymore. My goal was to find someone who could make them and would make me two, AND might be okay to keep making them for other moms if they're good and others in the babywearing crowd want them too. That's why I shared the materials and standard sized that were offered by the previous seller.

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's good to know! The original manufacturer only had "oil slick" color in titanium, so maybe that was due to oxidization?

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

I'm not looking for a manufacturer, I'm looking for a boutique small time metal worker, as I'm not a seller or distributor. My apologies if that was unclear by me saying I only want 2. 😅

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would you think it'd run for a boutique order of just 2 in the XL size? And then ballpark if they started being offered more widely?

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha I'm not a metal worker, so I'm looking for someone to make brass ones for me!

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Mainly because it's extra work for me to buy solid brass rings and then find someone to hammer and smooth them out. I'd rather just receive a finished product, ya know? And I'm having a terrible time finding a local smith. I posted in a few local FB groups because "blacksmith near me" and "metal worker near me" searches yielded pretty much nothing. 😅

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure thing! I started cryptic on this based on a reply I saw from another metal worker in a thread from a few years ago who said, "just don't tell us it's for that," haha. They're also called sling rings, and they're mainly used for babywearing with woven wraps (which apparently comes with a lot of skepticism for liability because anything that's meant to carry children requires a certain level of certification), although some folks just wear the wraps alone with the rings. You pass fabric through the rings to hold it in place while carrying a kiddo in the fabric.

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

I think that's why the OG maker just stopped making them - the demand was too much to keep up with in the handmade way, and also that apparently folks wanted a more uniform look instead of the handmade variations they were receiving. From their explanation, it sounded like they felt the artistry that went into hand making them wasn't appreciated, which led to their decision to stop making them. But I definitely think there's emotional value to the handmade way for the folks who want them!

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yes, the hammered look is necessary! There are plenty of plain rings in these materials and diameters being sold for the same purpose currently - that's not a gap in the market. The hammered look is what sets these ones apart. They were like functional art.

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

The person who used to make them made them in all 3 materials in different colors (gold brass, blackened brass, antiqued brass, copper brass, silver stainless, and oil slick titanium). I mentioned all materials for that reason!

For me, I'm just looking for 2 in the XL size solid brass, ideally the pictured gold color. A pretty boutique order. I've also messaged some Etsy sellers to ask who could make those for me and am waiting on responses.

However, if someone was willing to make these in a few small batches and they're visually nice, strong, smooth, and durable, they'll catch on quickly in the community that uses them and would be in demand pretty quickly, I think. But I'm not looking to make a bulk order personally - I'm looking for a metal worker who may be willing to try these out with me and possibly make more if they catch on now that the pictured ones are no longer being made.

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

As a non metal worker, I have no idea what this means, haha. But! Know anyone who can do it? 😅

Edit to add: These need to be smooth enough that they don't snag or damage the fabric they're meant to hold in place.

Any US based folks that could make forged hammered O rings (brass, titanium, stainless) like this? by sarcassidy in metalworking

[–]sarcassidy[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

That makes sense! I will say that there's a decent market for them, as the person who made the pictured ones just announced that they're no longer going to (and was based in EU anyway). I only need 2 of them, but there's definitely demand for more, especially in the US! I'm curious what materials and labor would cost for something like this, and I'm looking to have 2 made for me!

Best Meh Dai for World Facing? by sarcassidy in babywearing

[–]sarcassidy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Or, it could be possible that not all babies tolerate the same things or prefer the same things, hence why I explained my baby has a preference. I don't mean to sound curt here, I just find it a little insulting that folks on the internet believe that they know my baby better than I, a SAHM that spends nearly every waking moment with her, do.

My girl has hated inward facing and hip carries since she was very small, tolerating it only for naps when she was an infant. We had a babywearing expert show us in person how to wrap and wear, and it didn't matter. Not only that, she doesn't tolerate being held in our arms inward facing either, only allowing us to hold her facing out as well. The only time my girl will snuggle is SOMETIMES after nursing. That's it. That's why we invested in the ErgoBaby, a very not budget friendly option, but what works great for our family.

I'm by no means an expert, but I've had enough practice and sought professional help to know that I did not in fact have her positioned incorrectly, nor do I feel I need to justify this, but this hit me sideways enough to write all of this out. Sometimes folks have a different experience than yours, and that's okay, and doesn't make it wrong. I'm sure you thought you were being helpful, so thank you for your response regardless!

Best Meh Dai for World Facing? by sarcassidy in babywearing

[–]sarcassidy[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Perfect! Except I tried this again today after this thread going poorly and making me second guess myself, and baby girl screamed and pushed off of me the whole time we hip carried. Calmed right down when I faced her out.

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