Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3, Metalwork. Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design. This is part 2 of making the bracelet links for the Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet.
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3
by Judy Larson
  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Filing / Finishing, Hole Punching, Texturing, Butane Torch Techniques, Design
  • Skill Level: Beginner
This is part 2 of making the bracelet links for the Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet. If you haven't done part 1, go back and start there.

Materials

18 Gauge Half Round Half Hard Copper Wire
H11-18HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.63
  • Gold Club Price: $0.47
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16 Gauge Round Half Hard Copper Wire
H11-16H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $1.26
  • Gold Club Price: $0.94
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Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
  • G15-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $116.97
  • Gold Club Price: $87.73
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3rd Hand Clamp with 4.5 Inch Tweezer
SOL-524.00
  • SOL-524.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.90
  • Gold Club Price: $12.68
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6 Inch Precision Diamond Hobby Tweezers
G10-25
  • G10-25
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.57
  • Gold Club Price: $3.43
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Copper Solder Paste, 1/2 ozt, Soft
SOL-824.10
  • SOL-824.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand
HAM-520.70
  • HAM-520.70
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $140.54
  • Gold Club Price: $105.40
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Euro Tool Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8 Millimeters
PLR-133.50
  • PLR-133.50
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.98
  • Gold Club Price: $8.98
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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1
G17-10
  • G17-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.95
  • Gold Club Price: $16.46
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5/8 Inch Double Rubber/Nylon Head Hammer - Pack of 1
G3-26
  • G3-26
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
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Multi Angle Cutting Jig
VIS-512.00
  • VIS-512.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $84.95
  • Gold Club Price: $63.71
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Soldering Tripod
SOL-730.00
  • SOL-730.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.95
  • Gold Club Price: $10.46
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Instructions
Step 1:
PREPARING THE BRACELET LINK PIECES-Part 2
Each of these bracelets will be a reflection of you. Use letter stamps of your initials as a Makers' Mark on the back of at least one link for each bracelet. Consider stamping the back of all the toggles to make sure your Makers Mark will be on very bracelet.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - PREPARING THE BRACELET LINK PIECES-Part 2, Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 2
It is not necessary to clean up the link edges until each link is finished. However, since the surface needs to be clean to have a good solder join between the link and embellishments, lightly sand both front and back of each link and washer. After brushing off the sanding dust, wipe the side to be soldered with an alcohol pad to remove oils. Try not to touch the surface after that.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 3
Hold a 20 gauge 2mm ID jump ring with a pair of #3 tweezers. Place a small amount of past solder inside the jump ring. Place the jump ring down onto a corner of a textured link. Repeat for all corners. Repeat for all links in all the sizes.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 4
To make a basic copper "O" ring link, place small dots of paste solder around one side of a copper washer. Center the washer over the hole in the "O" ring toggle link, solder side down. Add jump rings on the two corners in the same manner as for the plain links. Repeat for all the toggle "O" ring sections.
Several of the bracelet designs use brass washers instead of copper so you may wish to wait to attach a washer during bracelet construction. Many different design options will work with this toggle shape.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 5
One-inch-long T-bars can be made with one or two layers. They can be stamped or hammered. The design possibilities are endless. Even heavier narrow base metal pattern wire can be used as a decorative T-bar.

Place the solder on the wider base piece and add the decorative elements on top. When adding extra decorative pieces, it may be easier to make them too long, solder them in place, and cut the excess off afterwards.
For single layer metal strip T-bars, use a Mini TruStrike Designer/Texture Hammer to texture the edges of the strip. For the basic two-layer T-bar, use a Mini TruStrike Sharp Texture Hammer to texture an 1/8" wide added metal strip after it is soldered on. After making a T-bar base, round the ends and file and refine so there are no sharp edges.
Several of the bracelet designs have unique T-bar designs so you may wish to wait to attach embellishments during bracelet construction.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 6
Place all the pieces on a firing surface. There will be soldering smoke, so take proper precautions. At the very least, wear a mask, set up solder fume extractor, and have a fire extinguisher handy. Use a torch head on a butane canister for soldering. Heat around the outside of one piece at a time until you see a flash of silver when the solder flows. Immediately remove the heat and move to the next piece. Continue until all are done. Wait for the pieces to cool naturally before moving on to another set of links.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 7
Pickle, rinse, and dry all the links. Note: Since these pieces are all copper, it is not necessary to use super pickle for this step.
Step 8
Use a soft steel or brass brush to burnish both sides of each of the pieces. If a jump ring pops off, resolder it onto the link, pickle, rinse and dry the link as before.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 9
The links are most likely no longer as flat as they could be. Check how flat each is by placing the link on a bench block. Press the link into the block with your fingers. Use soft jaw pliers to flatten each piece further, if needed.
Step 10
Punch a hole inside each of the jump rings using a 1.8mm hole punch. Save all those little punches. Place them right side up on a bench block and lightly hammer each a few times. They make great embellishments on the bracelets. And bonus, most of them have solder on the back of them from solder flowing inside the jump ring. Most of them could attach during the next soldering without the use of more solder.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 11
Make sure all the pieces for each bracelet are separated in resealable plastic bags. Remember, there is one set of links that will be missing a toggle section. Those links can be used to replace "goofs", make extra links of a particular design, or to add your own designs to.
Step 12
Place the "O" ring toggle link on a bench block. Dividing the washer into fosur quadrants with an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie makes it easier to use the Mini TruStrike Sharp Designer Hammer to hammer even lines that radiating out from center.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 13:
How to Finish a Basic T-bar:
Using 18 gauge or 16 gauge copper wire to bend "U" shapes on the smallest step of a 6-step plier, which is approximately 2.5mm in diameter. Don't worry about the length. Copper is cheap so cutting off a bit later is no problem. Use an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie to mark each 3/16" long.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - How to Finish a Basic T-bar:, Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - How to Finish a Basic T-bar:, Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 14
Place a "U" shape in the 90-degree section of the miter jig and vise making sure the marked lines just barely show. Tighten the jig to hold the "U" in place. Use a flush cutter to trim off the excess wire. Use a file to flatten the cut wire ends
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 15
After the front of the T-bar has been embellished, the loop can be added. All the T-bars have a loop attached to the back in the same manner.

Use a regular Sharpie to mark the center of the back of the T-bar. Place the loop next to the bar and mark the bar outside where the loop will sit. For some reason, the copper solder does not like to flow over Sharpie marker-it will but it doesn't like to.
Push the embellished front of the T-bar down into a magnesia soldering block to hold it level. Place a small amount of paste solder on either side of the center line. Heat around the outside of the T-bar until the solder flows. Immediately remove the heat. Allow the T-bar to cool on the soldering block.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 16
Use the third hand tweezers to hold the loop in place, centered on the flowed solder on the back of the T-bar. Heat around the T-bar, avoiding the loop, until the solder flows up and around the cut ends of the loop. Allow to cool a bit before removing the tweezers of the third hand.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 3 - , Metalwork, Filing, Finishing, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Design, mixed metal sampler bracelet
Step 17
Pickle, rinse, and dry all the T-bars. Any T-bars constructed using mixed metals should be pickled in super pickle.
Step 18
Use a soft steel or brass brush to burnish the T-bars.