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Drilling on Curved Metal

by Susan LeGuyader
In the studio today, I had hoops on my mind. I used copper sheet metal for the hoop, instead of wire, wanting the width and flatness.
Instructions
I cut out the metal, textured it and formed it. After I was satisfied with the shape of the hoop, I using forming pliers and a dowel... it was time to add the holes in which I would add some dangles.

During the forming of the hoops, I used a dapping punch set up in the vise to curve the edges of the copper inwards.
What I found was I could not use a hole punch pliers to get what I needed and where.
I looked at my 4-hole metal punch, which would not work either.

I did not have space with either tool to accommodate the curve I had added to the metal.
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, hole punch
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, hole punch
Second issue: I couldn't lay the hoop on a piece of wood and fit my flex shaft handpiece inside the hoop to drill the holes I needed.

Just as I was about to lose patience, worried I'd messed up the order of operations and had to start over, I spotted a 1" round wooden dowel on my table.
I still had my small vise set up from forming the hoops, so I clamped the dowel in it and it worked perfectly!

I had already marked the copper where I wanted to drill the holes.
To make certain that the drill bit did not skip around and mar the metal, I added a tiny divot to the metal.
I used a #67 (.81mm for 20g wire) drill bit and carefully drilled the holes I needed.

Being able to access the hoop from the bottom worked like a dream and was very safe.
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, dowel in a vise
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, making a divet
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, drilling a hole
After the drilling was done, I used an abrasive wheel to take the burrs left from drilling out (Photo 4), leaving the metal smooth and ready for patina, dangles and ear wires.
Hope this helps with your next hoop project!
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, abrasive wheel
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, hoop earrings

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Bench Vise, 2 Inch Jaws
VIS-204.20
  • VIS-204.20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.95
  • Gold Club Price: $10.46
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Eurotool Flex Shaft System 1/6 Horsepower with Reversible Motor
HDP-180.00
  • HDP-180.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $169.95
  • Gold Club Price: $127.46
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20 pc. 61-80 Small Gauge Drill Bits
G26-60
  • G26-60
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
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Wooden dowel needed size
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Auto Center Punch
PUN-430.00
  • PUN-430.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.97
  • Gold Club Price: $6.73
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Optional Tools
DELUXE 4 HOLE METAL PUNCH
PUN-420.04
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $64.95
  • Gold Club Price: $48.71
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Euro Corner Punch Plier 1.50mm
PLR-133.80
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $22.95
  • Gold Club Price: $17.21
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  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Drilling

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