Forging Copper Wire
Question:
I shaped a choker wire from 14g dead soft round copper wire. What's the best way to harden it so the choker retains its shape?
I shaped a choker wire from 14g dead soft round copper wire. What's the best way to harden it so the choker retains its shape?
Instructions
Answer:
That's a fantastic and hands-on way to strengthen your copper wire! Forging not only hardens the metal but also gives you creative freedom to add texture and subtle shaping. Using a chasing hammer or ball peen hammer on a sturdy bench block really lets you control how the metal responds whether it's flattening for dimension or adding a beautiful textured finish.
Starting with a 3-5 inch scrap is perfect for practice you get to see how the wire reacts without wasting much material, and those little pieces can become unique earrings or accents later on.
Have you tried adding texture with the ball peen side yet? It can really elevate simple pieces with just a few hammered dimples or patterns!
The project on DVD #4 of the new Intermediate DVD series, introduces forging with a really cool Cuff Bracelet.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
That's a fantastic and hands-on way to strengthen your copper wire! Forging not only hardens the metal but also gives you creative freedom to add texture and subtle shaping. Using a chasing hammer or ball peen hammer on a sturdy bench block really lets you control how the metal responds whether it's flattening for dimension or adding a beautiful textured finish.
Starting with a 3-5 inch scrap is perfect for practice you get to see how the wire reacts without wasting much material, and those little pieces can become unique earrings or accents later on.
Have you tried adding texture with the ball peen side yet? It can really elevate simple pieces with just a few hammered dimples or patterns!
The project on DVD #4 of the new Intermediate DVD series, introduces forging with a really cool Cuff Bracelet.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
14 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-14D
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $2.35
- Gold Club Price: $1.76
Tools
Flat Face Chasing Hammer with Wood Handle - Economy
G3-14
- G3-14
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $11.57
- Gold Club Price: $8.68
Intermediate Series - Part 4
DVD-INT4
- DVD-INT4
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $39.95
- Gold Club Price: $29.96
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
- DAP-500.30
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $29.95
- Gold Club Price: $22.46
6 1/2 Inch Solid Stainless Steel Ball Peen Hammer
G3-18
- G3-18
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $5.97
- Gold Club Price: $4.48
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Forging
Dale Armstrong
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