DIY Copper Shaping

Copper shaping ranges from jewelry making to sculpture.

As a softer alloy than steel, copper is relatively easy to bend and shape any way you want. All you need are the right tools. Metal shaping hammers are essential, as well as dies similar to those used by auto collision technicians. However, have an abundance of different-shaped dies on hand so that you can shape plate or billet copper as well as copper wire.

Things You'll Need

• Metalworking hammers
• Metalworking dollies
• Various sized metal pipes

Instructions

1. Practice shaping the copper to the shape you want, using a piece of scrap copper, so you know how the metal will react when you try to shape it.

2. Position the die on a solid work surface where it won't move around when you strike it with the hammer. Choose a die that most nearly matches the shape that you want to accomplish with the copper. If you're shaping copper wire into a coil, you don't need a hammer. Simply wrap the copper around a die such as a pencil or one of the pipe dies.

3. Strike the copper with the metalworking hammer directly on the spot that touches the die. On a concave die surface, strike the copper in the middle to form it to the die.

4. Inspect the copper to ensure that it has bent satisfactorily. If not, place it into the die again and continue working the copper with the hammer until it reaches the shape you want.

References

• "Home and Garden Metalcrafts"; Jana Ewy; 2003
• "Metalwork for Craftsmen"; Emil Kronquist; 1972
• "Complete Metalsmith: Professional Edition"; Tim McCreight; 2004