Fold Formed Cuffs

Having access to a torch once again, I am so happy to be working on new copper cuffs.

A sheet of copper that was a construction project leftover had been given to me last year (contractor friends are awesome!), and like my copper wire tornado, I frequently cut off sections for new projects.

To make cuffs, I cut sections that are approximately 6" x 1 1/2".

This is when a torch comes in handy.

I annealed the copper, folded it and hammered away.

Then I annealed the copper, opened the folds and hammered away.

Then I annealed the copper, folded it and hammered away.

Then I annealed....you get the point.

Fold forming metal that is a gauge suitable for a cuff can only be done with a torch. 

After repeated annealing/folding/hammering steps and adding various textures with steel stamps and dapping punches, a few of the copper strips were ready for shaping.

For cuffs, I like to use my round, stepped, cast iron mandrel.

Once I had a shape that looked balanced and felt comfortable, I developed a patina using liver of sulfur.

A fine grit sanding block was used on the surface to highlight some of the details.