I had a number of discs already etched so I thought tonight (being almost 73 degrees) I ventured to the studio to do a little clean up and fire up the kiln to do a batch of the Etched Zentangle pendants that needed Firepolishing
after firepolishing I left them to cool down and I'll pull them out tomorrow and put the 2nd batch in
of course I still have a bunch of sheets to cut up and fire
A huge storm was brewing outside - black clouds and the wind had picked up
was beautiful just before the storm - warmer outside than inside - I even opened the door so the warm air would warm the studio
Torrential downpour ensued but I was actually nice and warm and dry
TV on for noise- counters clean and kiln firing
I decided to do the copper
I pulled out my disc cutter - I particularly love this one as it has a see through top and makes it easier (so I think) to see through when I line up the holes
to center the hole I made a template and then made an outline on the copper
Placed it on top
used a felt tip to outline
center in appropriate hole
coat end in some bur life - this is to help lubricate it - makes it easier to punch if less side resistance 
carefully place as not to displace your disc (you can usually tighten down the die but I was lazy)
Use a hammer with some force
you will end up with a nice little round piece you can use as a bead end or another connector 
and my little collection of finished discs
next I'll have to find beads or stones I want to highlight - might have to make some
There are large hole disc cutters where you can cut the center hole first
then using positioning dies 
(I have these but did not use ) center that hole in the larger punch
Rio Grande has a selection
you can get square punches and heart punches as well
No comments:
Post a Comment