Anyone Can Try this Cool Technique with Just a Few Simple Tools

[@wroughtiron9224]

"But I'm learning and I'll know for next time." That sentence and the mentality behind it are exactly why I like Pask's videos so much. I don't have space for a shop at the moment, but getting to see someone learn and struggle through keeps my hopes up that I can get into all kinds of wood/metal working someday. Great piece you made!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much - glad it helps! :)

[@rhoula]

This is why I respect this guy more than any other maker.

[@fdort3971]

I totally agree!

[@Flying0Dismount]

From experience- anneal more often and if you are using copper and make a hole, copper phosphorus brazing rod is the ideal patch material and doesn't even need flux on copper (it is usually used to repair holes in copper refrigeration lines in HVAC). Also, don't bother quenching the copper after you've heated it red hot, just let it cool naturally for a few minutes and while still hot but not enough to burn the pitch, just press it back into the pitch and it will melt and flow into the shape. Saves a lot of time vs. cooling, melting new pitch, etc...

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks for that, awesome tips! :)

[@robertflanagan1654]

Nah

[@hexadecimil]

Yeah. Copper is not too hard to work with because, quench or no quench it will get soft. Aluminum is opposite from steel. Quenching it makes it soft. Slow cooling makes it hard. Brass is like copper, but MUST be worked cold It it will break.

[@williamlott7612]

Great job Pask, great job. I am impressed that you are willing to try just about anything. Darlington, South Carolina USA

[@urituchmanpigeon]

Mind blowing, my mind is blown! I guess the process of repousse is one of those things that it looks terrible until it doesn't😅. Inspiring stuff!

[@davidblake1663]

Uri, the world needs an upside down repousse pigeon.

[@droppedpasta]

Surprised you haven’t given it a go, seems engraving adjacent

[@Victoria-jo3wr]

I would love to see your spin on something like this Uri! :) you're so good with delicate work like this!

[@reginalawson3438]

I was also super impressed with the finished product here. Loads of work but a true one of a kind. The bees was was a total surprise it really brought out the texture. Floating frame also fab. Thanks for sharing ;)

[@Rouverius]

Wow, great to see you here. Yeah, this video was reminding me of your channel.

[@zacharykostelansky4830]

Pask, I saw you’re guitar video a few months back, shortly after my cat passed away from old age, that video inspired me to make him a grave marker using this same technique. Thank you for showing this!!!

[@aeynosarturii8053]

Ihave said it before, I believe Neil is the purest example of what I would call an true artisan or craftsman. So many techniques are shown along with the ups and downs of learning new things. You really do make things approachable and surmountable through problem solving, creativity, and persistence. I love your adventures you take us on.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks you very much Aeons - glad you enjoy the videos with the ups and the downs! :)

[@JoshWrightWoodworking]

That final step of turning the copper black and highlighting with steel wool really brought the peice to life. Nice work as always!

[@PaskMakes]

It really does finish it off nicely Josh! :)

[@tinkeringinthailand8147]

When I was 20 I met a guy, in the engineering company I worked for, who would do this in tobacco tins using spoon handles. His work was really detailed, he was an artist in his own right. I Love this technique and the results.

[@PaskMakes]

That sounds amazing, would love to see one! :)

[@corinkayaker]

This is why you are the best maker on KZbin. No fear of doing something fnew

[@PaskMakes]

I don't know about that mate but thanks very much! :)

[@larrybud]

Exactly!

[@mattc1740]

Waiting for that wall to start coming alive with all those gears on the wall! I’ve wanted to do this to make weathervane’s. Awesome work, congratulations!

[@PaskMakes]

Repousse/metal chasing has been on my list of techniques to try for a very long time, I have another project coming up where I want to use it so I'm trying it out here first. Part way through I really didn't think this was going to come together but I kept at it and in the end I'm super happy with it! To bid for the finished piece and support Movember, click this link here www.ebay.com.au/itm/144816863585 To donate to my Movember Page head to movember.com/m/14779327?mc=1

[@smsucks7174]

Very creative. Worthwhile result 👍🏻

[@mikkomannemanne]

I'm not sure if it's something you'd aspire to do, but it would be interesting to see all these various techniques you've learned and showcased combined in a larger project. The kayak videos were great and I enjoyed them thoroughly, but I'm sure you'd be apply some of these neat metalworking moves to add interesting detail to a piece of furniture or something. Thanks for the upload!

[@dgoss1337]

What marker are you using?

[@eggsoups]

There are homemade chaser’s pitch recipes out there. Most are based on roofing tar mixed with pumice powder or plaster of paris, linseed oil and turps. For softer metals there are recipes based on beeswax with pumice or plaster of paris 👍

[@ianboreham454]

Fantastic work as always! You're a real inspiration. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@frattman]

Your videos are lessons in persistence, and not letting perfect be the enemy of good. You help show us that the process and the learning are at least equal to the finished product. How often do we scream at ourselves for our mistakes in the shop -instead I want your calm voice in my head saying 'no worries mate'

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! I don't what it is but I generally feel in most cases there's a way to continue when something doesn't quite go to plan! :)

[@jimphubar]

I'd like to ecco the comments about how helpful and soothing it is to watch your videos and learn from your openness to try and your tenacity. Last week I started to attempt a copper wolf head keyring for my nephew (8yrs), he's a really great kid with some confidence issues. I was an apprentice jeweller for a year a very long time ago but never tried repousse before. I got really disheartened after a few hours and my resolve drained quickly, it's been 'staring' at me from across the room since. You have inspired me, not for the first time, to continue. I'm not so concerned with the result but I want him to know that I will always be there to support him. The card will read: "As long as you try you've won." Thank you sincerely Neil, Cath and family. Jay.

[@PaskMakes]

I was definitely at that stage with this one Jay. It wasn't just talk for the camera, I really was very close to giving up with it. I reckon it's one of those processes that just comes together at the end and I'm sure your nephew will love it whatever! :)

[@jimphubar]

@@PaskMakes 👍

[@ragnkja]

Remember: most forms of art have an “ugly stage” in the creation process, so when you hit that stage in a project you’ve really just got to keep going and trust the process.

[@jimphubar]

@@ragnkja You're so right. Thanks for the encouragement. I am forging on. Jay.

[@pabrowncoatbrewer7154]

I have to say that there are important life lessons that younger craftsmen that are just starting out should learn. You show your shortcomings and, more importantly, your persistence to move forward. I absolutely love that about your videos. Even though I’m older it’s still important for me to see someone else have the same frustrations and keep going.

[@smylingsnake]

There's a pitch recipe used in Japanese embossing that you might try. It uses pine rosin/colophony (750 g), plaster of paris (1000 grams), vegetable oil (50g), and some carbon black for pigment (1tsp). Melt the rosin and gradually add the plaster. Add the pigment when half the plaster has been mixed in, and the vegetable oil at the 2/3 mark, the pour into a container and cool. (Whether you can find colophony for less than the price of the actual pitch, I don't know). Loving all of your videos, mate!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! Sounds great and I'll look into it for sure! :)

[@raven_of_zoso455]

Wow, I am going to save this recipe and maybe give it a go. Thanks for sharing!

[@ericmorriscompany9648]

That is a really cool piece. I’ve done lots of chiseling on brass castings and forged parts, but never repousse. I do have to say that you would benefit from a dedicated chasing hammer. 120 grams or so. A 30mm diameter face that is totally flat as opposed to having a dome. It makes a huge difference. The hammers I make I use 1045 steel. I use pear wood for the handles and make them super thin. 7-8mm in diameter at the thinnest point and a bulbous end. It makes the work less tiring and you have more control. I keep my tools at about 100mm in length. Longer for larger tools and shorter for really small tools. I found that if you go really short on a large diameter tool the chance of whacking your knuckle increases. Great work. I have a few videos of chasing that you can check out too. 😊

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Eric! I do plan on making a chasing hammer, it would be a fun little project on its own. I just need to find the time to get to it. btw I whacked my knuckles a few times too while making this piece. :)

[@snafu2350]

Yup: a planishing hammer (as used in eg custom/old vehicle restorer panelbeaters) has a /slightly/ domed wide head to provide suitable curvature over large panels, but a scaled down version would be ideal - much better than the standard hemispherical ball end of a ball-peen hammer (designed for riveters working in shipbuilding or similar large/heavy-plate construction). Handle length is ofc dependent on intended use, but for general work your rule of thumb works well :) I'd add that a 'light' pin hammer may also be useful: the thin 'wedge' (designed to tack pins/brads into delicate woodwork/window corner mouldings without marring the surface/breaking the glass) could be used for corners & similar awkward angles, esp if you can increase the head weight without upsetting the balance. Most metalwork finishing works best IME if done with fewer light taps from a heavy tool, & I find hand control is much better with a heavier tool than light, prolly due to its inertia: heavier hand tool == less hand wobble

[@samanthadean1083]

Awesome job!!! Very cool art!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@stella.r2708]

Every artist's bane... the "ugly" stage that takes will power to push through. Well done, sir.

[@derekpask3633]

Old car battery pitch works very well, and turn corners down on your work piece to stop side movement. Flying OD's comments are spot on too.

[@imploration]

Steel box/tray build vid, yes please!!! As usual, really enjoyed the video!

[@woodywood1951]

As you said: anyone can try, but only a few will be able to really do it!!! Excellent job, and a pretty good video...

[@cypok495]

ты Великий Мастер! спасибо за твои видео! с Уважением из Сибири!

[@robcoyle5011]

Fantastic! Your video has, after decades of thinking about it, finally given me the courage to try copper tooling a whale that I’ve always dreamed of making! Your vids are the best!

[@RonaldJS]

Impressive. The Statue of Liberty is made with copper repousse sheets over an iron frame.

[@54mgtf22]

I did this at school 50 years ago. We made a timber blank and worked the copper into that. Love your work 👍

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Every time I open one of your videos, I am delighted by what I see. Neil, you are such a wonderful artist. You sculpt in wood, metal & other materials and create some of the loveliest pieces I've seen. I also love that you're willing to show when things don't go perfectly. Thank you.

[@PaskMakes]

I don't know what to say Vickie but very happy you enjoy the videos! I just enjoy being creative and glad it shows! :)

[@ifiwooddesigns]

You have the patience of a saint. I couldn’t do most of the time intensive stuff you do. It looks amazing!!! Absolutely priceless! Keep up the great work.

[@699hazard]

Love your work Neil! Yes I'd like to see a video of building trays/boxes

[@caseymclennan7773]

Your patience is inspiring.

Would love to see the metal boxes/trays building. Excelent work!

[@alfastur6833]

Me too.

[@elainecraig3132]

Me three!

[@JamieBainbridge]

World patience champion 2022. Your projects usually take a lot of work but this one was just... wow.

[@larrybud]

Alright, Saturday, new Pask!!! Finally a use for the 37 1/8" allen wrenches I have! 3:40, what you might also want to try if you have a laser printer is a "toner transfer" method that we use when making PCBs. Draw your design on the computer, mirror it, print it on thin magazine paper, and iron it onto the copper. The toner melts, sticks to the copper, and the thin magazine paper can easily be soaked/washed away, leaving only the toner on the copper.

[@lox1ey176]

Thanks for reminding me about the transfer method for PCBs. Its been about 20 years since I've made any circuit boards in college so this brought back a few memories. I think i might still have some etch resist transfer sheets in a box somewhere.

[@larrybud]

@@lox1ey176 I started getting back into electronics last winter, programming microcontrollers, etc, and made a few. Works great, and I found the thin magazine pages work better than the transfer sheets (plus they're essentially free!)

[@Dark4nimator]

Just found the channel and enjoying what I am seeing. A trick for making a pitch bowl that will keep your costs down is fill half to two thirds of the bowl with concrete and then pour the melted pitch on top of that.

[@honeybadgerisme]

Wow! My art teacher had us do this with different tools and then also with leather. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for showing how to make the tools!!

[@juneritchie2498]

Very impressive!! Thanks for sharing your dedication and the rewards for sticking with it through the learning process to have such a lovely outcome.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much June! I really did enjoy this one, I think I might have found my new favourite thing! :)

[@plainnpretty]

It turned out beautiful

[@jt9498]

That's pretty cool. My father made one of an indian chief head about 60 years ago. I still have it.

[@Vikingwerk]

I am continually amazed at the wide range of skills you are able to master in such short order! Beautiful work!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Jared! :)

[@jpfuse]

You sure do "reckon" a lot....😀 You ability to so quickly nearly master a new skill is impressive. You bag of skills is getting quite large. That piece came out amazing. You have a bit of artist in you as well as all your handyman skills.

[@russtuff]

Great result! I'm interested in the box too.

[@rhoula]

I want you to know that I have a lot of respect for you as a diyer. I watch hundreds of videos a week and I love it when I get a notification that you made a new video. I have watched your videos over and over again and again. Your skills are unbelievable. I have shared some of your videos with many of my friends online and at work. Please, Please, continue doing what you do best. Thank you so much for taking the time to share, if I could afford it I would be one of your top supporters on Patreon. Meanwhile I will continue to watch your videos over and over again. 👍

[@slommer5063]

Well done Pask! Note: Here's another recipe for your pitch: 7 parts pitch (pine pitch or roofers pitch will do), 10 parts pumice, 1 part linseed oil (adjust linseed oil to achieve desired pitch temper).

[@dan.w.hoover2556]

Super cool! A video on how you made the metal trays would be awesome, please. Thank you!

[@ianharrison9729]

In the past I have repaired damaged copper sheet using TIG welding. Its surprisingly easy to weld using this technique.

[@HazItMade]

VERY SHARP, sir! WOWZER!!! I LOVE watching you take on a project that requires skills you don't have when you start. It's very inspiring! I can't offer any advice, but will simply say, well done, Pask! Well done indeed.

[@BoomerKeith1]

First, let me say how great it is that you chose to dive into this and teach yourself a new skill. As for alternatives to backing, in some cases (typically for smaller pieces) paraffin is a really good alternative. Keep in mind that if it's a piece you need to anneal, it won't work. I've also used a homemade sand/clay blend (with a consistency similar to that of petrobond). It's a cheap alternative to the pitch. Really enjoyed this one!

[@tmyzmym]

Thank you. Awesome awesome. Your teaching skills & crafting is amazing that i used to watch you vids over and over again.

[@willtron4327]

This is a great representation of "trust the process". The result is simply outstanding!

[@BrockGrimes]

I learned tin punch as a kid and metal shaping from old gearheads. Nice work on this. This kinda stuff can be very relaxing as it focuses your mind and clears it of intrusive thought.

[@davebauerart]

Very nice work and persistence with that tricky design.

[@c.a.g.1977]

Halfway through I was doubting this would come out half decent, but knowing Neil I should have known better... it came out awesome! Never heard nor seen this technique before. Interesting stuff!

[@alexbowser9801]

Re: pitch alternatives.When I was a school student we used a mixture of fine sand and bitumen. For thinner metal and/or fine details you can try to use led block.

[@docinparadise]

This looks like something I would love to learn. I think my mister would (at the very least) roll his eyes that I would collect even more tools and such to start yet another hobby.😜 For now I will continue my most recent love (woodcarving/whittling) until I have completely lost interest. But I vicariously experienced the joy of this project with you, and for than I’m sure my mister is very grateful 💕

[@tracybowling1156]

In high school we used saw dust to keep the raised pieces from caving in. We just glued it in there. That was so many years ago and it was probably thinner metal.

[@matthewmarting3623]

Staggeringly good for your second time. You might be interested in Ford Hallam.. He’s the foremost western expert on Japanese metal work (including chasing) but also does a style of engraving where you basically carve metal with a chisel as if it were wood - not just line engraving. It’s wild.

[@lynxg4641]

Well Neil, you've added another skill to your toolbox and it definitely seems right up your alley. The design you did turned out excellent, anyone would be proud to own and display that, but if it were me, I'd not be able to part with it as my first piece.

[@ianvicedomini2648]

Every video you post is always intriguing and when the finished article is shown, I'm in awe of the experience you show throughout every video Neil and this one has been just the same. Incredible work and always worth the wait for the next one mate 👍🏼👍🏼

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Ian! Glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for all your comments! :)

[@chunkymurps]

The finished result looks much better than i was expecting, but god damn that's a lot of work.

[@astral276]

Absolutely amazing result that you should be (justifiably) immensely proud of. You certainly didn't make it easy on yourself in your choice of design for a first full project using the technique but pulled it off brilliantly. I would never have the patience to do such a thing but have nothing but admiration for those who do. What you will produce when you reach a level where you consider yourself 'good at it' can only be eagerly anticipated.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much - even though it does require patience, for some reason that makes me enjoy it more! I'm probably a little strange! :)

[@Sheepdog1314]

you can buy pitch to place the piece into, I would use red pitch for copper - and you need a container to put the pitch in...usually a shallow metal box will do, or you can buy round bowls - then fill half with rocks for weight, melt the pitch into the container with the rocks. For the half round you need a hard sand bag to place on so you can move the work. Also, turpentine will wipe off excess pitch if you decide to keep turning over the piece to work both sides

[@mhpjii]

*The Most Creative Maker on the Tube*

[@patrickosullivan4354]

I did chasing and repousse as part of my training. I tried everything I could as a replacement to pitch. Hot glue. Monster clay. Sand. Nothing works like pitch. If you're on a real budget, mix some powdery fine sand into hard wax clay. But really just buy or make some Pitch.

[@davidjones8070]

Wow..this is a blast from the past. We did this in shop class in high school using old chisels. Very old school methods that still work well to this day. Great work. The thing about this work is it’s really endless in its application..that’s what makes it truly amazing to work with.

[@laurajackson6860]

You are a perfect example of highly creative people. It's clear you enjoy exploring and challenging your skillsets and bringing ideas to life and sharing it with the world. Thank you so much for taking the time to record your process. Beautiful! 🧰

[@mrfxm55]

Make a metal bowl with no flat bottom with the diameter slightly larger than your work piece and set it on another bowl so you can swivel it. Add the pitch and attach the work piece. This helps you move the piece in all angles to address the design, while maintaining stability.

[@Sailing_SY_Melody]

I really surprized when I see this great video, thank you again Neil. My father was a teacher in this craftsmanship, especially in copper relief artworks, as you perfectly did…

[@JonathanExcels]

Beautiful. You are the only maker that has the patience to pull this off.

[@graemehansell7642]

Lovely decorative piece. Looks like the inside workings of a watch.

[@pedalman4595]

Incredible Workmanship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nevinherren2738]

i did this in art class in high school if you have thinner material you can do it with a chopstick and some sandpaper we just nudged the material in a direction to create raised edges and in raised sections we slowly pushed the copper back down to make divots in raised areas to make our chosen design we did it over the coarse of about 3 weeks.

[@ricksolari9570]

I admire your patience and willingness to try new things.

[@andyshap]

This is gorgeous! I can't believe it is only your second try. Clearly, you are an artist as well as a craftsman. (I guess all craftsmen are always artists.)

[@imoldgreg13]

That is amazing. Happy Movember. And thanks for all your efforts for a great cause.

[@tylerkrug7719]

That is alot of work to get the finished piece! So cool! I love the floating frame!

[@agentcovert]

Great video..there's been a few people in Japan that can make entire statues from 1 thin sheet of steel with similar techniques..truly amazing if you happen to see them..

[@danceswithaardvarks3284]

Brilliant thanks. Its something I have wanted to try for a while, but was a bit daunted maybe by watching too many videos of experienced people making difficult things (for example Ford Hallam). Your video made it feel approachable, so thank you. I have used hot glue for holding and shaping smaller copper and brass workpieces (on the recommendation of a jeweller, who recommended hot glue or lapidary pitch for my purpose). Another good tip I picked up is that Sharpie evaporates at the annealing point of copper, so just as it disappears the copper is annealed. You can take the metalworker out of Birmingham, but you can't take the Birmingham out of the metalworker ; )

[@garyfetrow8324]

If you’re using a toner copier/printer as opposed to an inkjet you can use Xylene to transfer your pattern. It is my absolute favorite trick

[@ashleychambers7602]

I think that looks mighty impressive and to say it was your first attempt makes it even more, your very talented

[@rushley5813]

The intricacies you managed to achieve being as amateur as you are is a testament to your skill as a craftsman neil 10 for 10

[@mark675]

You sir are an artist 🎨 👏🙌

[@yuliyabryant4052]

I am so impressed by this video. Such a beautiful piece of art being created by very impressive and wonderful talent.

[@francoispaulin8469]

C'est magnifique et le processus de fabrication est très intéressant. Merci aussi pour la démonstration de fabrication des outils.

[@Braniel]

I remember doing something similar to this in my elementary school art class. I dont remember much, but we used a medium or medium-hard rubber sheet about a quarter inch to half inch thick.

[@jaromir_kovar]

Neil, this is amazing! Thank you for the video. This is why I admire your work so much - you do something for the first time, discovering as you go. I'd think this to be a way too complex design for a first try, but no one told you and so you just did it and the result was fantastic. I do a bit of chasing work, still a beginner, and wouldn't even think of trying something this complex but now you've showed me that I could very well try it. I wanted to use the pitch as well, but the price and the fact that you need to remove and flip it frequently, deterred me. I use a slab of lead instead, as a backing. You need to be careful and mindful when using lead but it works treat as a backing material. Thank you for all the inspiration you give us!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Jaromir! The pitch is a bit of a pain to remove the workpiece from but once you've done it a few times you start to realise it isn't so bad. It only takes a few minutes and you're up and running again. I think you need a combination of backing materials and lead would be handy too. :)

[@ericrhees8590]

You are a true inspiration, and we very much appreciate you.

[@panedrop]

I really like that you have fun doing these projects and love that you show the learning process you go through. So many of the maker videos I watch are people trying to tell you how to do something without really acknowledging their own learning process, but hearing someone talk about theirs' is fantastic.

[@walnutclose5210]

That is an absolutely incredible piece for a first run at repousse. Very impressive.

[@StuffIMade]

I reckon that the oil based clay called Chavant would behave like the pitch for a fraction of the cost. It melts with heat and then is very firm at room temp, and when melted sticks very well to stuff. It is an oil based clay that doesn’t ever dry out, or get fired. Loved the video!

[@Thundermuffin93]

Unreal, just incredible work. The outcome was totally worth it. Thanks for sharing!

[@theajthomas]

Their might be a more versatile maker on KZbin but i can't find them. Pask Makes anything he wants!

[@andchip.s]

You are Inspirational and humble, Nice one Neil !

[@robertm348]

Truly, there are no limits to your talents! Thank you for sharing your creativity and efforts!

[@theoriginalrecycler]

Excellent, I used the travel sweet tins and beat the lid to shape over a sand bag.

[@wolfparty4234]

Yes I did enjoy this video! I really don’t think that you have to explain your fault as you do. We all make mistakes and yours aren’t even that bad!😂🙏🏻❤️ Keep up the great work! You are one of my top 3 most favorite KZbinrs I follow

[@nathantron]

You should try 3D Printing and electro-plating. Several layers of metal and you can get some really crazy detail that way.

[@chrisnoyes9397]

Seriously you under estimate your skills. To start out with saying how inexperienced you are and then the turn out of the product, looks like you know what you're all along. Awesome work!

[@darkljs]

Wow it looks amazing and I think this piece would look awesome as a cover for a leather-bound book or journal. Great video as always 👍‍‍

[@revoxjazz8317]

It was fascinating to see your work on this piece. I already knew the process however this was the best way to clearly see all the details in the making. My congratulations on your work, with best wishes for health and the desire to do more work. Macedo Pinto. Portugal.

[@andreassiegler2238]

That looks fantastic! I did something similar on my motorcycle tank, but this was 1.5mm Aluminium. Instead of the expensive and hard to come by pitch I simply used an old brick of roofing tar as a backing material. This worked really well and didn't cost me anything! Still is messy though ;-)

[@OldeGuido1]

TOTALLY AWESOME!!! You just keep raising the bar.

[@barry.w.christie]

I've never seen this done before, simply stunning, both in the amount of work involved and the end result.

[@RedmarKerkhof]

I love repousse, I find it very therapeutic. I've had decent succes with clay as a backer. Just regular pottery clay. It's cheap and you can regulate how soft it is by wetting or drying it. Great job on this piece!