Forming a Copper Leaf

Creating interest and dimension in copper through forming, bending, hammering, texturing and flame coloring.

[@AmericanThunder]

This is the most non-annoying narration Ive heard on youtube. You should maybe do narrations for other videos on here as well. Excellent instructions too, thank you for the tips.

[@897473]

American Thunder, thanks for the kind comment. Best to you for the New Year, George

[@deanmiles8421]

Thankyou for this video, I'm making a bird feeder for a Christmas present and have made your leaves with a fantastic result. Thankyou Dean

[@Stoney327]

George I'm sure you know this already, but for those viewers who may not, here goes... Copper is a nonferrous metal ( it contains no Iron or carbon) Ferrous metals do contain carbon and Iron. Ferrous metals get harder if you heat them and then quench them in water. Non ferrous metals (Copper Cu.) get soft as putty if you heat them then Quench them in water. You can make a penny almost soft enough to bend with your fingers if you heat it red hot, or just below the melt point, then drop it in water. A side benefit to heating and quenching Copper is, it makes the Copper look like new! I hope you and your viewers find this useful? LOVE the workmanship in your leaves... AWESOME !!! Stoney

[@mardimaack57]

+Stoney327Excellent info-thanks!

[@897473]

Thanks for the comments. I'll try to keep some good stuff coming.

[@DougTweak]

I just came across your tutorials and have watched several so far. Very good quality, no fluff, just the information I am looking for. Good job and thank you.

[@davidwellenstein2381]

Another great tutorial. You've added a lot of interest and dimension to this subject.

[@jenniferhooks1205]

Very lovely! Your improvisations are inspiring and prove that there's more than one way to reach an end goal, especially when motivated by loss and love. Thanks for sharing.

[@897473]

Thanks for commenting. Good to hear that they are helpful. More videos on their way so stay tuned.

[@eyers1570]

Thank you for sharing you skill in forming your fantastic and beautiful leaf! really want to get started !

[@misslynneable]

Fascinating, clear, and easy to follow videos George, that have given me the basics on how to use copper in my jewellery. Thank you

[@seantivenan9593]

This is the modern way that a craftsman passes on his skills. It's an education delivered perfectly. I could watch and listen to you for hours nd now I've found your channel likely will. Many thanks for taking he trouble to pass on and share your skills

[@parsons585]

Thank you for your videos! I have been shopping for a cutting torch set & not really knowing anything much about them I have been pulling my hair out trying to decide which set to start with! I do want to be safe so I've been impressed with Victor and the check valve/flashback arrester built into at least some of them & maybe all! They are not real clear on their descriptions sometimes! I even searched for a Victor site that may tell about their different torch sets and what their capabilities are but Victor doesn't seem to have much information either! I found your description of different torches and it was the most help I have found anywhere! Your simple descriptions helped me to learn so much as many of these help videos have instructors that still use terms that anyone in the field might understand but a novice has no idea what some of the terms mean! Enjoying so many of your videos on metal sculpturing too and I think I've found something I can enjoy learning in my retirement years! Thank you and I will be back to watch more and more!

[@897473]

Yes, it can be very confusing. Check out this page, it has a complete list of my KZbin videos. Makes it a little easier to find what you are looking for. gsegmedia.com/?page_id=2877

[@mabelki8761]

Thanks! This is an excellent video! Very clear instructions and inspiring video on form folding!

[@leegenix]

Very well video. I enjoy the post production narration because there is no noise from the tooling to mask your instructional voice. And a very pleasant voice indeed.

[@galatiansonentwelve2210]

Thank you I like the fact that you took your time and spoke clear. To often people make these videos doing the steps so fast you have to start and stop. Thank you again :)

[@essboogy]

Wish my life had some interest and dimension. You have a very soothing voice, I bet you tell great stories. Great video

[@897473]

Thanks for the comment. I'd like to do some more story telling, but never enough hours in the day.

[@DeborahBergenbeaderreader]

Very nice video..simple tools to work with. Thanks again..love to work with copper.

[@ClownWhisper]

Great video, awesome instruction.

[@franceswinyard2101]

Oh George where have you been all my life! ? You are a man after my own heart! making beautiful creations with the tools available, and I LOVE your " swage block! I have been trying to save for one for ages and I now realise I have all I need in the shed! Thanks George.

[@897473]

+Frances Winyard Thanks Frances. Going to have a new one on this leaf coming up in the next few weeks.

[@barbarajeansdallas]

That is beautiful. Such interest and dimension! Seriously, it's gorgeous.

[@897473]

Barbara, thank you. It is amazing what one can do with a simple piece of copper. If you like this, look for form folding. Many people are using form folding to create work far more advanced than this simple leaf.

[@897473]

Thanks, glad to you liked it. I try to get something new up each week.

[@lisarogers5873]

Fascinating, with very clear instruction. Thank you for sharing the weight of the copper and the name of the tools you used. Also thank you for no annoying music. People who would watch this can be entertained by just learning from a master. Well done.

[@897473]

Thank you for the generous comments. I agree about music, but must admit when I first started doing videos in 2003, I added music, but later realized that the videos didn't need music.

[@maineiacts]

HI! I LOVE COPPER!! Thank You for sharing your technique and tooling ideas!! What a cool way to make a form!!! [burning the roll form into the wood....CLEVER!! I am planning on spending more time on here looking for tutorials,,Thank God for KZbin! I am an aspiring jewelry designer in wire-work,bead,etc,and eventually,my DREAM to work in silver and soldering,and learning how to solder copper,copper-smithing,,but nothing too difficult or take up much space. Keep up the great work,Very enjoyable

[@897473]

Edith, when working with copper, each time you either bend or hammer copper, it becomes harder. Once the copper begins to harden, if you hammer it any more it becomes brittle and fractures. One of the reasons copper is so easy to form is that once you reach a certain point of hardness you can heat the copper up till it is red hot and let it cool. Once it is cool the copper will be soft and thus more easily formed. This process can be repeated over and over.

[@lorenavalenzuela3572]

George Goehl nice and helpful videos how do you cut the copper or better said what tools do you use to cut the copper?

[@FISHBREATHH]

Xlnt......thank you, I have been doing sheetmetal work for over 25 years and am now starting on metal scultures, your videos are very helpfull ....I am using all the same old tools but in a new way and new tecniques............thans again

[@BeavCoMatt]

George, that was great! Thanks for sharing.

[@897473]

Thanks for your comment. If you are thinking of primarily annealing, then the small tanks may be adequate. If you are going to be doing a lot of brazing or welding than it becomes more a question of your regulator settings, tip size that you are using and how much you will be using the torch. Years ago I had the same question and got an answer somewhat like the above. I wanted something definitive. But the bottom line on cylinders is what you are using your torch for and for how long.

[@jagman7023]

Instantly subscribed to your channel, thank you sir for showing us this .! Working on a rose for my girl and I'm going to try this method and see where I go from there ! I've seen numerous videos on this but this is the best one .! Thanks , love from Hong Kong .!

[@897473]

Jag man, doing a rose with this technique: that's impressive. She will be pleased - I'm sure. Thanks for commenting.

[@MrIzmogizmo]

Copper is a fantastic material. Like to work with it. Thank you for this video.

[@cat52]

I love this video! Thank you so much for making this and sharing your technique and knowledge!

[@897473]

+Cat 52 Thanks for viewing & the kind comment.

[@DanielaRouge]

So beautiful! So wonderful voice! Thank you!

[@leaderstakethereins]

I love this video. It makes me feel like that I can do these for sure for my jewelry making and other things.

[@897473]

So glad that you liked the video. On KZbin there are a lot of "Form Folding Copper" videos by different artists and artisans. Just put Form Folding Copper in the KZbin search.

[@BlackSeranna]

Hey George, learning about repousse. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@897473]

BlackSeranna: Glad you liked. Lots can be done with copper.

[@Pipsqwak]

Thanks for this great copper-forming video. I especially like it because you use ordinary tools you can find around the house or at a hardware store instead of expensive jeweler's tools, and I'm a great fan of improvising. I'm just getting into folding and forming sheet metals in my jewelry-making and was wondering how to make a leaf!

[@897473]

Thanks, hopefully in the months ahead I will have some more videos up. Stay tuned!

[@FarmCraft101]

Do you have to hold it at the red hot temperature for a time to get a full anneal? Or does it anneal immediately when you hit that temp? Thanks for sharing. Nice work!

[@897473]

Bring the copper up to red hot and then move your torch away. Once it is red hot, allow the copper to cool. It will be soft and easily worked. When it gets hard again, repeat, bring it to red hot and allowing it to cool.

[@Bramsshed1913]

Wonderful job George and a superb tutorial! many thanks for sharing, Cheers, Bram

[@897473]

Thanks for viewing and the compliment.

[@grinninggnome]

The Bob Ross of metal working! Lovely.

[@cravinsunshineNW]

Love this leaf, thank you for the tutorial.

[@897473]

For a gift, I did a small pair of earrings using this technique. Tried to find a photo, but couldn't locate one. Thanks for viewing.

[@user-wv3sc4zx4t]

Fabulous tutorial, thank you!

[@897473]

Happy to hear that you like this video.

[@Nig6aNate420JMD]

Wow...that's incredible...if only you could create it so frictionless that the wind would give it kinetic energy. that is sweet!

[@Raised_by_God]

thank you for posting this...

[@sarahmcphee3781]

Awesome! Thanks so much!

[@897473]

Thanks. You are right, there is a lot that can be done with this one simple technique. Take a look at Copper Earring from Scrap #4. I did a pair of leaf earrings.

[@5809AUJG]

Brilliant and beautiful!

[@897473]

Thanks for the comment. That will encourage me to do more of these type videos.

[@borispatkovic4298]

Thank you George. I will try it air cooled next time and compare.

[@mplskillroy]

Interest & dimension .thanks for sharing .nice technique

[@Sableman]

Amazing... thansk from Chile

[@aawadh6615]

nice and brilliant ! this video is very helpful i like the use of imagination in making things up amazing and thanks !

[@897473]

aawadh thanks for commenting. You're right - imagination is the the key.

[@lakshmanankomathmanalath]

great great. thank you.

[@Dharlanna]

Gorgeous! I would think this could easily be applied to small pieces for jewelry applications with care of course. Am I correct? I love this! Thank you!

[@anthonycook9764]

thankyou for sharing

[@stoneman35967]

George . . . I'd love to meet you and pick your brain. I've made several copper roses. All connected with bends. No glue or brazing. Just something I saw in my minds eye and rolled with it. Never knew about annealing. I'm also a stone carver, and I've incorporated the copper roses into a few stones. It was great to accidentally find your videos. I'd love to visit your shop and glean from your experience. If that's not possible, I'll definitely keep checking out your posts. Thanks.

[@897473]

Thanks for your comments. Let me know what your goals are.

[@DeborahBergenbeaderreader]

George Goehl You are a really great person..willing to help others meet their goals. Wish you lived close!Blessings !!!

[@jajanesaddictions]

gorgeous. I just have to say, I find your voice calming and soothing. oh and I like your videos, I learn a lot from them.

[@womanofsteel8948]

I have so much copper it’s not even funny I must have like 16 to 20 sheets of 20 ounce and 16 ounce copper and I like working with it but I never knew how to do it like certain things I’m following your channel now he in your real good thank you

[@897473]

Shavorn, I've never used propane so I don't know. Best I can suggest is to get a thin piece of copper and give it a try. George

[@897473]

The welding table is 1/2" hot rolled steel. It's 3' x 4'.

[@hmmngbrdcottage]

Hi George I am learning so much from you! Thank you. I am a beginner and am curious as to the top of your workbench.

[@castandforge9927]

very nice work!

[@joelpollanenjewelry6268]

Beautiful leaves! I tried to make one also awhile back :)

[@897473]

Glad you liked the video. More free videos at www.gsegmedia.com

[@syedshahidulislam7180]

I love the what you did. It made me wonder as to how it would be to cnc a mold with leaf veins and then make the copper take that form....

[@897473]

A friend has a hardwood two piece mold for forming copper bowls that was done on a CNC. Worked very well. BUT, if one wanted to make a variety of bowls in different sizes, then they'd need a mold for each size. Same thing goes for leaves. If you have the means to either make the molds yourself or have them made economically, that would definitely be the way to go. Thanks for your question.

[@syedshahidulislam7180]

@@897473 thanks for the feedback! I am a Mechanical Engineer and am trying to build my own small cnc to play around with... Hope this works out.

[@897473]

Yes,it is good technique. The only problem is that it is rather slow. There is a way to speed up the process and I'll do a video on that soon.

[@897473]

Thanks, I'd like to do more of these.

[@897473]

You can melt copper with a torch. I use an oxygen acetylene torch. If you have enough heat you can melt the copper foil pieces and they will fuse together. Copper melts at 1084.62 °C, 1984.32 °F. Put a couple of pieces of scrap foil on your welding table and heat them up till they melt.

[@1956vern]

Awesome work!👍

[@897473]

Thanks for the kind thought!

[@basilalali]

Thanks for sharing , I have One question if you kindly answer me: I am shaping copper foils which is 0.1 mm. do I need to anneal it as well or I can coldly shaping. Thanks in advance

[@897473]

Basil, I've never worked with copper foil. I'm just guessing here, but I would cold shape it to begin and then if it becomes too hard (stiff) for further shaping, then I would anneal.

[@mathiasjacobsen2260]

nice vid, when you are done with a piece, how do you make sure that it doessent continue to oxidice?

[@hawdamheon]

멋진작업 감사드립니다,

[@jimb9369]

Thanks Geroge.

[@shavorns2564]

ok thank you for replying and i will do that, can you tell me what kind of torch and gas you use though?

[@pmm4177]

a welders chipping hammer would work great too, that's what I used anyway. And they're super inexpensive

[@897473]

Good idea. Thanks.

[@joseangel358]

Hola jorge me gustan tus trabajos

[@skyisbored103]

Nice leaves, I’ll try that maybe with a wire bonsai by scaling down the leaves to appropriate size, thanks!

[@897473]

@andyroo24601 Good to hear that you like the books and are gathering some ideas. The highest compliment for me is if I have encouraged someone to discover their own creativity.

[@rhysc3325]

Hi, I'm hoping to start doing some metal work and was wondering if you know any more basic projects that might be a bit of fun and easy, Really appreciate these type of informative videos, the techniques shown really add variation and character to the piece, Please keep up the good work

[@897473]

Rhys, thanks for the comment. If you go to my channel you will see some easy to do projects. There are four videos on copper earrings from scrap copper. Plus some on working with pewter which is an inexpensive metal and easy to get and can be melted with a propane torch. My Channel: kzbin.info Currently there are 134 video on the channel. Some will be applicable to what you want to do and others won't. Keep in touch, George

[@ClownWhisper]

I have sheets of copper laying around. I love copper for some reason. I never did anything with these sheets, but I always thought that one day I would do sculpting with them. Its coming down to the end of the line for me and they still sit untouched.

[@897473]

Clown Whisper, sounds like it is time to pull the sheets out and see what you can come up. You'll be surprised about what you can come up with. It will also be one more thing you can check off your list. Let me know how it works out.

[@ClownWhisper]

I have painted and sculpted on and off for many years. You just get so caught up with life in general you tend to lose site of the important things. Im sort of very sick now, and unable to work and buy tools. so right now,.. not an option. beautiful work though.

[@maineiacts]

OHHHHhhh [I commented before watching the whole video,and now I am really IMPRESSED at how you texturized this piece...I wanted to find something to do to make earrings using something like this,,now I know how it's done!! ThANKS AGAIN!! :))) [I will give you credit for the technique if I may borrow your design? Sincerely,,Mainiacts

[@VinniePepperoni]

I’m making money clips out of common repurposed hardened 3/4 copper pipe in 100mm lengths cut in half for the tension it retains to hold the bills and the hardest part is getting my halves nice and flat before I bend them into to clips, any suggestions on hammering them out? I tried pressing between steel plates but it’s not quite enough plus I need that hammer you used on that bowl, it looks like a body work hammer to me, I’ve got a set of steel body dollies but I’m missing the hammer

[@897473]

It will have to be protected from the environment. I use a clear acrylic aerosol. Rusteoleum Crystal Clear

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

Seems like a lot of work George. I'm thinking of making a variety of leaves, flowers and acorns out of copper. Imagine a banister with each section (between posts) showing different leaves (30 to 50), and the relevant fruit or flowers. Anyway just wondered if a person could make a steel press which could be applicable for each leaf but it just accents the veins and some sort of pattern in the leaf. One could make a cheap press with a hydrolic jack, and two steel molds (+ and -). Any ideas? Doing each leaf by hand will take me for ever!

[@897473]

I've often thought of doing the same. If you can make the dies or have them made for a reasonable cost, you'd have a great set up. You have an ambitious project, no matter which way you go. Main tip from me is to make it and adventure and have fun!

[@salchipapa8000]

hey great quality video !! quick question, what is the point of " akneeling " ( ? i dont know if thats even correct ), and can i " akneel " with a regular standard blow torch ? i want to customize my motorcycle and i am set on making my front and rear fender out of copper ! =) oh ! before i forget, once i have my finished product w/ the copper, is there a way i can polish it to make it super shiny and not have to use brasso again ? lis an everlasting shine on copper possible ? thanks !

[@ClassyGeek]

Great - what do you use for a bench top that you are torching against?

[@michaelpack5426]

I like it

[@BigTimeZergRush]

Amazing video! I was wondering if I could use 30 gauge fine (pure) silver to make a leaf or will it be to thin?

[@897473]

I've never worked with silver so I'm not much help. You might try to find a piece of 30 copper for a trial run. If that works, then try it on silver. (copper being cheaper than silver)

[@BigTimeZergRush]

George Goehl Alright thanks for the advice I appreciate it.

[@mrrv6apilot]

annealing takes place when the copper turns red. cooling in water makes no difference and allows you to work more quickly.

[@arterin1]

nice, i dont knew, that for forming i need wood block. but i do not understand, how i can form concave and sleek boat form?

[@the_pinello]

hi. thanks for this. I was wondering what effect water cooling the metal rather than aircooling would have on the finish of the copper ? Love tutorial.

[@897473]

Not sure whether quenching or not quenching would have much effect on the finish. Rust: I don't quench because I don't like water on my table top. The table top is steel and many of the tools and materials are steel. Many people do quench. For me, it is just a personal preference. Thanks for the question.

[@the_pinello]

Thank you ! I need to learn me these terms. Indeed rust is an issue.

[@DEdens1525]

Nice.

[@shavorns2564]

I am so eager to try this but I only have a pencil torch and propane. would this work the same?

[@melanierobson3336]

I made a bracelet like this and flame coloured it, but the colour completely faded within a pretty short period of time. I only have a propane torch. Would enamel coating it preserve the colour?

[@897473]

A clear spray should keep the copper from changing color. I've never had a problem once the copper was coated.

[@897473]

Judy, the top of my table is 1/2" hot rolled steel. Overall size is 3' x 4'. Check out the KZbin video "Welding Table & Heat Sink"

[@borispatkovic4298]

Hey George, isn't Annealing copper done by heating and quenching in cold water, to make it softer, not by letting it cool in the air. That seems to be what everyone else is doing, and what works for me too.

[@897473]

Boris, many people do quench. I have never noticed any difference of softness between quenching and air cooling. I think it is just a personal preference. George

[@Artmuse2011]

Boris it is better to allow the metal to gradually cool Io the room temperature . When we quench we shock the molecules into a state of rigid stasis that is not as effective as air cooling for example you use that method to temper stele tools.

[@897473]

Artmuse2011 "molecules in to state of rigid stasis" You're getting way to technical for me. I'd suggest that you check with some Metallurgy Forums.

[@reginacerucci]

Lindo, amei....

[@897473]

Thanks!

[@0snk]

Hi George, i.m learning so much with you. Tell me please, could you recommend using bronze instead of copper to make leaves? It is easy to work with it? Thank you!

[@897473]

Andreea, copper is 99% copper. Bronze is copper and tin. History: Bronze age. Bronze tools and weapons were stronger than copper. Bronze is a harder material than plain copper. You'll definitely want to anneal the bronze so that it is malleable (workable). There are different types of bronze, depending on how much tin is added to the copper. Here are some links to videos on copper. Same principles apply, just that Bronze is a little harder material than copper. Also, bronze is a slightly different color compared to plain copper. vimeo.com/251099449 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZu2q2Rnod9rg6M

[@0snk]

@@897473 thank you so much for the info! Yes, I would preffer bronze because of it.s colour :).

[@897473]

I use a Victor Performer Oxygen / Acetylene Torch. Type those words in a Google search and you can find that particular torch. Just for annealing and silver soldering you might be able to use a Prest-O-Lite torch. This would be cheaper. I don't use a Prest-O-Lite so I can't be of much help here. Maybe check out some copper jewelry forums. Good luck! George

[@Tributeto-ef1lm]

Sir can you please tell me what kind of thickness metal sheet is needed to create a metal fitting for the front cover of a wooden door (aka decorative ornament design) or one on a jewelry box? A reply would be greatly appreciated.

[@897473]

I would probably use about 20 or 21 gauge. Of course it depends on what you want to do. You can cut this thickness with a pair of aviation shears. If you want to go heavier then you will need some way to cut the metal. If it is an intricate shape you will need a jeweler's saw. It would help if I knew exactly what you want to do. If you take a look at my channel you will see that there are lots of videos on working with copper. kzbin.info

[@Tributeto-ef1lm]

George Goehl I was looking to make a rose/leaf copper metal fitting on the front of a jewelry box. I want to see how it would look with the type of wood I will be attempting to make it with which is why I was asking the thickness of the copper metal sheet. So you think 20 gauge would be good for that type of look or would I need a thicker piece? I plan on coating the box with lacquer finish so I plan to take my time with this piece and make it look as good as it can get. Although I have heard that achieving 100% rub on lacquer is nearly impossible and better to stop at 80%. Not sure if this is true.

[@897473]

20 gauge should be more than sufficient. If you form or texture the copper it will appear thicker than 20 gauge. For example, if you shape the roseleaf, so that it has dimension it will appear as heavier than it is. I have just done a series for KZbin on texturing copper which will give you a better idea of what I mean by texturing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp2xhpmKpriJsJY kzbin.info/www/bejne/joC4i4J7oZ6jidk kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqHYd6yNqdh1i8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYHPap2XgZdoic0 Sounds like great project. If you have any questions,let me know. George

[@Tributeto-ef1lm]

George Goehl Subscribed! Again thank you for your advice.

[@thejameslealartco.7625]

Great video!! Play it at 1.25 or 1.5 speed for those with ADHD

[@Ybisca]

Hi Teacher! I wrote some days ago and you gently reply to me but I told you my english is really not well...I'm italian and, as I thank, I explain not well my question...sorry for this! When I work with copper foil I have many rest of little copper pieces and what I'd like to know is if it's possible to fuse them together and, first of all, HOW can I do it? At last, I thank you so much for your interesting lessons! See you soon! By Emanuela Mimo / Padova / Italy

[@shewolf4046]

Helpfull 😍

[@897473]

Thanks for commenting

[@897473]

Scroll down my list of my videos to the "Copper Annealing". Blow Torch: I have no experience with a blow torch. I doubt that you could get an everlasting shine on copper that is going to be exposed to the elements.

[@zzachz1016]

cool

[@897473]

+zacharie Clou thanks for watching and commenting.