Making a Copper Bracelet - Red Patina

[@xFalconFixer]

Glen, you have, again, demonstrated your exceptional skills and talents. I, too, enjoy your simplistic blacksmith shop (balcony). Over the years, I have sent several people to your channel. These people think they need a complete shop to blacksmiths to start making stuff. I've shown them that you do not need an anvil -- a nice hunk of steel works perfectly. I like your bending jig; that is perfect for anyone to use. I must get to the shop and make myself one. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge, skills, and expertise -- THANK YOU!

[@beeforge4260]

Patinas fascinate me. Thank you for your time making this video.

[@gstongs]

It's my pleasure. Thanks.

[@mfg67]

Wow, that was a cool effect!

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@craigljardine]

Very cool, I've never really worked with copper, so you've peaked my interest. Going to give it a try

[@gstongs]

Hammering on hot copper is a big change from always hammering on hot steel. Give it a go. Thanks.

[@georgecalcei8068]

Very nice Glen. Interesting watching you work with copper. Really like the bracelet you made for your wife. Would have liked seeing that in a video.

[@gstongs]

Maybe I'll make another, similar to my wife's bracelet, using stainless steel. Thanks.

[@janmorse6948]

Simply interesting Glen, simply interesting!

[@gstongs]

Glad you like this. Thanks for watching.

[@lourias]

I am loving that vise!!!

[@heathworsley8347]

I also found the delay reaction on the quench fascinating if you understand why that is happening perhaps you could explain it in another video If you make another piece of jewelry. Excellent video as always sir best wishes from the US

[@keithyinger3326]

Ya thats what i came to say. That was so neat to watch. My guess as to whats happening is since there's lots of soap in the water the surface tension is lowered quite a bit. When he drops in the hot bracelet, it forms a skin of steam around itself blocking the water from getting to the metal. Once it cools enough to stop generating enough steam to keep the skin up, it collapses and the water rushes in.

[@heathworsley8347]

That makes sense. Thank you

[@lsubslimed]

Heath Worsley - Keith is right, although I'm not exactly how much of a role the soap makes in the length of the vapor jacket. Without regarding the effect of using soap, it's known as the "Leidenfrost effect" and it's the reason that it's important to at least lightly agitate high carbon/tool steels when quenching them in oil (and even water) to harden them, otherwise they potentially won't cool fast enough to fully harden; plus it can cause uneven cooling and increase the chances of warping, like on knives and swords. The extra long delay here with the copper was definitely cool to watch, I honestly thought the video messed up somehow the first time it happened lol.

[@heathworsley8347]

@@lsubslimed thank you for taking the time to share some information.

[@gstongs]

Very excellently explained. Thanks.

[@ethanburnett4164]

Good job glen

[@scrapmandan245]

thats a really good job my friend, ive been experimenting with copper bangles myself, thanks for the tips, great video

[@richardbryant7972]

Very interesting and something I’ve never seen thanks for sharing

[@gstongs]

It's my pleasure. Thanks.

[@shanek6582]

Never seen that effect before. I did heat up some copper wire red hot and hold it over some acetone once, that’s a cool effect, it just keeps glowing red.

[@gstongs]

Very interesting... Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@TheOldaz1]

Interesting result. I have a section of copper busbar about 1.5 metres long, now I know something I can do with it. Thank you.

[@Glenfiddich101]

Hi Glen, what I don't understand is that when you drop the finished piece into soapy water it looks silver in colour, but then all of a sudden there is a hissing noise, steam appears and it changes colour to red ??? what has just happened ?? it's almost like you pressed a button and the changes were made ?? I know this wasn't the case but why does it take so long to react in the water ?? best regards Glen in Scotland, UK

[@grandadz_forge]

very interesting. I like how it turned out. Been trying to find a website that I stumbled on way back. It had all the different solutions for coloring copper diferent colors. But I never tried dish soap.

[@gstongs]

I'm not even sure how I hit upon the soapy water technique. I know I tired borax and I think that led me to just try other stuff that was on hand. Thanks.

[@lalune59]

How satisfying is that burst when u̶̲̥̅̊ put in soapy water

[@ericsmith3792]

How much shorter does it get for every twist you put in it? Seems like you could end up with a bracelet that is too small if you aren't careful.

[@tishsmiddy71]

That was too Cool ! Thank you 😊 for sharing ...

[@kensmapleleafretirement]

That was something I have never seen before. Beautiful. Do you think it will leave a stain on the users arm? Thank you for sharing.

[@WG1807]

I have one made from plaited copper wires. It can leave a green stain on your wrist, particularly on hot days where you may sweat a little. Nothing too serious and it easily washes off.

[@gstongs]

I'm not exactly sure if this will stain the wearer's arm - need to experiment more... Finafin makes me believe it might. I appreciate you watching.

[@gstongs]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@thedixonway]

Come watch a GS Tongs video! You’ll see something you’ve never seen before! Thanks again sir. That was awesome!

[@gstongs]

I''m very glad you like this one. I'm never exactly sure where these projects are going... Thanks.

[@JDeWittDIY]

Paging @SmarterEveryDay /u/MrPennyWhistle Destin, can you make a video explaining the delayed reaction in the soapy water?

[@fishingingermany6977]

Made my first home made forge yesterday, and have some coppeer pipe I am thinking would be easier to start with for small beginner projects. My question is, what does the soap in the water for quenching change? Just the color of the patina?

[@gstongs]

Hi, the soap just slows the cooling; creates a barrier around the copper so the water can't immediately cool the copper. This slower cooling leads to different colors / patinas. Give it a try. Thanks for watching.

[@pantin_enrique]

Info on the anvil you use? Thank you

[@CRESVEN1]

What was the gauge of the copper?

[@demastust.2277]

Jewelry making is what I stated out with when it came to metal work. I have been metalsmithing for about 5 years now and for a whole year I've been doing blacksmithing. I'd like to see more of your copper works. I'm sure you could make rings.

[@gstongs]

I did once cast a copper ring in a very rudimentary way and it turned out nice (and I posted a video of that). At any rate, I'll do more experimenting with copper. Thanks and good luck in your work.

[@salamibad2262]

Well done sir.

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@trknust]

After coloring it red like this, will it prevent the copper from oxidizing a green mark on her skin? Also, any idea what is causing the delay between putting it in the quench and it suddenly cooling several seconds later? I have never seen anything do that before

[@ValhallaIronworks]

I'd say it's the film of soap that would bind to the surface as it enters the water slowly burning off, then allowing the water to hit. Isn't it awesome to watch? So cool!

[@gasengineguy]

I was wondering the same, very interesting to watch

[@keithyinger3326]

My guess as to whats happening is, since there's lots of soap in the water, the surface tension is lowered quite a bit. When he drops in the hot bracelet, it forms a skin of steam around itself blocking the water from getting to the metal. Once it cools enough to stop generating enough steam to keep the skin up, it collapses and the water rushes in.

[@gstongs]

I've made other copper pieces in this way and they've all resisted oxidizing. My best guess is the soap forms a temporary barrier around the copper, something like forge scale on steel. If you've ever quenched a heavily scaled piece of steel you're probably aware of a delay in the cooling. So I think it's something along this line. Thanks for watching.

[@gstongs]

I think you're correct. Thanks.

[@lsubslimed]

It's always fun watching you play around with forging copper and experiment with creating patinas. I wonder if the (apparent) lower temperature in your last quench affected the color to get it closer to what you were looking for? Thanks for sharing and take care :)

[@gstongs]

I do believe the somewhat lower temperature did have something to do with it getting closer to red. It's definitely a combination of a lot of factors and I need to experiment more. Thanks.

[@xxxxxponchin]

Interesting, thanks for sharing and take care 👍

[@gstongs]

It's my pleasure to share. Thanks.

[@hightowerone]

That delayed reaction in the soapy water.........do you know exactly what's going on there? It's interesting

[@gstongs]

I believe the soap is creating a temporary barrier between the water and hot copper. Something like how heavy scale can delay and disrupt the cooling of hot steel. At least that's my theory... Thanks.

[@garyfetrow8324]

I think what GS said is right. What's happening is the soap is acting as a surfactant and not allowing the water to boil until the soapy water that's in contact with the work piece is well over the boiling point of water. the lower surface tension of the water and the increase of the boiling point of the water disrupts the bubbles/gas pocket from forming I use a quenchant of Dish soap, Simple Green, salt, and water; it does much the same thing.

[@hightowerone]

@@garyfetrow8324 I was making soft jaws for my vise just the other day using copper. I quenched in plain rainwater and it had a little delayed reaction and strange sound. Copper is fun to work with. Hard to find scrap around here. Every meth head sees to that!

[@JF-fx2qv]

Will this process of cooling (red color) keep the copper from turning green?

[@gstongs]

From my experience, yes, the patina does help prevent oxidation. Thanks.

[@messylaura]

very nice, you'll have to do earrings and a pen-annular cloak clasp, hair barrette to match now, oh while you there a scarf ring too.............

[@gstongs]

That's asking a lot. Maybe I should have left this jewelry thing to those who know better! Thanks for watching.

[@nobackhands]

interesting bending jig...did you make it or something that someone could buy

[@lilipuceman]

I just watch this one, and some questions came to my mind. Do you think vegetal oil can react as well as your mix ? And du you apply any surface treatement on your patina in order to protect it from oxydation ?

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Not much familiar with copper. interesting material Bracelet look cool.👍👍

[@gstongs]

Copper is a fun change for always hammering on hot steel. Thanks.

[@diogenesalfredocabezasanab7233]

Informame..que sucede luego de llevarlo a horno. Y enfriarlo en Agua(?) y luego se nota que suena..aplucandole un color rojizo...que sucede

[@craigversetti5700]

Info on this anvil thing your using to beat on ?? Thanks

[@KagedCreations08XX]

I want to know too 🤣

[@redman8067]

Nice!

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@gregworkshop5713]

hi very nice work

[@gstongs]

Thanks for your support.

[@user-ul7xg2yv4i]

Hi copper man legend

[@marshallkohlhaas80]

WOW!

[@masterbroadcaster]

are you going to clear coat this piece? i heard copper can be toxic to your skin....

[@-Jaswanth-yp3rc]

No it's not poisonous to your skin.. I have a copper bracelet on my hands since the last 4 years.. it's good for you health to.. some say it takes off certain amount of heat from your body. And as a mechanical engineer student i can confirm this.

[@gstongs]

I don't plan on coating this and doubt it will be toxic to skin but some report a green copper oxidation getting on their skin form wearing copper. Thanks for watching.

[@gstongs]

Good information. I believe certain metals like copper can be beneficial in some ways. Thanks for sharing since I may now try wearing a copper bracelet now and see...

[@craigwilson8255]

Top secret REVEALED!!! Thanks!

[@jeanorel8322]

Use water and borax

[@gstongs]

Yes, I've tried borax before but with similar results to the soapy water. Maybe I need to adjust my ratios... Thanks.

[@maheshrajakaruna2173]

බොහොම පින් අපේ හාමුදුරුවනේ මේ ගොන් වස්සන්ගෙයි වැස්සියන්ගෙයි ඔලුව හේදුවට

[@tvanniekerk166]

Hi Glen. If you will review the comments on your previous video where you tried to turn copper red you will see that I explained the process in great detail for you. Can't help you man if you don't want the help.. ?

[@gstongs]

I did read your comment on that video but will have to go back and read again. My mind is all over the place these days and I can hardly remember what I ate for dinner the previous night. And I rarely work with copper which makes it easier for me to forget. Thanks for the reminder.

[@tvanniekerk166]

@@gstongs Shudo - as it is called in Japanese sircles - is one of the most elusive and rare forms of Japanese patinas and if you master it, something to behold :) Good luck man love your videos

[@jackiedavies7028]

I cannot find the previous video you are referring to, but would love to know your technique/recipe please.

[@jackdawg4579]

gotta be faked! ! No one and I mean no one, can make a hacksaw cut true like that!

[@gelanghaarteweile3048]

:D I can insure you, i can too :D it's called practice... You need a good saw and some time... around 3-4 years of everyday sawing off material. Stop using your anglegrinder and use regular no-power tools and you can do some amazing things :)

[@gstongs]

I'm sure you're being facetious / sarcastic. But then again, I am a hacksaw cutting machine! Thanks for your support.

[@gstongs]

You're exactly right. I've cut so many metals, mainly steel, with a hacksaw only and this repeated movement leads to surprising results. Thanks.

[@jackdawg4579]

@@gstongsTongs yep, very impressive skills!