Melting and forging copper into cuff bracelets (and making tools to help)

[@jimbartley9125]

Glad to know that you can melt copper with the little torch. Project turned out nice. Must purchase the multi tip! £58 + now! ! Cheers

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Jim, as long as it’s not too much copper and it is in a small crucible seems to work well with the multi jet tip. surprising how much more heat you need than just melting silver … how everything goes up in price I think I paid £30 a long time ago … Nick

[@Denaesartisanjewelry]

THANK YOU FOR THE SLOW-MO MOLTEN LIQUID POUR!!!! SO MESMERIZING!!! BEAUTIFUL WORK!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that DHG, I was surprised how well the poor filmed. surprising what you can capture with an iPhone … N

[@conniesky5361]

This really takes a lot of work. Very impressed with you skills.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Connie, as a hobbyist any time spent playing with ideas is all good fun … N

[@hectorgarcia8691]

This is a very comprehensive lesson, tool making and metal forging, pretty much a lost art nowadays, today it’s 3D printing, lost wax casting or buying it made 😅, beautiful bracelet btw !!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Hector, I was surprised how well this worked, i’m used to casting silver like this for making wire but had never tried copper. It just seemed to need to be a lot hotter 🔥 … cheers … Nick

[@raymondraptorclaw2901]

Forging other metals like copper opens a whole new world to me as a blacksmith…

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Raymond, so much variation when forging different materials. This was the first time I had tried copper, its ability to work hard so quickly is a strange property to deal with. I tried stainless steel one time surprisingly hard going. Alec Steele made a great video when he heated and forged a bar of gold on his anvil … happy hammering … Nick

[@raymondraptorclaw2901]

@@Nickscreativestuff was that graphite that you cast it in? I’m trying to basically forge weld with clump of copper scrap together, nearly melting it each time.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Raymond, I poured the molten copper into a short piece of angle iron and used two small square steel pieces for stop ends. surprising how much heat is needed to melt copper but when it gets there it flows well … N

[@raymondraptorclaw2901]

@@NickscreativestuffThank you for your advice! I think I know what I might be able to do… I could do the same and use angle iron, but also as the crucible? My propane forge makes the copper oxidize like crazy, so maybe I could add some borax with the copper scrap. Or if this wouldn’t work, I have access to firebrick that could be carved into a crucible, some high-heat mortar that could be mixed with dust of firebrick to maybe make a crucible, or I could even access this grey clay vein and make a crucible of pure clay…

[@Nickscreativestuff]

using borax is a great help it seems to clean, lubricate, seal crucibles and protect molten metals all at once. Making your own crucibles will be a great achievement. Safe guarding against crucibles full of molten metal failing just at the wrong moment must be an important consideration with this option … good luck with it … Nick

[@kasie680]

This is so cool! I imagine a Viking wearing it! 😊

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Kasie … had to google “Viking jewellery” very chunky and butch, not sure if it would suit my delicate wrist … 👍😎👍 … N

[@will-il8sg]

That bending tool is so cool I've just been using a mallet and the horn of my anvil. Definitely making one now

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that Will, good to have something that helps prevent more marks after polishing … N

[@tlbriggs2662]

Stunning Nick. So much so, I made one for my Husband. He Loves it!😁 Used 4g industrial bare Copper wire from Electrical Store. Cut inch shorter than needed. Annealed it 10x's, I swear! Turned out Nicely...but I'm definitely making your bending tool before I make another👍 Again, Thank You Nick! Tame'ra

[@tlbriggs2662]

Oh, his wrist are considerably large...Your bending tool, is a MUST.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice one Tame’ra, Fab to have a partner to make stuff for, how are you getting on with your rings … surprising how much annealing copper needs. always worth making a tool if it helps just as satisfying to make as the project itself … what came first the hammer or anvil. my next short videos are more tool orientated … N

[@tlbriggs2662]

@@Nickscreativestuff wish you had a Facebook page or something. I'd love your opinion/criticism on a few I've already made.

[@tlbriggs2662]

@@Nickscreativestuff rings are still a work in progress. I have purchased silver wire. I'm wanting to surprise him with matching Wedding Bands for our Anniversary...that's the 24th. Wish me Luck!?!? T

[@Nickscreativestuff]

well not long left to go now … good luck with it hope you get it sorted … i’m sure he’ll be happy with anything you make … N

[@walkingwater893]

I love working with copper but doing s. glass currently. Great shop/tools you have I enjoyed watching and learning!😊

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that walkingwater, so many creative mediums out there to play with. I’ve been fascinated with lapidary videos lately, way above my station but fun to watch. The natural beauty of glass must be very enchanting to work with … N

[@tammiehonican76]

Beautiful work! You never cease to amaze me! I'm going to build me a bending mandrel! Thank you!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks Tammie, yes very useful tool, blacksmiths call them bending forks when they’re made out of metal … cheers … Nick

[@CuriousMom1234]

Loved this video! almost hypnotic :D

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Xena … N

[@jirup]

Now that is a bracelet with some heft to it! Love both the bending tool and the ingot mould, not to mention the bracelet itself. I have dual fuel (oxy/propane) for my lampworking torch... might just have to get a another torch and use up some of my scrap copper. Cheers Nick, looking forward to you next video.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Jirup thanks for your comment, Great to experiment and practice techniques with copper, not sure if I would want to try this one with silver, I would end up using all my stash being 60g or more. if you have an Oxy generator for your lampwork you could have endless fun melting copper without too much expense. if you buy a “Smith’s little torch” try to avoid the counterfeit and copies on the market, I heard people have terrible troubles with them. not sure what’s next, it might be more simple pegboard projects … all the best … Nick

[@jirup]

@@Nickscreativestuff No concentrator, unfortunately. The slab in the workshop is old and abraded. I fear a concentrator would just choke in there. I've heard the same regarding the Smith's ripoffs, not worth the trouble.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

same as me, they’re probably too sensitive for my Workshop. I just try and be conservative with my large hobby gas Oxy bottle … cheers … Nick

[@michaelcypher2617]

This was so cool, thanks for sharing I love this bracelet

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that to Michael, I was surprised how well this technique turned out … N

[@puresas]

Excellent, beautiful work

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for that Chris … N

[@Gunni369]

A great video! Can't wait to give it a go myself after watching this

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Ryan, I was pleasantly surprised by how well this worked. I was expecting a lot of porosity, but there was none at all … N

[@Sheepdog1314]

I save everything - even the filings....very cool bracelet

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that sheepdog, I quite agree, even the weight of filings can add up to a lot over the years, well worth saving … Nick

[@mawi1172]

That's CLEARLY made for a man! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Ma Wi, yes blokes do like to wear these chunky copper cuffs … cheers … N

[@montystewart8467]

Love watching your creative process. Angle iron for ingots is genius. Does copper work harden faster than silver? Cheers, mate!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Monty, Nice words “creative process” i’ll have to use them if I ever get to merchandising level on KZbin, I fancy having a go at T-shirts and slogans. I found oil helps when using angle Iron, managed to miss that out in the video. Copper seems to work harden incredibly quickly when you’re heavily working it. Hot forging really helps with this issue and makes it very pleasing to work with. i’m sure the same process would work well with sterling silver however the chance of melting the end off is more at risk … cheers Nick

[@stevehartz4615]

Very very cool,and simple thank you

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Steve … N

[@mrbennysutube]

Thank you for this video! 👍👍👍 I like the jugs too 😊👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Benny, would be nice to try this in silver one day … cheers … Nick

[@g.m.5412]

Enjoyed that! Loved seeing the jigs you made to get the jobs done. Did you make your own crucible and ingot mould?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that GM, always satisfying making a tool needed for a job. I buy my small crucibles called scorifier from cooksongold.com it’s easy to make a handle to use them comfortably and safely. I use a cast iron squaring tool as in ingot mould however i’m sure a bit of angle Iron would work as well … cheers Nick

[@g.m.5412]

@@Nickscreativestuff excellent! Thank you

[@sierakh8249]

thanks I learned a lot from your video

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice to hear that Siera, thanks for the comment … N

[@scarlettardis2018]

Nice one Nick

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Scarlet, all a bit of fun if you’re careful … N

[@tribulationcoming]

Going to make quartz, copper, and silver jewelry. Have a friend who is about 95, he is a jeweler and mostly inactive, but has much knowledge and experience. Known him for about sixty years. I'm 73 and want to do some craft work. Question? Can quartz be molded with copper, have an idea if done properly this might work. Thanks for the video.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks for the comment tribulationcoming, Nice to have a friendly 95 year-old jeweller to pick the brains of. I’m not sure of your Quartz conundrum, being a hobbyist there’s a lot of subjects I’ve not got any experience with and stone work is one of them. I would suggest using forums they are generally very friendly and sociable with a lot of available knowledge to freely access. I’m sure they would be an abundance of geology forums to quiz about Quartz … good luck with it … Nick

[@tribulationcoming]

@@Nickscreativestuff Mr. Perkins knows some stuff and will help anytime.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

well I hope you enjoy your adventures into new creativity directions … N

[@oddanneout]

NICE! 👌🏼

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks OAO … N

[@tiveneven9463]

Very nice to watch, thank you for sharing 👍🏼

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks Tiven, had to share this after seeing how well molten copper can pour … cheers Nick

[@jeffdoveton5121]

Love the ingot , will probably use that at some time . Just curious as to why you forged it while it was hot .I have found that copper is more than soft enough to forge and then anneal. ❤💛💚

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment Jeff, when moving copper a lot I find it work hardens incredibly quickly. by working it hot I find it moves very easily and saves a lot of time going through the re-annealing process, no need to cool quench and dry then reheat again from cold. I tend to do any finishing process cold for more accuracy and control. not sure if I would try this with a silver bar I, would probably end up melting something … all the best … Nick

[@jeffdoveton5121]

Thanks , just started working with copper . I know that silver will not handle that process same as gold , they are both not malleable when red hot.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

not sure about that … have you seen the Alec Steele video “can you forge solid gold” … Worth a watch, amazing what you can be doing when you have over a million subscribers … Nick

[@jeffdoveton5121]

@@Nickscreativestuff I have not . will check it out .

[@donnamealy4877]

This is great! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Donna, had to share this, I was so pleased that copper could pour so well … thanks … Nick

[@donnamealy4877]

@@Nickscreativestuff I also have a collection of copper, although not nearly as much as you. I can now stop my hoarding mentality!😄

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I am surprised how my collection has grown over the years, some of it is so old I don’t even recognise odd bits at the bottom … N

[@annnoyez]

Wauw that is beautiful 😍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thank you! 😊

[@ValkoBranislav]

Pekná práca...

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Thanks Valko … N

[@SVDIVYA]

Very nice Bracelet nice disign

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for your comment SV DIVYA, would be nice to try and make with silver one day … cheers … Nick

[@hepburn118]

Really informative, I hadn't thought about doing my own copper ingots at home, but I will trying that out. Have you had a go at brass too? How'd that go?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Shaun, i’ve only ever melted copper, bronze and silver in my Workshop. Apart from making solder I’ve never melted brass as I worry about the potential zinc fumes … N

[@hepburn118]

@@Nickscreativestuff Fair enough. I've had the zinc shakes from welding galvanised metals before, not fun, so I understand.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

oh yes, can be really dangerous for hobbyists if they don’t know the dangers when in a confined space for long periods … N

[@joesask857]

i like what you do thank you i subed

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Nice one Joe … all a bit of fun, thanks for your sub … N

[@diabel8614]

Hi, can I recycle old copper pipes as well, as long as it isn't too much rusty?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Diabel, copper pipe tends to be very clean and pure and is great for melting down for recycling. Any oxidisation or corrosion can be skimmed off once molten … N

[@diabel8614]

@@Nickscreativestuff thank you very much for the quick reply and the advice!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

good luck with it. Have fun … Nick

[@rl1947]

Thanks for share your amazing works🙏. How did you make the tool where you melt the copper?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that R L, I melt the copper in a 2" Square Scorifier from Cooksongold.com. It was poured into an L-shaped length of metal also known as angle iron. I place two small pieces of square steel in the channel as stop ends … N

[@rl1947]

@@Nickscreativestuff ok, and where you burn the copper, how you did that tool?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

to hold the Crucible a bit of scrap metal welded together and some nuts and bolts to hold the square stone … N

[@aly3560]

I would like to know what torches you are using. How big? What gas?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Aly, it’s surprising how much heat is needed to melt copper. I use what’s called a “Smith’s Little Torch” that runs on a mix of propane and oxygen … N

[@josetonon5726]

Belíssimo trabalho. Ficou muito legal.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks for that Jose … Nick

[@maverickmeteor]

Looks fun! What kind of torch is that and what gas are you using?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi MM, i’m a proud owner of a Smiths Little Torch that runs on a mix of oxygen and propane … hot, hot, hot … 🔥🔥🔥 … N

[@stevetenney5098]

What was the tube you reheated the copper in?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Steve the ceramic tube i use for a variety of projects is called a kiln prop or post. used in pottery kilns for making adjustable shelves … all the best … Nick

[@rileyblight4592]

Beautiful work. Perhaps you know of some places in middle ga where an entry level blacksmith could get an internship?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Riley, being hobbyist i don’t get involved much with other blacksmiths. but if I had to find some community here in the UK I think I would start with colleges there’s also a magazine for metalworkers with a lot of contacts and associations and I suppose there’s also the digital world to explore, forums are great and some also have noticeboards. good luck with it … hope you find what you’re looking for … N

[@caitlinali1669]

Hey Nick- Thanks for the great videos. New subscriber here! I'm sure this has been answered but what kind of torch are you using? I assume oxy/propane but you can change your tips which is fantastic. I have a MAP gas torch to start with. Will this work?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Caitlin … thanks for your comment and sub, I used two torches in this video the first is Oxy - propane great for the extra heat needed to melt copper then I switch to pure propane because not as much heat is needed to forge it. I think MAP gas would just about melt copper in a small crucible. I would start by heating the crucible then adding small amounts of copper to see how well it copes … 🔥good luck with it … Nick.

[@caitlinali1669]

@@Nickscreativestuff thank so much for the detailed response! I really appreciate the advice and you sharing your creativity.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Cheers Caitlin … Nice to be able to help if I can … N

[@giovannafrera3677]

❤❤❤❤

[@Nickscreativestuff]

👍😎👍 … N

[@Rev.MarkPetitt]

I have four small nuggets of copper that I want to turn into a bracelet, and you video has been by far the most helpful and confidence inspiring video I’ve watched. Thanks. I do still have a couple of questions though I hope you don’t mind me asking: I’ve bought a new scorifier and I saw in another of your videos (the melting a silver bar) that you “treated” your new one with borax…. Can flux be used? Both to treat a new scorifier and to purify the copper when smelted?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Mark thanks for your comment, I don’t think flux would work in the same way as borax for these processes. flux tends to burn off and degrade at high temperatures whereas borax has a syrupy consistency once up to temperature. it sticks and hold onto contaminants and dross helping clean molten metal by pulling it off the surface and adhering it to the crucible. A well seasoned Crucible ends up with a nice glossy glaze of borax acting as a lubricant that molten metal floats over easily … good luck with it … Nick

[@xFalconFixer]

How do you keep the copper from turning your wrist green (patina)? I didn't want to keep applying a spray clear coat (lacquer), especially when I give away most of what I make. (You know how it is; family and close friends always want stuff for free.) 😊😊

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi xFalconFixer, The best option I’ve found is to preheat the piece first before dipping it in a tin of hot molten wax. if the wax is nice and hot it gives it a thin coat giving a thorough seal that will last awhile … N

[@allanthompson9695]

I noticed what looked like a Smiths little torch for the initial melt. Then after, a Sievert. Im totally new to this, im interested to know what the interchangeable burners were after that. The kiln post / prop is new to me and seems very useful. Your videos always bring a smile to my face. Nick, I noticed on a previous video, that someone had made a small donation to help sponsor your channel. How does one do that?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Alan, being a hobbyist I always striving to conserve my expensive gases. Melting copper needs the extra heat from oxygen when using an open crucible like this. However once I change to forging it less heat is needed and a pure propane torch will do the job. The interchangeable nozzles are graded to gas consumption per hour and using the ceramic kiln post helps conserve and build the heat needed, resulting in a much smaller nozzle achieving the temperatures required. After taking advice from other KZbin creators I have started to timidly add donation reminders to my videos. The donate button is called “Thanks” and is found in a line of other buttons just under the video, it has a symbol that is a $ sign in a heart … thanks for your support … Nick

[@imwas144k]

Need to know what the first torch set up you used in this video is called so I can buy one. I know it's an oxygen and propane setup but what is the name of the torch you are using. Thanks

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Imwas, it’s called a “Smiths Little Torch” I bought it from Cooksongold.com … N

[@imwas144k]

@@Nickscreativestuff thanks

[@smcewen7]

Where can i find hammers like those

[@Nickscreativestuff]

I like finding hammers in secondhand tool shops. Im lucky to have a very nice one local to me … kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-baoxsgaaLf80 … N

[@AaAa-iz3cp]

good. Red copper is more difficult to manufacture. It is still very hard after annealing. I don't have such a high temperature tool to melt.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

thanks Aa … I feel privileged having an oxygen and propane mixed torch, burns incredibly hot just what you need for melting copper like this … cheers … Nick

[@Sir-ji373]

Hello Sir, I am from India, I want to buy the torch you have, where can I buy it.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi JI, i’m using an oxygen and propane mix torch called “Smith’s Little Torch” I bought mine from Cooksongold.com … cheers … Nick.

[@micahpickering2068]

Why didn't you add borax to remove impurities?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Micah, yes I definitely would normally add a sprinkle of borax powder just before pouring. however I was concentrating so much on camera, lighting, focus and composition I completely forgot … cheers … Nick

[@notyrants]

Does the wife complain about the funny tasting food from the crock pot?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

maybe that’s why I always get complaints about my cooking … 😮🍲👎 … N

[@terryg4179]

Thank you sir.

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Cheers Terry … N

[@sinclaire5479]

How do you finish your copper to keep it shiny or do you allow it to Patina ? I'm looking for something to keep my wind spinners shiny that I make

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Sinclaire, there’s a few products that would help I use wax polish a lot as a sealant. acrylic sprays would work the type sold from car maintenance shops. maybe a paint on varnish there’s a product called metal sealant unfortunate comes in small pots … hope this helps … Nick

[@sinclaire5479]

@@Nickscreativestuff thank you so much

[@simonpidgeon949]

💯👍👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

😁😎👍 … N

[@Keshavrao009]

How can i get copper bracelet from you 100 gms weight

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi there, sorry but I don’t sell stuff however I’m sure a jeweller local to you could get you sorted … Nick

[@hardysdi]

Just wondering if anyone knows what acid was used

[@Nickscreativestuff]

it’s known as pickle powder when purchased from a jewellery supply company. The chemical name is Sodium bisulfate, also known as sodium hydrogen sulfate. It is sometimes sold over-the-counter by Hot Tub companies were they call it PH reducer. there are other options that work well like hot white vinegar saturated with salt also hot citric acid sold in the food industry or for wine making … N

[@kazn1137]

👌

[@Nickscreativestuff]

👍😎👍 … N

[@kellym.11]

Can I achieve melting point with just a butane torch?

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi Kelly, I don’t think you can manage much smelting with butane it would probably melt smaller beads of copper on charcoal. larger torches tend to be propane and needed for the amount of copper in this video say 40g. You could test your torch bye melting a small amount and keep adding small pieces to this and see how long it takes. hope this helps … Nick

[@elenorabrown4635]

🙂❤

[@Nickscreativestuff]

👍😎👍… N

[@zzkokko2954]

👍

[@Nickscreativestuff]

👍😎👍 … N

[@Monkeywrench864]

Are you still making your bracelets??

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Hi Knucklehead, KZbin has taken over my creative passion so only really make stuff for video production these days. Always trying to think of something new to make a video about means I very rarely repeat myself … cheers … Nick

[@Monkeywrench864]

@Nickscreativestuff I am a copper artist as well. Ever thought of a collaboration between other artists?? That would give you content

[@Nickscreativestuff]

i’m always open to suggestions … I have done one video that was a bit of a Collab … the key casting challenge vid … however it’s not done very well so far … maybe a bit out of my usual niche … I suppose it’s always worth trying new things … N

[@geonwar7071]

Plz cen you sand me copper chain Indian

[@Nickscreativestuff]

sorry GEon I don’t get involved in the supply of stuff, just a happy hobbyist having fun on here … N

[@AB-kg6rk]

Voice is better so you can explain why your doing what you do. The text is leaving out alot. Whats wrong with a bit of narration. I love the tutorial, but ive worked with copper, i cant imagine trying to do it for the first time without more info. Good start tho! Best!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

hi AB, no just lacking in confidence … N

[@Emshan_tv]

Зачем я это смотрел.

[@rajuteerpelli40]

👌

[@Nickscreativestuff]

👍😎👍 … N