Forming Copper
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Dramatic results in just a few steps! You'll be turning out copper forms with just a few simple tools. The techniques I'll show you are surprisingly simple and you'll be amazed at how fast you can begin forming copper. Copper is one of the most malleable of the metals and also the most forgiving. When you're finished with your work, nothing quite compares to the warmth and richness of copper.
The tools I use are rather primitive. I'll show you how I make the forming mallets, and what I use for planishing. You can buy your forming mallets, or as I demonstrate, you can take two or three hours and make a set of your own. It's almost impossible to make a mistake in forming copper. If the shape doesn't quite meet your expectations, you can anneal the copper, making it soft and malleable and change the shape. You'll be able to take a flat sheet of copper and give it depth and dimension. It becomes far more interesting than just the flat sheet you started with.. Once it's formed it has character! The most obvious shape is a copper bowl. We'll start off with this and I'll show you two techniques which you can use to form bowls.
But, let's not stop there, let's go on to some other shapes. Once we have the forming techniques down, there is no end to the shapes you can form. You can go from theses simple paper patterns: To this contemporary design:
Or, go from this piece of paper to your design:
Ending with this abstract mask:
Once you do your first, let's say bowl, your mind will be flooded with ideas about what you can do with these techniques and a few simple tools. I remember doing an Americana piece, it was an old barn like you'd see in the 20's or 30's. I wanted to add a slip scoop (a slip scoop was pulled behind a horse to move dirt and gravel). With these simple techniques for forming copper I made a slip scoop that was an exact replica of the real thing. Making a slip scoop is no big deal, but it does emphasize how easy it is too have an idea in your mind and with a few simple tools, bring that idea into reality. Whether it's a copper bowl, an abstract sculpture or any piece formed into a shape that comes out of your mind, you can do it with the tools and techniques shown in this video. Running time: 71 minutes. $39.95 free shipping |
