Hi Scott,
Monsieur Binnon??? I’m sure James will give a better answer, and
correct me if I’m wrong.
The copper wont be touching the skin (the silver liner should reduce
direct contact), but the copper will react, it’s one of the reasons
for using it in Mokume, it patinates. A wax coating over the copper
will slow the effects, but it wont stop it totally.
…
Combining Copper, Shakudo, and Fine Silver.
Let me check this book I have at hand…
Using those alloys and elements should work fine, as shown below the
temperature ranges are close if not the same.
Shakudo + Fine Silver 600-700
Shakudo + Copper 600-700
Fine Silver + Copper 600-700
Sterling Silver would give you a different temperature range, so to
be safe you should stick with fine silver (or so the literature
eludes to).
…
Anvils.
Do you have a block of steel? A block of steel is a poor mans anvil,
and if you have a chunk of steel rod, embed that chunk into a bucket
of concrete, works well enough, for light forging jobs. My first
anvil one of these, and I recently gave it away to a beginner
blacksmith.
…
See if you can borrow “Mokume Gane” by Ian Ferguson, it’s affordable
and would be an excellent addition to your library. I’ve heard Steve
Midgets book is excellent, but I can’t afford that book yet.
Ferguson’s book will explain all you need to know.
…
Is this a reliable process (?), well it can be, but it requires
practice, it might be worth practicing on lesser value alloys first,
so you can get an idea of what’s involved. There is a learning curve
involved.
Which brings me to my question… do you have the time? You
mentioned that your friends want “wedding” rings, this implies a
date.
If you don’t have the time you could see if you could source some
pre-made mokume, and attempt to make billets later.
…
My first Mokume was fine silver and 90/10 bronze, it probably
shouldn’t have worked as I used a technique learned from pattern
welding steel. I have alloyed up a sheet of 5% Shakudo, and some 25%
Shibuichi, and am getting the guts to attempt the welding process.
As stated earlier I think James could offer some valuable insight.
Regards Charles A.