Simple way to dome copper

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’m making cuff bracelets in 16 gauge copper and looking for a
simple way to dome the copper to enhance the look and strengthen the
cuff. I’ve looked at stakes, dap sets, forming tools with the Bonny
Doon press, and a forming plier that domes and forms a cuff at the
same time. Are there any other simple ways to accomplish a dome.

Cheers…George

2 
Are there any other simple ways to accomplish a dome.

I once watched an indian (Navajo I think) silversmith form a domed
cuff bracelet from silver using a large, possibly 2+ inch diameter,
ball bearing and a stump. He simply held the ball bearing and the
silver blank in his hand and pounded it into a depression in the end
grain of the stump. Forming took about fifteen minutes as I recall.
Said he picked up the bearing along side the railroad track.

Jerry in Kodiak

3 
I once watched an indian (Navajo I think) silversmith form a domed
cuff bracelet from silver using a large, possibly 2+ inch
diameter, ball bearing and a stump.

That’s perfect, I think a trailer ball hitch might work as well,
I’ll just use that and pound the copper into a wooden depression.

4

Jerry,

You had my full attention until you said—

... He simply held the ball bearing and the silver blank in his hand
and pounded it into a depression in the end grain of the stump.

I know I’ve only had one cuppa (coffee), but honestly could not
visualize the process…

Please explain the process again. My knuckles were hurting thinking
about it.

Kindest regards, Dinah

5

Trailer hitch balls often have a flat spot on top with the weight
rating of the ball stamped in it.

Mike DeBurgh, GJG
Alliance, OH

6 
Trailer hitch balls often have a flat spot on top with the weight
rating of the ball stamped in it.

Check this page to see pictures of a guy using a hitch ball to
hammer out a domed cuff:
http://engravingcafe.com/showthread.php’t=5125

Cheers…George Vancouver Island

7

If that link is not working check the image below on photobucket.
The only problem with this method seems to be the potential damage
done to any raised work done on the surface of the metal before it’s
domed.

George…Vancouver Island

8

A friend of mine uses a very large bolt with a rounded top which he
has finished very smoothly. Sometimes he places the bolt in a vise
and uses it as a forming stake, but he also uses it like a dapping
punch on a stump or pine board. He turns out copper and brass
bracelets by the dozens with it.

Theresa Bright
www. brightsfantasy.com