Metal Stamping for Beadcaps

[booga119]

So I've recently begun coring and capping beads. I just bought a few design stamps to stamp some copper bead caps and I can't seem to get a good imprint to save my life.

I've watched a couple videos and practiced for a good hour and still no luck. Am I missing something simple? I'm using a household hammer on a smaller piece of copper on a bench block. I've tried giving it one good whack from a decent distance away, a few lighter taps from up close.

Ack! Any suggestions?

[FourTailsLampwork]

I often have to whap mine several times, on something really hard--a piece of smooth steel is best.

[papimom]

Have you annealed the copper to soften it so it will accept an impression?
Joan

[designerbeads]

Have you checked this way of decorating the copper sheet?

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120896&highlight=etching+copper


Laurie
http://www.designerbeads.com

[booga119]

I tried etching and was happy wuth the results. I just like to try everything.

I hadn't been annealing the copper. How would I do that? I thought that was more for silver

[FourTailsLampwork]

AHA! That would be it. To anneal copper I use a small hand held torch--not a butane, but the Bernzomatic PowerCell trigger propane torch. However you do it, heat your copper sheet until it glows, and then quench it in a bowl or by pouring water over it. I anneal outside, on my grill. I bought a wide, flat steel dog pan andfilled it with crushed firebrick. I lay my copper tubing, wire, and sheets on that and anneal, and then I dunk 'em in a metal bucket of water.

You will get firescale, but you can pickle your pieces to remove it. You can use Sparex or homemade pickle. If the temperature and humidity is right, and you are careful, you can get a phenomenally beautiful flush of reds, golds, and purples as a heat patina--when I get that I never remove it! Alas, I can onkly get that result in the wintertime.

Annealing makes your metal softer and more pliable. It will be easier to cut, and easier to stamp. Working with the metal will work-harden your pieces, but I always finish mine in the tumbler with steel shot anyway, to polish and work harden.