A new medium for me.

I'm going to try a Silver Dollar next.
Haven't done one yet.
It may be great or flop depending on how it behaves.
So much metal to shrink and shape.

I'm sure it will come out great! Have fun and share the result with us.

Has anyone tried doing this with some of those commemrative coins/medallions? Like perhaps one of the Apollo or Space Shuttle program ones? Those would make a neat ring I bet, if they aren't too thick. I might just try this myself.

The silver dollar is kicking my butt right now.
Shrinking down the thicker metal evenly is proving to be a task and a half.
The commemorative coins would look great, although I'd be hesitant to use the mini torch on them.
I think it would burn away (or at least discolor) the surface coating.

a reply to: shadow watcher

Ahhh, yeah I didn't think about the possibility of discoloration. You can get an Apollo commemrative coin for about $15, so it'd be worth a try I'd think. Also, some of them are bronze, would bronze discolor?

originally posted by: JJRichey
a reply to: shadow watcher

Also, some of them are bronze, would bronze discolor?

I'm not sure about that. Standard coins darken a bit but buff out easily.
There was a member here earlier who knew metals, maybe he would know better.

It looks as though my silver dollar attempt is going to be on hold.
Sadly, I reached the bottom of my mandrel before the flared end could be brought in.
This means that I have no means of shaping the ring.
Maybe I can locate a machinist who can turn some steel down to make a larger diameter taper.
I can post a pic if anyone wants to see it.

I'm back with more pieces.
Tonight I did 2 quarters one 1935 and the other 1942.
They are 90% silver and crazy delicate to work with.
I actually split one earlier due to a tiny crack I missed before trying to shape it




These shined up nice and look great.
Unfortunately, they lacked detail prior to working them so they don't POP with sharp lines.
I kind of like the idea of a pre-WWII antique (as well as a during WWII piece).
I have a small collection of old quarters that aren't really worth anything as is, but may be worth more as jewelry.
So, here we go.

Another Half Dollar. This one I was concentrating on 'rounding' the ring over. Convex shaped edge.
It looks as though I've done that. The hard part is keeping the ring dead on straight while doming the edges.
I actually didn't have the 1942 dead on while trying to round it over and it squished off center, forcing me to back up and re-align the ring to fix it. On smaller thickness rings it seems not worth it to chance rounding over.



In any case, here it is.

I'm interested in getting some foreign coins to work with.
If there are any collectors out there that could recommend coins about the size of a quarter, let me know.
The coins don't have to be rare or expensive, just decorative in detail.
I'm looking on ebay, but there are tons to look at with no reference to size.

thanks for looking

I tried a euro coin.
I successfully punched the center leaving a good inner band of silver to contrast with the outer gold.
Once I started working the coin the bond between the two metals gave way and broke it.
It was too bad because I was really excited about a two toned ring.
I have one more, but I'm weary of trying it again.
This hobby sure is a learning experience.

They are so unique and cool! You should sell them on e-bay or perhaps on consignment in some little shops. Great work!

Thank you. I thought you would like those.
When I get enough variety of sizes and types finished I will try some local shops.

These are amazingly beautiful!
So much respect for your craftsmanship!

Wishing you all the best in your endeavors!

a reply to: shadow watcher

That is way cool.

Nice work of your own, and many thanks for the various links - i'll be trying this at some point.

Good luck with getting some sales too

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the encouragement.