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Drilling on Curved Metal

by Susan LeGuyader
In the studio today, I had hoops on my mind. I used copper sheet metal for the hoop, instead of wire, wanting the width and flatness.
Instructions
I cut out the metal, textured it and formed it. After I was satisfied with the shape of the hoop, I using forming pliers and a dowel... it was time to add the holes in which I would add some dangles.

During the forming of the hoops, I used a dapping punch set up in the vise to curve the edges of the copper inwards.

What I found was I could not use a hole punch pliers to get what I needed and where.

I looked at my 4-hole metal punch, which would not work either. I did not have space with either tool to accommodate the curve I had added to the metal.
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, hole punch
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, hole punch
Second issue... I could not lay the hoop on a piece of wood and have my flex shaft handpiece fit inside the hoop to drill the holes I needed.

Before I could pull my hair out, thinking I had really messed up my order of operations and would need to start over, I saw the 1" round wooden dowel on my table.
I still had my little vise set up from forming the hoops, so I clamped the dowel in the vise and it worked perfectly!

I had made marks on the copper for where I wanted to add the holes.

To make certain that the drill bit did not skip around and mar the metal, I added a tiny divot to the metal.

I used a #67 (.81mm for 20g wire) drill bit and carefully drilled the holes I needed. Being able to access the hoop from the bottom worked like a dream and was very safe.
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, dowel in a vise
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, making a divet
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, drilling a hole
After the drilling was done, I used an abrasive wheel to take the burrs left from drilling out (Photo 4), leaving the metal smooth and ready for patina, dangles and ear wires.

Hope this helps with your next hoop project!
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, abrasive wheel
Susan LeGuyader's Drilling on Curved Metal - , Metalwork, Drilling, Drill, hoop earrings

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Bench Vise, 2 Inch Jaws
VIS-204.20
  • VIS-204.20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.95
  • Gold Club Price: $10.46
Add to Bag
Eurotool Flex Shaft System 1/6 Horsepower with Reversible Motor
HDP-180.00
  • HDP-180.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $169.95
  • Gold Club Price: $127.46
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20 pc. 61-80 Small Gauge Drill Bits
G26-60
  • G26-60
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
Add to Bag
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  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Drilling

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