Brass rope detail

Britton · Post by **Britton** » Fri May 24, 2002 10:26 pm

I am making some hourglass gauntlets and want to do some brass rope detail. Is there an easy way to shape the brass rod I have?

I don't have access to a lathe but was hoping there was an easier way than a file.

-Ron

wcallen · Post by **wcallen** » Tue May 28, 2002 1:23 pm

There are not a lot of examples of these - but I am assuming you are talking about that nice roped detail in the wrist of the gauntlet.

If so, the ones I have actually seen are hollow sheet metal.

Cad made some. I think that he used a male form and something as backing. My guess was that it was a lead block - but he will have to tell us for sure.

I have seen people make them out of solid stock. It is really to heavy, but it can look just fine. I think that you will probably either file it or make a swedge - the simplest swedge is a chisel - and then clean it up with a file.

Wade

Gaston de Clermont · Post by **Gaston de Clermont** » Tue May 28, 2002 5:46 pm

I don't have his book in front of me, but I seem to recall Brion Price using a male and female die/swedge for that sort of thing. He used sheet rather than solid stock as well.
Gaston de Clermont

Sasha · Post by **Sasha** » Tue May 28, 2002 10:30 pm

The hollow form is the most common, however if you lack the tools or skill to go witht hat option you can either take four or six wires and twist them into a rope together and set that into the cuff (the angle means you do not need a flat bottom).

You can also take a piece of square stock and twist it so that it has a spiral running through it. The grind the back so that it will fit where you want to set it (flat or V-shaped or whatever). This method isn't too heavy and presents a nice look.

Drill through and attach with small rivets or keyhole solder through holes in the steel cuff.

Sasha