How to transform an aluminium drink can into a charming little embossed metal box.
Here's the video version of the instructions:
Here's the video version of the instructions:
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Signing UpStep 1: Clean off the paint
Using abrasive paper and/or steel wool, rub off the paint/printing on the outside the can. This doesn't have to be perfect, as tthis will be the inner surface of the finished box.
However, skipping this step altogether makes it quite hard to see what you're doing in subsequent steps.
By far the easiest time to do this is when the can is still full and sealed, because the liquid inside will support the walls as you press on them with the abrasive.
However, skipping this step altogether makes it quite hard to see what you're doing in subsequent steps.
By far the easiest time to do this is when the can is still full and sealed, because the liquid inside will support the walls as you press on them with the abrasive.
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Just fill it with water and put into freezer for a couple of hours
and you get a rock solid can to cut. Use a utility knife around
shoulders...
They're pretty available at most any convenient store/gas station.
Basically you can put a razor blade in the pages of a thick book with one sharp corner sticking out. You turn the can against the blade which scores the can. You then use the blade to punch all the way through the score in one spot, then gently push along the score line and the aluminum rips cleanly along the line.
Score along the top, along the bottom, then take them off and that leaves you with a clean cylinder and you can use the scissors to cut up the side to lay it flat. The edges will still be pretty sharp, but not jagged at all.
Great instructable by the way- the gears in my head are clicking away with this- steampunk, anyone?
...also aluminum.
This is a wonsderfull tutorial.Thank you so much!
Monica
Old newspapers or mouse pads make good surfaces for the line work.
I've seen coasters done with this technique. Before mounting the design to a piece of scrap tagboard or whatever you use as the base, pour in a little plaster or grout so the design doesn't get smooshed down.
Someone suggested sharpies for coloring. Alcohol inks and nail polish also make good coloring agents. If you manage to overpaint the raised area, you can easily remove the color by sanding with a fine grit emery board.
Someone asked about popsicle sticks -- this is a good tool if you want to raise a larger area, such as if you want to make a dome. they really aren't sharp enough for the linework though. Tools like this might work:
http://www.jewelrysupply.com/product/FM2079.html?catPath=272_2315
But everyone has a biro that doesn't write anymore, so it gives you a chance to reuse that too.
If you are going to do a lot of work in the center part you might want to do that before making the marks for the rest of the box. Working metal expands it, and it can throw off your shape.
These make nice little earrings and window dangles and christmas ornaments, too.
Nice instructable!
After removing the paint, just cut the top off of the can as shown in the instructable, leave the bottom intact.
Then do your pattern work from inside (or outside) of the can.
You might have to develop some special tools to accomplish this, but it would be cool!
Just be sure to support the surrounding metal to prevent crushing or tearing it.
Use the bottom of another can that is stretched from the inside to form a cap/lid.
I have used a Zippo lighter to smooth out the metal for similar projects "Back in the Day" when I smoked, and had a lot of aluminum cans available. (wink wink).
Harry
I can envision making a "tin work" type ceiling or wall splash like this.
Heating it in a really hot oven, then allowing to cool slowly should make the metal easier to handle and fold (and can be repeated if it starts to work-harden)
Also, to decorate, you can use colored Sharpie pens. The ink in a Sharpie will stay on metal. I have some shiny permanent marker pens which when used makes the metal tinted and looks awesome.
Lastly, if you have access to a manual die cut machine, like a Cuttlebug or Sizzix, you can use them on the flattened sheets of aluminum, both to cut shapes and to emboss. You can find these machines, die cuts and embossing folders really cheap on Craigslist or other places now because everyone is going high tech with the Cricut machine.
The embossing folders which come with the low tech die cut machines let you do all kinds of awesome designs quickly and easily on the aluminum sheets. Maybe I'll do an Instructable sometime of my aluminum can bookmarkers to demonstrate the how-to.
Anyway, again, very nice Instructable and video.
Eddie
Here's the hexagonal version. More variations are also on the drawing board...
There's an example of an early prototype made without the outlining and re-impressing on my web page ( http://www.atomicshrimp.com/st/content/drink_can_tinwork ) - by comparison, it looks half-made.
The other good thing is that if you work with a black ballpoint pen, the ink that adheres to the metal can end up adding a sort of antique effect.
:O
amaaaazing, hope you win a prize with this project.
Now I will have to buy more beer! Such a shame ;)
Now that Christmas is just round the corner!!
I loved this, most probably I will have em painted too!
Thanks!
im gonna have to try this
Reminds me of the little token Anakin gave to Padme in Star Wars Episode I. Maybe you could do that with this!