Introduction: Zinc & Copper Pendant
This is what you get when you hammer air gun BB’s in to a penny and then polish off the copper to show the zinc.
To do it:
Place several BB’s between two pieces of aluminum tape. Lay a penny over the tape and cover it with another piece of tape.
Hammer the BB’s into the penny. Remove the penny from the layers of tape.
Place the penny on a piece of wood and use the head of a carriage bolt to hammer in a convex shape.
Solder a nail to the back side of the penny and mount it in a drill press. Spin in round and use progressively finer sand paper to shape and buff it. Finish it off with polishing compound and a cloth.
De-solder the nail from the penny before you drill a hole in one of the divots.
Make a jump ring for it to place it on a chain.
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39 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Okay, I'm working my way through this one pretty slowly. Got about a dollar's worth of misshapen pennies in the corner of my shop. But I've finally gotten one that is pretty and polished.
I've modified your process quite a bit at this point, and I'm also doing a different design. Instead of just a huge cluster of BBs, I've got them placed in the pattern of the little dipper. I'll be sure to post a picture when I'm done.
But since each divot is pretty important, I don't really want to drill a hole in one. I was thinking of soldering the jump ring to the top of the back of the penny. This is my first experience with jewelry. Is that a terrible idea? If not, when I solder, where should I position the break in the jump ring for maximum durability.
8 years ago on Introduction
You... are my new favorite Internet person since....well... ever. I'm already grabbing up my tools to start making two of your projects for my wife, and I've been awake MAYBE ten minutes! You rock, my friend, thou art mine Instructables guru.
I only wish I could repay the favor with any of the weirdo things I am ALWAYS building.... But you, sir, have an unabashed fanboy.
Thank you for giving an incredibly(read: no bank account, no car, no assets, when we say."We have nothing" it means, you know, "We don't eat today") poor but creative guy hope that there ARE,ways to do things.
Cheers, man, and thanks!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Really appreciate your comment. Words like those keep me posting. Good luck with your projects. You know where to find me if you need any help. Brent
9 years ago on Introduction
I haven't been able to get the nail soldered to the penny. Not sure if my technique is lacking, or if there's a particular type of soldering wire needed to bond the steel nail to the copper or what. Any tips?
P.S. I'm aware that many users have already asked you for a soldering tutorial, sorry to repeat the question yet again. I just came across this today, and I thought I'd try to throw it together as a last minute Christmas gift for a friend.
Thank you
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
As long as you have enough heat, solder, and flux you should do fine. Let me know if your still having problems after watching that video. Good luck.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks, that helped a lot. It took me a few tries, but I got it right eventually. This was my first time doing anything remotely like this, and it's not very much, but I'm happy with it. Thanks for posting this and answering my questions. I look forward to attempting more of your projects in the coming weeks.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I would like to follow this up by saying that I came across your soldering video. I thought it might be helpful, so I'm posting the link here below for anyone else who comes across this great instructable. Thanks again.
http://youtu.be/ly7OYmOEQ4U
9 years ago on Introduction
Wonderful! Simply wonderful! I made one and wear it every day!
9 years ago on Introduction
Love this idea! Your very talented and inventive. would love to see more things you make. I'm going to try this one soon.
10 years ago on Introduction
Hey Mrballeng,
Love your work, we think along the same lines. Someday I'll find time to post my stuff. Anyway, I thought this was a really great idea for a short project, and I wanted to post what I came up with. I apologize for the poor picture, my camera is not meant for macro work. I haven't put it on a chain yet, but I ran a piece of hemp through it, just for demonstration purposes.
All the best,
~Wander
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Two thumbs up! Looks great and thank you for posting pictures.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
No problem! I know how much fun it is to see that people are actually using your idea. I only wish I'd taken a picture after I finished the necklace. Gave it away this afternoon though, it's now adorning the neck of a pretty girl. As a side note, these make great pendants for beaded chokers.
10 years ago on Introduction
please excuse my stupidity, but it's late and I love this idea, I just have one question, when the copper from the penny comes off the little holes/indents still have it right?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Your exactly right. The sand paper doesn't reach the indentations made by the BB's so the copper is left behind.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
oh okay. thanks for the reply.
10 years ago on Introduction
Awesome! Thank you for posting your ideas Mrballeng :)
10 years ago on Introduction
Nice job man. Will it turn the skin green?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I think you'll be alright. I once made a copper wire ring that turned skin green after two days. This isn't up against your skin so snug and you probably would'nt wear it more than a few hours at a time anyway. Thanks for the comment.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
you can spray it with clear coat varnish on both sides - I am highly allergic to metal, but love to wear jewelry, and it works well for me (or clear nail polish)
10 years ago on Introduction
Also, What's the back look like, did you sand that as well or just leave it? And where do you get your chains?