Miniature Brass Bell on a Drill Press

Using some 3/8" brass rod, drill press, a couple cheap files and a hacksaw blade, I make miniature brass bells. Here's how I do it

Start by making sure the brass rod is true and spinning perfectly centered. I do this by tapping it slightly while it's spinning. Then start filing. The shape can be whatever you want. If you screw up and break it or you don't like how it's turning out, start over. It's such a tiny amount of brass, you really can't lose.

Once the handle is roughed out, I set the edge of a sharp file onto the bottom edge of the brass. This cuts some nice shallow circles that really make it look like a bell.

Once you're satisfied with the shape, sand it down from 220 grit up to around 400 grit and then finish it off with 00 steel wool. They look really cool at this stage, so polishing is optional. I use some honing compound and a shop rag to polish mine up a little. Once you have it looking the way you want it to, use a hacksaw blade to part the bell off from the blank and dress the top up by hand. Your bell may or may not dance to the music.

Comments

[Anurida Granaria]

I thought that was not just a brilliant presentation, but an amazing idea, not to mention the steadiest pair of hands I've ever seen. I never realised that could be done on a d/press. Chess pieces could be made. Thanks a lot. You have the skills to finish off my project. overbalancedwheeltheory.nz

overbalancedwheeltheory.nz

[DEEJAY642]

are you a New Zealander???

[Anurida Granaria]

Yep.

[dpmakestuff]

Thanks. I checked out your project. I don't think I have the skills to comprehend it, let alone build it! haha