Introduction: Turtle Pendant From a Nickel
Again inspired by mrballeng here on Instructables, this is a pendant made from a nickel!
The nickel was hammered flat, then filed into the correct outline. I then used paperclips to create the indented lines, and sanded/polished the piece smooth. The curve was created by hammering a dome-headed bolt onto the piece while it was sitting over an indent in a block of wood. Epoxy was used to secure the jump ring.
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19 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Make a instructable. I am trying to make one right now
8 years ago on Introduction
this is highly illegal.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
It's only illegal to alter/deface currency that you intend to keep using as currency.
9 years ago on Introduction
@Kryptonite:
Giving some alternating texture and polished areas, on the shell, might also give it a nice little something different. There's endless possibilities. Very nice piece of work there Gnome!
9 years ago on Introduction
Whoa! Very cool. My girlfriend loves turtles, I'll have to try and replicate this!
9 years ago on Introduction
Have you considered a little detailing with something like black modeling clay (such as mrballeng used in the art palette and cufflinks instructables) in the lines of the shell?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
If I understand his instructables properly, it seems that the clay itself has no inherent adhesive qualities. He carefully engineered those pieces to have lips that would hold the hardened clay shapes in.
Also, I think I prefer a clean metallic look. Could be something to explore, though! If I found a paint that went well on metal it could be interesting.
9 years ago on Introduction
Very nice pendant! I'm actually planning on making one for my sister's upcoming birthday. I was just wondering the steps I should take.
Is it hammer out, round, file to shape, and then indented? Or is it some other order?
Thanks!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
1. Hammer a nickel until the features are no longer visible. Try to hammer evenly. Balance thinness with the size you want your turtle to be, it's up to you.
2. Draw the outline of the turtle on with marker or something, and use wet metal files to shape the silhouette. File the sharp corners down a little.
3. Bend some paper clips to the shapes you want for the lines. Hold them in place with masking tape and give them three or four medium hits with a hammer. They tend to flatten a bit, so it's best not to reuse them.
4. Get a piece of 2x4 or something and hit it with the ball end of a ball peen hammer, making a round dent. Place the piece over this dent and find a round-headed screw. Hammer the head of the screw down all over the piece until it becomes domed.
5. Sand a lot. You can try hot gluing something to the back so you can handle it, then tape some 100 grit paper down on a very flat surface. Let the sandpaper do most of the work, and switch directions occasionally. Work up through 400, 1000 and 2000 grit.
6. Get some polishing compound and rub it in, buffing it dry afterwards.
7. If desired, epoxy a small jump ring to it for easy attachment.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thank you very much!
9 years ago on Introduction
Nice! What do you mean by 'I used paperclips to create the indented lines'? Do you put the wire of a paper clip on top of the piece and drive it into the metal? I would have expected the metal of the coin to be harder than the metal of the paper clip.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I think they are of somewhat similar strength. The paperclips get flattened a bit, but not before making a nice dent in the nickel. I wouldn't use them twice, but they work decently once.
9 years ago on Introduction
So cool, id like to make this for a friend of mine who really likes turtles, any chance you will do step by step photos or at least a description for it? Thanks.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I just wrote out a step-by-step for the guy above you, hopefully that will help you too. Let me know if you need more info!
9 years ago on Introduction
Really cool, I love it!
9 years ago on Introduction
My hat off to you. I love this. Looks great!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks, that means a lot!
9 years ago on Introduction
Nice, make another and photo each step.
9 years ago on Introduction
Awesome! It'd look even cooler if you got a buffing wheel onto the back of that, it would look superb!