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Brazing sheet metal formed as a bell.

Hi, I am trying to make ox and cow bells that look traditional. I work as a blacksmith at a living history museum. I have coated the 16 gauge sheet metal bells with brass/bronze in clay balls in the forge with varying success. But, what I really want to do is, in the off-season winter time, braze bells using oxy/acetylene or other plating methods. What I want is a fairly smooth, thin coating of shiny brass/bronze. I need some help with preparation methods, applying/plating methods, and clean-up/brightening methods. Including what cleaners, coating materials, fluxes, and acids? Cost is important, too. Any suggestions you will give me to help me in this revival of a traditional craft will be appreciated?

Carmen.

Carmen Legge
Blacksmith/bell maker - Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
March 26, 2008

With all the knowledge represented here, you would think someone would have the answers to my questions. Guess I stumped them all. That is what happens to traditional skills with metal working. How do we ensure the old knowledge is not lost?

Carmen Legge
Blacksmith/bell maker - Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
April 10, 2008

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May 5, 2008

Carmen !
Try to buy book Direct Metal Sculpture by Trevor Faulkner (AbeBooks or Amazon). There you can find some very interesting informations for you.Try internet archive website too(some download free old books on metalworking).Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia

Try next website www.wkfinetool.com/z_tDownL/index.asp .There you can find some good download free old books on blacksmithing!Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
May 7, 2008