Copper Ladle Bowl

This project can be done in many ways  but this is the way I like to do it.

Start with a round blank.  I found a 4" to 4 3/4" blank is about the right size range.  You can use a bad CD disk to draw your blank out.  A 4 3/4" disk will give you a bowl large enough to hold 1 cup of water.  I was told this was the proper size of a ladle.  I start with a log that has a 3/4" dish in the center.  I made my dishing log by burning the center with a blow torch and hammering the charred area and repeating this process till the desired result appears.

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Start hammering in the center and work out in a circular pattern.  Repeat the circular pattern center and working out.  Do this till the metal becomes work hardened.

Once the piece has reached  a work hardened state you will need to anneal it.  You 1st heat the piece up to a cherry red, and even heat is best.  Allow it to cool.  You can quench it or allow it to air cool.  Copper is not picky but some brasses can give you a problem with water quenching.  If your not sure allow it to air cool.

After heating you will have fire scale left on the project.  I use pickle to remove the fire scale.  The pickle is made from white vinegar and salt, a mixture of 1 cup vinegar to 1 tablespoon of salt.   When the mix looks like mine it is about shot.  When the copper turns a pink and the black and red are gone pull the piece out of the pickle and rinse with water.   Shine up your project with some steal wool.  Go back and start hammering till you get the shape you want

Once the shape is reached  I would leave the project work hardened.   I like to peen a even finish on the out side of the bowl and then clean it up.