Forged Under The Mountain
How It's Done
Step 1
Hold a quarter on edge against a hard surface. Using a small hammer, start tapping on the edge of the quarter. While tapping, rotate the edge of the quarter around slowly such that
you eventually tap all the way around the quarter. Go slow and do not tap too hard. After a short time you will see the edge of the quarter start to smooth out. After about 15 to 20 minutes of
tapping you will see a change in the quarter. The edge will start to widen out, and the lettering and date on the quarter will start to roll to the inside. Continue until the edge of the quarter is
about 1/4" wide, and the date on the quarter has completely rolled to the inside. This may take an hour or more. Be patient, and do not tap too hard as the quarter will "warp" if this is done
too quickly.
Step 2
With the edge of the ring complete, it can now be drilled. The problem with drilling the center of the quarter is being able to hold it while drilling. If only making a single ring
or two, you can use some scrap pieces of wood as a clamping fixture. You will need two pieces of wood (the same size) and a couple "C" clamps. First, drill a small hole (1/2" or smaller) through one
of the wood pieces. Next, "sandwich" the quarter between the two wood pieces with the quarter centered with the hole in the wood. Using the "C" clamps, clamp the two pieces of wood together with the
quarter between them.
Using a hand drill, drill a small hole through the center of the quarter. Start with a small hole, and then change drill bits to be progressively larger up to about 3/8". The only requirement of the
final hole size is that it must be large enough to allow a file or rasp to pass through (see step 3). Be careful not to get off center with the drill and damage the rolled edge of the quarter.
Step 3
After a hole has been drilled in the center of the quarter, use a round file or rasp to "hollow" out the center to the final ring size. Take care not to file out too much,
or at an angle such that the date and lettering are damaged. It is also very helpful to use a block of wood or other surface that has a small "ledge" or lip as shown in the sketch. Placing the edge
of the ring against the "ledge" or lip will help hold it steady and make the filing easier. Once the majority of the center has been removed, use a fine file to smooth out any rough edges inside the
ring.
Step 4
Now the edge of the ring can be rounded. This will also help round out any flat areas on the edge, and give the ring a nice round appearance. Holding the ring in one hand, tap on
the ring with an ordinary tablespoon. Rotate the ring around while tapping and hit the ring with the inside curved portion of the spoon. Do not use too much force or hold the ring against a
solid surface or it may distort or "egg shape" the ring. The amount of time spent on this is a matter of personal taste.
Step 5
To finish the ring, sand the outside of the ring starting with a medium grit sandpaper. Sand until the outside surface is smooth. Repeat the sanding using progressively finer sandpaper until
a very smooth finish is obtained. The final sanding is usually with a very fine (420 or finer) wet grit sandpaper. At this point the ring can be buffed or polished. If the sanding and polishing are
properly done, the ring will have a mirror finish on the outside surface. No sanding of the inside of the ring is required except to smooth out any burrs or rough spots.
Forged Under The Mountain
507 Greenwood Ave
Canon City, Colorado 81212 llovett@aculink.net
©2004 - Forged Under The Mountain | Home