copper enameling - make my own trivet?

[cheeky monkey]

I want to do some torch enamelling on copper. Anyone had experience with making their own trivet for firing?

[cheeky monkey]

aw.... no one here?

[dla]

Yep, I'm here and maybe can help just a little. I'm just getting into copper enameling myself (still collecting supplies) and thought the same thing. Just found this by doing a search on the web. Looks easy enough actually. Scroll down and you'll see the trivets. http://alohilanidesigns.com/making-trivets/ Not sure where to get the steel. I know Home Depot carries it but they are huge sheets.

Still, some of the trivets are pretty inexpensive. I think it's the shipping that gets ya if that's all one buys.

ETA: Here's another link to check. https://billdawsonmetalsmith.com/how...clever-tricks/

[Speedslug]

You can find smaller sheets of metal in cubby holes near the larger sheets but you kind of have to look hard for them.

Also Old fashioned wire coat hanger can be bent into shapes that will work.


I would suggest running the kiln up to working temps with just the trivets in order to burn off any coating that might be on the metal.

Tin cans can be a source of thin metal like tuna cans.

Just snip or saw through the thick edge and snip a few triangles to bend out and down and in and up to make legs and arms to hold your work.

Just don't use aluminum. ( we don't talk about that event anymore )

[losthelm]

Another use for all those bent and abused mandrels.

[dla]

All GREAT ideas.