How to Make Silver Discs for Stamping
- 1). Trace coins or other small, round objects on the sheet silver using a permanent marker. Use the draft compass to make as many circles as needed if you do not have round items in the desired size. Space the circles as close as possible to conserve the silver.
- 2). Use the rotary power tool with a diamond bur blade to cut out square pieces of silver around each of the circles (the wheel can only cut straight lines). Cut out the smallest square you can that still encompasses the circle.
- 3). Trim off the corners of each square around the circle. Make the trim lines cut as close to the edge of the circle as possible; ideally, they should touch the edge of the circle at one tiny point in the center of each line. This will transform the square into an eight-sided polygon, still with the circle inside.
- 4). Remove the eight new corners you've made around the circle in the same manner. Repeat the process with the corners you make after that. Continue doing this until the shape no longer looks like a polygon with straight sides, but a rough circle. Repeat with all circles.
- 5). Turn off the rotary blade and let it cool for two minutes. Switch to a diamond bur grinding bit.
- 6). Grind down the edges of each metal disc to smooth them. Taper them from top to sides as well, if you like.
- 7). Remove any traces of ink from the disc using a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover.
- 8). Fit the rotary tool with a diamond bur engraving attachment. Use this to bore a hole in each disc for pendant threading.
- 9). Switch to a felt polishing bit on the rotary tool. Apply polishing compound to the bit, and polish each of the silver pieces to a shine.
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