mokume

[magnum .44]

i'm thinking of using mokume to make a ring, but do you need to etch it, to be able to see the nickle silver and copper. or does this happen after buffing. if i need to etch what grit do i go up to, and can i buff?

 

[Phillip Jones]

You don't need to do anything to it except let it tarnish on it's own. Don't polish it with Flitz, Simichrome, or buff it.

Do sand all the scratches out.

Letting it tarnish shows the different colors of the metals.

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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon

 

[Tmac]

Magnum, you should be able to see the contrast of the two metals without etching, but, in all the examples of Mokume I've seen and the ring I have, one of the materials are etched to give it the "wood grain" pattern and texture which Mokume is all about. I guess it would be just like etching pattern welded steel. May be not the same etching soultion.

You can find etching materials and patinas for the copper, plus other Mokume materials at Reactive Metals Studio http://www.reactivemetals.com/

If you want to see some examples of Mokume rings check out:
James Binnion http://www.mokume-gane.com/

Steve Midgett http://www.mokume.com/

I've talked to Steve and have a ring of his (very nice work). He is very helpful and you may want to bounce some questions off of him. I know he also has a video and book on how to make Mokume.

Good luck, hope this helps. Let us know how it turns out. I'm looking to go in that directions soon.

Take care,
Tom

 

[magnum .44]

wow, those rings are fancy. thanks for the links, i like the non etched one. do you know where to buy mokume tubing 1" od 3/4" id, 1/4" long.

 

[Tmac]

Sorry, I'm not sure were to get Mokume tubing. The last time I talked to Steve I was under the impression that he made a small billet of Mokume of alternating layers of material then folded and twisted the material to get a desired pattern then machined away the rest. I don't know whether he forged,drilled,milled or lathed away the rest or what he does for that matter.

I think I'll put an order in for his book, he's suppose to have some Mokume projects in there, maybe one will be a ring. If there is I'll let you know. But, if you find some info on tubing pass it along.

Take care,
Tom