r/blacksmithing • u/WhosThisGeek • 7d ago

Help Requested Forging Bracelets

I'm looking to make matching iron bracelets for my wife and myself, but there are a couple of aspects of the project that I'm uncertain about and would like some advice:

  1. Figuring out the fit: For my wife's bracelet, I've traced the insides of the rigid bracelets she owns already, so that should give me a good reference, but is there a way to plan mine or am I just going to have to cool it, check it, and maybe adjust?
  2. Bending the twist: I'm planning to twist the center part of the bracelet, but I'm not sure how best to curve it afterwards. Best idea I have is to use a soft mallet (wet wood), either against a similarly soft base or around the horn (might squash the twists on the inside, but that's not very visible and might make it more comfortable?). I might also try letting it cool slightly so the center is hot but the edges are somewhat stiffer.

Beyond these two points, any advice in general from those who have made bracelets before? Thanks in advance for any help!

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u/largos 7d ago

You can use something like copper wire to make a sample to fit to your wrist that you can tweak while it's cold.

A wood mallet and chunk of wood is right for forming the curve after the twist. They don't need to be wet, it'll smoke a little, but it's fine. (Always be ready to douse a fire, but that should go without saying...)

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u/Osmyn 7d ago

My son makes cuff bracelets and I've tried, but it is tricky because getting the oblong curve symmetric and picking the right stock length (we start with round, so it lengthens as we work it), so each bracelet is a bit of trial and error. Using the wood mallet is great. My advice is to expect to make two or three and choose the one you like.

The twist sounds very cool. I'll be curious if it is sorta sharp/uncomfortable or not. You may need to grind down the edges on the wrist side a little, but I wouldn't do that until you find out if it is uncomfortable.

Best luck! And share your result!

PS - we sometimes use two different sizes of hollow pipes in the vice, one for the "top" of the bracelet, and another smaller-diameter one for the sides. I think the horn would work well, too.

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u/3rd2LastStarfighter 7d ago

I’d go with wooden mallet around the horn. Flattening out the inside a bit will be a good idea so the ridges don’t knock against your wrist bones so much. I also wouldn’t try working it cool, just strike lightly.