Brass And Copper Belt Buckles Project 1

Time has been in short supply this summer but had a little time to make some buckles for some friends in Germany.

Used some .064 Brass sheet and some 1/4" solid copper grounding wire. Rough cut them out with the Supercut 50P and finished the edges on the belt sander.

Got the too the anvil and made a dish form to the stock by working them on the anvil in a circular motion working from the center out, this will round the edges up and dish the buckle. The dimples on the front are from the wear spot in the anvil giving the etched look. Used some silver solder to attach the letters made from copper ground wire that was flattened. Also used some1/8" brass tig rod on the back for hook and the belt bar.

tried a couple of different finishes but the marbled look from soldering and heating the copper looked best. Added some flat clear coat after cleaning and they are in the suitcase of to Germany.
Attachment 10596

Very nice, that dimpling effect from the anvil gives a lot of character. You mentioned these are already packed, but do you have a shot of the back, showing the hook and belt bar? Curious to see how they're attached.

Here is a pic of a back, I have made these for years and found out that to much silver solder is not an option it is required.
Attachment 10599

Thanks for posting........... very cool stuff!

Nice work. They look like you aged them a hundred years.

Belt buckles are awesome projects. I know some pipe welders and it seams like some of them spend more time making belt buckles than welding pipe.

Here is one of the first ones i made back in the early 70's, all copper theme was sunrise over the mountains.

Attachment 10606

So are the designs cut into the buckles rather than welded on?

The designs are made separate and welded on in thin sheets or pieces. The three i made went to Germany with me a couple of weeks ago , The country western style is big there like it was here in the 80's. Several friends there want a custom design , i will see what i can do for them this winter when i have some time.

I really like the finish you were able to put on them too. That etched look is fantastic!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cbmkr

The designs are made separate and welded on in thin sheets or pieces. The three i made went to Germany with me a couple of weeks ago , The country western style is big there like it was here in the 80's. Several friends there want a custom design , i will see what i can do for them this winter when i have some time.

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Nice, you have done a good job with the welds.