Kilimanjaro Report post Posted August 11, 2009 Guys, When I went to Zimbabwe this past Feb, I casted the tusks of my the biggest bull I took (all 3 bulls were non export trophies).. Got the tusks all finished and they came out AWESOME! The molds caught even the smallest scratches and nicks in the ivory.. They look as real as the real deal on the elephant! Now that they are done, I need to get some bases built and wrap the last 3" of the tusks covered in a copper base covering.. Ive found this photo and really like the wood and shape of these bases.. Do any of you guys know what kind of wood this is? I'm going to try and copy these bases pretty much to a tee. 2nd question... I am going to buy a thin sheet of copper and try to do the wraps myself.. Problem is, I dont know how to get that antiqued color into the copper and how to get the dimpled appearance into the metal.. Do any of you guys know a way to get that look without destroying the copper sheet? I'm no woodworker (wish I was!) and I am danged sure not a metalworker, so I am asking you guys how have any knowledge in these fields for a little advise! Here are the pics.. On the copper wrap, if you look above the part of the wrap that looks like a rope, I want the look ABOVE that area.. The rope and the flattened out area that connects to the wood dont look good to me. Just above the rope area.. the dimpled, aged copper. I like that.. Many thanks, Gents! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ac guy Report post Posted August 11, 2009 As far as the copper, you can get a small piece to practice with, and try hitting it with a ball peen hammer, or a hammer and a round tipped punch to get the texture you want. You may be able to find it pretextured, but I haven't seen it. As for the antiquated look, you can use a lacquer to coat it after you get the texture. The lacquer will also keep it from oxidizing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ac guy Report post Posted August 11, 2009 These guys may be able to find the copper you want premade. http://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/framedcart.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rio Report post Posted August 11, 2009 Hard to tell on the wood, I'd just go down to one the local stores that sells wood for wood working, like Woodworkers Supply if you have one, find a type of wood you like and go from there. I beleive some carry wood from Afirica as well. On the copper, to get the dimple affect, you could use a shock filled with BB's, small pebbles, etc., and slap the copper with sock. To get the antique look, or oxidized, a solution of water and muratic acid sprayed on and left over night will give you the look, use less if you don't want too much green. If you do a search on google for "antique copper" you'll find all sorts of recipes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
soazarcher Report post Posted August 11, 2009 Scott, I believe that is Cocobolo wood, do a google image search for it. I've got a longbow with a cocobolo laminate, looks similar. Can't wait to see the finished product. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BASS Report post Posted August 12, 2009 What we use to do to get an older look on the metal was to heat it slightly with a torch to get some color and then take a very, very fine buffing pad to rub all over it to shine the outer (higher) metal and it leaves the lower (dimpled) metal the duller color. Same with any of the spray on products. I suggest you get a small piece of metal to play around with until you get the desired look and then transfer to the copper. I think that would give you the best idea of how it's going to work. Good luck! I can't wait to see the finnished product. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted August 12, 2009 Could be Ebony Wood also( see picture). 2 - Pieces of 8/4 Stock glued and clamped together to make the staggered base section. Staining an African Mahogany would probably be less pricey than Cocobolo or Ebony, not all ebony is as striped as the photo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilimanjaro Report post Posted August 12, 2009 Thanks for the suggestions, guys.. I guess I will just buy a thin sheet of copper and practice before making a "real" one.. Thanks for the hints. That African Ebony striped wood is AWESOME!! Snapshot, just for a rough estimate, what would a base like the one I have in the picture run me in the various woods that have been mentioned in the thread? I'm thinking about maybe 6" (3"on each tier) high.. 7" at the highest.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy Report post Posted August 12, 2009 The wood is Macassar Ebony no question about it. the metal looks like a cold dip process. I have a guy here in Colorado that can put metal on almost anything. here is his information, he might be able to help you with this product in AZ. Boulder Metal Coat Inc. Steve Tattershall 3932 Stoney Drive Laffayette CO 80026 steve@bouldermetalcoat.com 303-641-0003 www.bouldermetalcoat.com Good luck and shoot me an e-mail if you need any other help. Cowboy Geoff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
