Copper Cowbells

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Now, using the offset tin snips, cut the metal to shape. That done, measure and scribe the inside lines with a sharp utensil... and, using a hammer and cold chisel, score the copper along these lines, being very careful not to cut all the way through the metal as you do so. Next, bend along these scored lines, using a pair of pliers, to form a slant- sided bell. Drill small holes at the appropriate places (as indicated in the illustration), and fasten the form together with self-tapping screws or copper rivets.

MAKE IT RING

To finish off your bell, you'll need to make a clapper. Begin this operation by drilling a 1/16" hole in the top center of the bell and another 1/16" hole in the stem of the 3/16" eyebolt. (In order to center-punch and drill this second hole, you'll probably first have to grind or file a flat place on the side of the bolt thread.)

Next, place the 1" stem of the eyebolt down through the newly drilled hole in the top of the bell, leaving the ring up top to serve as a hanger. Then—working inside the skirt—place a washer and nut on the eyebolt stem and tighten them with a pair of long-nosed pliers. With this assembly in place, thread a thin strip of wire (or heavy string) through the hole in the bottom end of the bolt and twist (or tie) it securely. Now you're ready to mount the clapper!

This noisemaker can be easily manufactured out of a short (or sawed off to 1/2") roundheaded carriage bolt. After filing the thread flat on one side, center-punch and drill a 1/16" hole through the stem. Thread the wire (or string) into this hole, and pull the clapper up into the bell. (Make sure it's in far enough to strike the inside bottom edge of the skirt.)

There you have it ...an authentic handmade copper cowbell fit to ring round Bessie's neck, or to decorate a parlor shelf.

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