How to make your very own paper weight

[ilovekittens]

I had some time today so I headed to the garage to play and took a few pics along the way.

A couple people showed some interest in my homemade paper weights, hence the DIY project. I'm sure there are easier ways and harder ways to go about this, but this is what works for me, with the tools I have.

Material: 3/8" brass www.speedymetals.com (http://www.speedymetals.com)

Tools: Permanent marker, center punch, cheap ass drill press, jig saw, vise, belt sander, dremel tool, various files, sand paper, steel wool

Step 1: Draw a paper weight design. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=504&d=1253566354

Step 2: Trace the design onto the brass plate and center punch the holes.http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=505&d=1253566949

Step 3: Drill holes, I use a 7/8" bit after the inside has been sanded smooth 7/8" fits my fingers nicely. If you have plumpy fingers go with a 1" bit. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=506&d=1253566955

Step 4: Place brass plate in vise and use a jig saw with a metal bit to rough cut your design. The rougher you cut it the more filing and sanding you'll have to do. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=508&d=1253566968

All done with the rough cutting, now the fun part begins. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=509&d=1253566974

Step 5: Filing and Sanding and more sanding. I use my dremel with the little sanding drums wherever I can, but you still end up hand sanding everything eventually. This step can take forever and a day depending on how shiny you want to make it. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=510&d=1253567347

Step 6: Add a little something, something to lighten it up a little and make it purdy. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=511&d=1253567353

After all is said and done find a nice stack of papers to place your new weight on. http://www.daltonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=512&d=1253567381
Disclaimer: These are intended for novelty purposes only

Please feel free to ask questions or give advice. If something isn't clear please let me know. Post your own creations too and have fun. :) ILK

[Stabber]

Very cool!!! Nice paperweight!!skull2

[Knife Crazied]

I love it! :)

[Woodstock]

How did you chamfer the holes? Pretty cool paper weights!

[ilovekittens]

How did you chamfer the holes?

I used a larger drill bit and rounded the holes not going very deep, then just plugged a smaller drill bit right down the center. :) ILK

[pete1958]

very nice paperweight..............