How to Make a Nickel Ring


Use a nickel to make a ring or pendant for your sweetheart. Click the link for the mens version.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Mens-5-Cent-Ring/
Tools:
Sliding square
Razor blade
Center punch
Small hammer
Large hammer
Mandrel (I used a pry bar)
Rotary tool
File
Drill press
Sockets
80 Grit sand paper
400 Grit sand paper
2000 Grit sand paper
Polishing Compound
Mark the Center


Center the coin in the carpenters square. Using a razor blade score a line in the center. Rotate the coin 90 degrees and score another line. Where the lines cross is the center. Now use a punch to mark the center. This helps you in the next step.
Clamp and Drill


Clamp the ring. Starting with a small drill bit, drill through the premarked center. Progressively drill a bigger hole until it will fit on the mandrel your using. I used a pry bar as the mandrel.
Start Hammering







If you want a thicker ring, hammer the edge at a 45 degree angle toward the mandrel. The ring will form a cone shape. Continue to hammer untill the cone forms a cylindrical ring. See the pictures on the last step.
Keep Hammering






Mount the Ring




Find a socket bit just barely smaller then the ring. If you can't find a socket that's just right you can use a smaller socket and use something to wedge between the ring and socket. I use parachord when I need to. You'll better understand on a later step.
After you press the ring on the socket, use a nut and bolt and secure it through the female end. The protruding end of the bolt will be used for mounting in the drill press. Mount the assembly in the drill press and spin it round. Use a file to shape the ring. You will shape the bottom side first.
Now you have to start being careful not to mar the ring. Use the clamp and a smaller socket to remove the ring from the socket. Flip the ring over and press it back onto the socket. Make sure you use a soft work surface when you hammer the ring on and off. I used the clamp it self.
Final Shaping




With the assembly spinning in the drill press, use progressively finner sand paper to make the ring it's final shape. I start with 80 grit, then 400, then 2000. Spray the 400 and 2000 grit sand paper with water. This prevents the sand paper from getting clogged with metal particles. Again, this gets HOT! And don't breath the metal dust.
Flip the ring as needed. Use polishing compound to buff it to a shine. Now that the outside is nice, time for the inside.
Repeat the Process



Repeat the same process from the outside to the inside. The 80 grit is not necessary here. The 400 will do to start.
Done











Several different size rings can be made; thick or thin. I made this pendant out of 3 nickels.