Spoon Part 3

This is part three of a series on how to make a spoon.

Click on the links to see Part 1 and Part 2

The bowl of the spoon is nearly finished so I began working on the handle. The handle is going to be curved as this is a baby spoon. In my original sketches I explored the different options for the handle and have decided to curl the handle in a loop.

Forming handle
Forming handle

To get this loop shape I am using my ring mandrel on a vice to curve the handle. I have annealed the spoon so it will be easy to manipulate. Using my mallet I begin by gently curving the handle around the mandrel.

Forming handle
Forming handle

When the metal starts getting stiff I annealed it again so I can begin to planish and finish the entire piece.

Annealing the spoon
Annealing the spoon

Once the spoon has been annealed and cleaned I planish it on the ring mandrel. Planishing is the when you hammer the surface with a highly polished hammer on a stake. This is to refine the surface after raising or sinking.

Planishing the handle
Planishing the handle
Planishing the handle
Planishing the handle

To get the curve on the handle I use my saddle stake. When the entire surface of the spoon has been planished and I am happy with the shape I can begin finishing  the piece. This will involve filing the edges and then buffing and polishing it on the lathe.

Planishing the handle on saddle stake
Planishing the handle on saddle stake

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