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