By: Jack Bischke

WINDCHIMES

You were wondering about how to flatten cutlery for making wind chimes; some
advice from a metalworker.

You can't work this kind of metal hot unless it is ferris (nickle, steal, iron)
most cutlery is a type of bronze that when heated becomes very weak and if
hammered just shatters.  If you anneal it (heat it to red and douse it) it will
loose its bell-like quality and have to be re-hardened which would loose the
pattern.  The idea of a rubber mallet is the best.  Other ways might be to put
it between two hardwood boards (oak) and squeeze it in a large vice.  If you
have anyone who works silver they might have a rolling mill which would
certainly alter the patter but could make for interesting effects anyway.