Copper caps for boppers

[StevenT]

I have searched and found many threads on using copper caps for boppers.  When you by a cap, it is flat. Is there an easy way to round the end out? I have tried putting the cap over something rounded and hammering it, but all the cap does is move around on whater it is sitting on.

[DanaM]

I've used carriage bolts held head up in a vice and gently tapped to shape it, gotta use a bolt with a head suitable to the cap size.
Also try the ball end on a ball peen hammer, or shape a piece of wood to the right shape and use that to form the cap.

[Stoker]

I found a good site for building your own boppers.
Try knappingnewmexico.com
Thanks Leroy

[StevenT]

You guys are great. All I have to do is take Dana's carriage bolt suggestion and use the technique from the video and I should be able to form my caps with no problems. Plus on the NewMexico site, I saw a couple videos I had not seen before. Thank you both for the great pointers.

[xin]

Harbor Freight sells a doming  kit for all size domes for about $30.  You're then fixed for making a lifetimes worth of tools.

[El Destructo]

Harbor Freight sells a doming  kit for all size domes for about $30.  You're then fixed for making a lifetimes worth of tools.

In all of my Trips to Harbor Freight....I have never seen this Tool Zin....what was it called? And what was it's intended purpose? That way I can go in and ask for it ...without getting that  "Deer In The Headlights Look"  from the Salespeople........

[sonny]

I remember seeing a video online of a guy that was using the caps without having shaped them at all. yes, he was knocking off some great flakes using a flat copper cap simply pushed onto a short length of copper tubing.
....it's worth a try anyhow, huh ?

[sailordad]

I remember seeing a video online of a guy that was using the caps without having shaped them at all. yes, he was knocking off some great flakes using a flat copper cap simply pushed onto a short length of copper tubing.
....it's worth a try anyhow, huh ?

i have a copper pipe thats .75" in diameter(it is hollow)one end i have a domed cap filled with lead,the other just regular flat cap unweighted
both ends work well.i also have a solid copper bopper,and a small .5 inch copper pipe with a domed lead filled cap
but i seem to be able to use hammer stones with better control

[xin]

Destructo, It's just called a dome kit.  You'll see it on their intermet catalog.  That's where I ordered mine.  Well worth it if you intend to make your own tools.. With it you can make any size bopper you want.  Using copper is a real boon to me since I have no access to antler other than ordering it.

[mullet]

 I use the Flat top cap on my boppers. They work great.

[nugget]

Go out and find you some stones and expirement with them. You will eventually pick out the ones that work the best. That will cost nothing but time. I love my hammer stones. 
TJ

[PW]

  I use a carriage bolt. Lay a scrap piece of  leather on ground . Lay cap on leather and insert  bolt.  Beat with large hammer till rounded. The I use a smaller bolt to futher dome out.  Will there be a point challenge this month. PW

[StevenT]

Thanks for all the different suggestiions. I bought a couple carriage bolts and gave tht a try. I put caps on a 2X4 and was able to dome the caps with no problem. I now have a selection of .5, .75, and 1 inch boppers both with leaded domed caps and unleaded flat caps. I have copper handled ones and wood handled. And yes, for all of you who suggested stones, I have also gathered a pretty good selection of hammer stones.  Why so many... besides seeing how to make them, I also want to try different things. Since I am just starting and it is all new, I just want to get a feel for the different tools. I am sure I will eventually settle on a favorite.

[attachment deleted by admin]