NTBA Archive

CHRISTMAS TREE
DINNER BELL

Full size image of Dinner Bell

   This bell may be made (see directions with drawings below) from 3/16" round stock, 48" long. It is best to isolate the heat for the tight triple bends with a Oxygen/Acetylene torch in order to get the proper angles. A better musical sound is produced if the bends do not touch. Start with the triple bends on one side, saving the center single bend, the two lower single bends and end scrolls for last. This allows putting the long shape into a forge. And, it is also easier to hold and maneuver. Hammer marks may be added after all of the triple bends are completed. After the five triple bends are aligned, bend the center single bend. Then measure for the final single bends on the bottom. Hack saw off the excess and twist the ends out. Heat the tips with a torch, hammer the ends flat and twist the scroll ends with needle nosed pliers. For a more melodious sound, place the triangle into the forge, heat to red and quench in water. While still at black heat, brush with brass brush to give brass highlights. The triangle uses about 39", which allows a 8" hand clangor to be made from the remainder.

A stand may be made from another section of the same stock. Twist a cobra like shape to hold the triangle and clangor. (See drawing "D" below.) For best sound quality, hang the triangle on the stand with a sturdy wire.

1. Place a mark approx. 19 1/2" from end of stock.
2. From mark, measure length of first leg and begin bending of triple bends on one half of triangle.
3. Flip the unit around and repeat for the remaining triple bends. See "A".
4. Add hammer marks.
5. Bend center single bend. See "B".
6. Heat the complete shape, place on anvil and square up.
7. Measure and bend the two lower single bends.
8. Trim excess and twist out lower sections.
9. Hammer ends flat, see "C", twist end scrolls with pliers. Twist ends back into alignment with triangle.
10. Heat and quench.