In this video, Artist Jeff Fulkerson will show you how to make that belt using a hydraulic press and traditional metal stamps. I’ll show you how to make a copper link Concho belt and a more traditional silver Concho belt with a piece of turquoise set on each Concho. You’ll also learn how attach loops and put your Conchos on a leather belt.

Have you always wanted to make a Concho belt, but didn’t know where to begin? In this video, Artist Jeff Fulkerson will show you how to make that belt using a hydraulic press and traditional metal stamps. I’ll show you how to make a copper link Concho belt and a more traditional silver Concho belt with a piece of turquoise set on each Concho. You’ll also learn how attach loops and put your Conchos on a leather belt.

When you purchase this course, you will receive unlimited access to all of the lesson videos.

Lessons In This Course

Copper Module

Lesson 1:

Here’s a look at the equipment you will need to get started making your belt, including the hydraulic press, impression dies, & containment vessels.

Lesson 2: 

In this chapter we’ll look at the first of two ways we’re going to use with the press to get a good impression for your copper Conchos.  We’ll discuss safety and proper placement of the dies in the press.

Lesson 3:

Here we’ll look at how to stamp your Conchos, what equipment you need, as well as proper stamping technique to give you a professional looking impression.

Lesson 4:

In this chapter we’ll look at cutting out the outline of the Concho and then cleaning it up with a file and sanding pad. I’ll also show you how to flatten the edge of the Concho without damaging the impression.

Lesson 5:

It’s time to solder on the rings that will hold the belt together.  We’ll talk about soldering copper as well as a soldering technique called “pick soldering” to solder the jump rings together. And then we’ll give the belt a matte finish using liver of sulfur gel.

Silver Module

Lesson 6: 

Here you’ll learn how to use a pancake die in the press to cut perfect circles and eliminate un-needed waste.

Lesson 7:

In this chapter you’ll learn another method for forming Conchos using contained urethane.

Lesson 8:

Once again, we are stamping the Conchos.

Lesson 9:

Here we cut out the Concho, file, and then we will do a little forming on it to give it a little PoP!  I’ll also show you how to make a jig to make your belt loops so that you can produce as many as you need and they will be exactly the same.

Lesson 10:

Here we’ll solder on the belt loops on the back and the bezel cups on the front.  I’ll talk a little bit about fire scale, as well as show you a technique to solder a LARGE piece to a small piece and still get a good joint.

Lesson 11:

In this chapter we’ll patina out Concho and I’ll show you how to set your cabochon before we polish the piece.

Lesson 12:

It’s time to go to the polishing cabinet and put a high polish on our Conchos.  We’ll discuss proper and safe polishing techniques as well as safety procedures and safety equipment to allow you to safely and consistently get a good polish.

Lesson 13:

It’s now time to assemble your new belt and wear it out to show off to all your friends!