Making the slit in Hummingbird billsThe bills of the birds needed a slit to make it a little more realistic.
Problem; how to get the slit on the bill or the indication of a slit in copper. After much thought and several trial and errors I devised this simple technique. I used copper electric house wire with the insulation removed. This wire is fairly soft yet strong enough to hold it's shape. Size is about 5/64, yours may very some. Using a 5/64 drill I drilled holes from both sides of a 2x2 piece of 2x4 where they intersect exactly in center. Put 2 long sheetrock screws in from the sides with the wire inserted. I put A & B on the jig to better keep up with the side adjusted. These screws are hardened and make a perfect scribing point. With Screws just barely touching the wire, you must be able to pull the wire through fairly easily. You may want to mount the block in a vise to hold it better. Using a vice grip, pull the wire through several times, be sure and not twist the wire as you pull it through, just pull straight through each time. Then take a very small turn on the screws to tighten against the wire. Pull through several times again. Be patient and do not rush it. This will form the grove you need for the slit, as it scribes the line deeper. After 15 or so settings you have a "V" grove formed. Sand lightly to get rid of burrs, shape the tip of the piece you are using for the bill. Use reference photos to get the slit in the proper position and walla, you have a hummingbird bill. I am sorry that you cannot see the detail of the slit in the pictures but if you do it carefully, I am sure you will be pleased. |