Foldforming Workshop w/ Doris King

We think of metals as being strong and rigid, and yet, treated properly, they can be extremely malleable. With basic tools like hammers, a torch, and a vise, plus a thorough understanding of process, we can find the softer side of metal. It’s fun, experimental, and surprising to see what is revealed. As metal moves and strengthens with each blow of the hammer, shape is created.   What was once a flat piece of sheet metal can become a sculptural form.

Cost: $150 plus materials

Projects: Wearable sized shapes for pendants, earrings, or components to add to rings, bracelets, or a small object..

Skill Level: you need to be comfortable using the butane torch and know how to saw and file metal

Tools and Materials  - Don’t let this tools list scare you. You probably have several of these things already. There are several tools in the studio to share as well.

- Copper 26 g -1 6x12 sheet. 24g is OK too, it’s just a little more challenging to form. I have some to purchase in the studio if you want more.

- Bench block - preferably with rubber base to buffer sound

- Double stitched leather sandbag -

 - Vise – one that clamps onto the table, with flat, smooth jaws on the top face and clamping sides.

The one below that I like also has removable rubber protective slides that fit over the vise clamping sides that are helpful with other applications.

I really like Proxxon FMZ 28608. You can get it on Amazon for $45 with prime. Kent’s Tools used to carry it for less, but I’m not sure if he still has them.

I have a two vises we can share

Hammers -

The basic hammers are

- Rawhide or Delrin mallet, flat face

- Riveting hammer

- Ball Peen hammer

- Chasing hammer - ball and broad flat head

- Goldsmith’s hammer - with slightly domed head on one side and peen on the other- this is optional hammer but nice

- Torch -  Blazer Big Shot #8000 or comparable.

- Blazer fuel

- Old towels - 1 for drying metal and another to sit your bench block on if you don’t have a rubber block or leather sandbag

- Needle Files

- One larger flat/half round file (one inch wide is good)

- Saw frame, bench pin, and saw blades, 3/0 is good wwith 26g metal

- chain nose pliers - 2 pair

- Metal shears

- Old butter knife or other blunt tool – for prying open hammered metal shapes

- Heavy black permanent marker

- Sanding sponges, sanding papers, etc. for finishing

Recommended

Ear plugs

Eye protection

Optional

-       Texturing hammers - Old hammers with scarred faces make great textures.  You can find these at garage sales or maybe in your own garage. You can make your own by hammering an old hammer on  concrete or a rock.

*I am not a fan of the hammers that have interchangeable textured heads. In my experience, they unscrew easily while being used.

- Metal stamps for adding textures to the metal

Lunch and beverage- remember it’s a full day

We can also go grab something next door at del Cielo or another restaurant in the area. There are several