Sinking and Doming embellishment
Tools, Equipment and Resources
- Setting out fluid and brush for coating and making workpiece
- Metal-working dividers
- Pein Hammers to indicate variety of shapes and functions
- Pear-shaped, boxwood mallet
- Jig to be used as a former for the sinking process
- Adequate bench space
- Adequate cramping devices to hold jig (and workpiece if needed) in position
- Doming Block and Punches
- Lubrication and cloth for punch ends prior to use
- Fine Abrasive cloth for cleaning material or metal hitting surfaces
- Circular work pieces in various Sinking stages. Malleable material and thickness suitable for the task. Accurately cut, example of piercing and methods of embellishment, with edges reduced from cutting to appropriate finish.
- Examples of doming on sample pieces
- References to the process of annealing
- Protective and safety equipment.
Activity
- Show initial circular marking of the work to indicate the guidelines for hitting in a regular position and pattern. Working from the outside of the disc Blank in towards the centre. The distance depends upon the depth of dishing.
- Show the jig, distance pins and shape of depression to put
across the principles of how it is used. Ensure that the blank
is pushed tightly against the pins as the Blank is revolved
and worked.
Demonstrate the rhythm, force and movement used during the process of sinking. Keep the lip flat on the jig to avoid unnecessary distortion or vibration. Indicate cramping methods that may be used for the benefit of those with possible difficulties. - Show by example the effective use of metal and wooden hammers and mallets and relation of their shapes.
- Indicate the change of material properties and the need to anneal.
- Restore flat surfaces on anvil and show examples of flat
surface patterning and finishing.
Introduce, if additionally required, the process of doming and provide samples for pupils to internalise the information. - At each stage comment upon and use equipment highlighting problems and the precautions to take. Wear safety equipment at relevant stages.
