Purpose: Used to put two curvatures (Synclastic) simultaneously into
metal without marring. Create a bracelet in minutes, not hours. Perfect for
making bracelets, rings, bangles and is indispensable in doing jewelry repair
work. (Our dimpler tool was used to create the dimples
seen in the bracelet above). Easily works metal up to 20 - 18 gauge. With
additional effort, 16 gauge metal can be worked. Metal should be dead soft
(annealed) before forming.
Instructions:
Channel Width is the maximum width (in inches) of metal that can be properly formed
by tool. The resulting diameter is the diameter (in inches) of the circle formed by
the tool. If desired, the diameter of the result can easily be increased or
decreased on a mandrel or with one of our ring or bracelet makers. Any engraving or
designs can be performed on flat stock before forming. The tool will not mar
them. Preferably, the metal should be dead soft. Begin by putting one
end of the metal to be formed into the tool from the side, lined up with the
channel. Repeatedly squeeze the handles while slowly feeding your metal into the
tool. You will see the result coming out with both curvatures in it. After forming, the metal becomes work hardened. Because of the
synclastic shape of the metal after forming, the tensile strength is equal to twice the
metal gauge. The smaller the distance that the metal is moved while forming, the
smoother the curvature of the metal. The metal should be kept in the center of the
channel at all times. If this is done, the metal will take the shape of a perfect
circle.
Your tool comes with flexible,
adhesive black tabs. Putting one of these on the ball will ensure your
resulting metal is smooth. Without the black tabs your metal will have a rippled, hand
made look. |
