Photo 14 Reverse the stake in the
holder to position the narrowest
groove facing outward. The fi nal and
thinnest groove requires the use of a
very narrow fl at cross peen hammer
with a rounded face (HMR-3). If there
are sharp edges on your hammer, you
must reshape it.
Use the thinner end of the cross peento hammer the middle of the bangle
down to the bottom of the groove. As
usual, use overlapping hammer blows.
Planish the bangle so the concave
shape is even all around.
Photo 15 The edges of the concave ban-
gle may fl are slightly outward at this
point, so to make them stand upright
and parallel it may be necessary to
compress the whole bangle. Tapping
the side of the bangle with a nylon
hammer may make the bangle wavy. If
this is desired, just leave it. If you want
the sides to be even, you’ll need to use
a guide to keep the thickness even.
Roll a ¼ inch square brass rod out to
4.2 mm as a guide and compress the
bangle down to the brass guide with a
nylon or rawhide mallet.
TIP:Another method is to use a
hydraulic press and two brass rods on
either side of the bangle. This will keep
the plates parallel and make the bangle
only compress as much as the rod
thickness.
Photo 16 The edges of the concave
shape can be thickened and textured
in one step on a stake (M-117) that
fi ts the inside curve of the bracelet.
Hammering both sides with a thin cross
peen makes for a strong visual element
to the edges. The edges are hammered
lightly to 6mm or so, and then a strong
blow can add a ribbon-like eff ect.
After the hammering is complete, use a
14 15
16 17
18
⅛"x1" felt wheel with bobbing to polish
the groove.
Photo 17 When stacked, the bangles
make a strong statement. They can also
be worn separately for a more casual
look. By transforming fl at sheet into a
dimensional design that doesn’t weigh
much, you’ll get a classic look for time
well spent.WILLIAM FRETZ from Bucksport, Maine, began to
develop his line of jeweler’s tools in 2001, including
miniature stakes and a line of new jeweler’s and
silversmithing hammers. He is a graduate of The
School for American Craftsman, Rochester Institute
of Technology. More of his work can be seen at
http://www.fretzdesign.com; for upcoming workshops,
visit http://www.fretzdesign.com/workshops.January/February 2016^39