I recently added a new tool to my work bench. Yay! I love adding new tools to the studio, especially a tool that makes metal working easier. The new addition is a wood forming block.
The block has two sides which enables me to acheive varying depths of curve. The above photo has the two large nylon rollers in place.
This photo shows the smaller nylon rollers in place.
I begin with a flat piece of metal.
Place the metal into the largest forming block. You always want to work from the largest form to the smallest form. Following this technique will form the bend into the piece without creating a crease in the metal.
Place the appropriate nylon roller into the block and press.
A lovely bend is taking shape.
For this piece I wanted a bit more shape so I went to the next form down and repeated the process.
Nice!
So much better than creating a curve using a mallet and a baseball bat. That’s how I used to acheive a curve to my pieces.
The wood forming block is inexpensive, under $40.00. There are other tools available to create a curved shape in metal but the wooden block appealed to me. I like the price. I like that it sits stable on a table top (as opposed to pliers), I like the ability to acheive various depth of curves and the nylon rollers won’t marre the metal. I think this just might become my favorite tool! I purchased my forming block from Rio Grande.
Thanks for stopping by ABS today. Do you have a favorite tool in your studio? Share with us your favorite tool that you love to use.
Ema Kilroy is a lampworker and metalsmith living and working in Central Massachusetts.
