flat surfaces

[welder19]

King Porkunkhamun I ( 145 - 182 BBQ)
That's great....I love it, not only does he do an awesome job artistically but what a great consept, some of animal rights folks may not find it that humorous but I did, especially since I raise and butcher my own pigs, normally, I didn't do any this year but this is the first year in many years I didn't, normally I raise 3, 2 for butchering and one to roast whole.
Maybe if I ever get into doing that kind of copper work I'll make something similar to use at my pig roast's.

welder19

[John B]

Sorry Facium, I did not get back sooner on the "Flatter" question, I have attached some pictures (some better than others) of tools I use when making repousse'd items.

The flatters and blockers are the larger tools at the bottom left of the pictures with all the tools shown, the top row left side, are marking out and lining tools which are seen better in the picture above the wren. The other shapes should be used when applicable. Basically use a tool of a shape that will do the job you want it to.


The tools are made of tool steel and some of mild steel, with polished working faces. They are approximately 4" long, I use the same tools when working on steel on a lead block for leaves etc.

The edges should be smooth and radiussed to prevent cutting through the copper.

The wren was an experiment, forming it against a carpet backing and wooden board instead of the usual pitch. The techniques used had to be altered as problems arose that you would not have if the work was being done on a pitch block.

Just keep trying, and make the tools you need as you go. A light hammer is preferable when doing this kind of work, and anneal the work regularly to avoid splits.

[facium]

thanks John, as my fabrication facilities are somewhat limited, I bought a chepo set of industrial punches from harbor frieght and ground them to what I needed.

working on a new piece with these tools, and will post some pics soon

[John B]

Look forward to seeing it

Repousse has a very rapid learning curve, and most of the tools I showed were only lightly forged, then filed or ground to shape and polished.

A smooth surface on the working face gives a better finish and is easier to use.