Flattening Metal Pieces
by Judy Larson
Sometimes metal pieces need to be flattened as perfectly as possible during jewelry making and hammering the annealed piece on a bench block with a plastic/rubber or rawhide mallet does not do the trick. Sandwiching the piece between two bench blocks may be the answer.
Instructions
Method 1-preferred (washer cut from 22 gauge sheet shown)
Place the metal piece in the center of bottom bench block. Place another bench block on top of the metal piece, catty (or kitty) corner. This makes it easier to see if the blocks become out of level with each other during the flattening process. Whack the center of the top bench block once with a plastic/rubber or weighted rawhide mallet. Check the metal piece. Turn the metal piece over and repeat the process if necessary.
Judy Larson's Flattening Metal Pieces - Method 1-preferred (washer cut from 22 gauge sheet shown), Metalwork, , flattening metal pieces
Method 2 (square wire ring shown)
Place the metal piece in the center of bottom bench block. Place another bench block on top of the metal piece, catty (or kitty) corner. Doing this makes it easier to pick the top block up with the fingers of two hands. Pick the block up evenly a half inch or so and forcefully and quickly push the top block down onto the piece. This should flatten the piece. Flip the metal piece over and repeat the process if needed.
Judy Larson's Flattening Metal Pieces - Method 2 (square wire ring shown), Metalwork, , flattening metal pieces
Judy Larson's Flattening Metal Pieces - Method 2 (square wire ring shown), Metalwork, , flattening metal pieces

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Premium Steel Bench Block 2 1/2 X 2 1/2
G17-9
  • G17-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
  • Price: $15.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.98
Add to Bag
Weighted Rawhide Mallet
HAM-408.00
  • HAM-408.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $48.97
  • Gold Club Price: $36.73
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): General Education