Hammering Heavy Gauge Wire

by Abby Hook
Hammering not only hardens the wire, it also adds an attractive contrast in textures with round and flattened wire. The hammered wire also makes binding or lashing easier, as the thinner wire holds its position firmly against the flattened edges.
Instructions
Place a shaped piece of 12 gauge wire on your bench block/anvil. Hold it in position with your less dominant hand, begin hammering with the smooth head of your hammer. Starting with the centre of the small spiral, work your way methodically around the shape. I have used a large 'S' spiral.
I like to hammer the outer rotation of the spirals slightly more than the loop in the centre, adding additional contrast. Follow the wire round, using many small taps, rather than one heavy pound, to ensure an even finish.
Abby Hook's Hammering Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, Forging, Forging Jewelry, Jewelry Forging, Tools, hammer in a small spiral
Abby Hook's Hammering Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, Forging, Forging Jewelry, Jewelry Forging, Tools, hammer
Notice how the hammering has caused the loops to open slightly.

Notes on Hammering:
Below I have included some tips and hints to help you with the hammering process:

• Ensure your wire shape has the front face against the bech block/anvil, so that the this side is perfectly smooth.
• It is important that the wire is hammered an equal amount, so that the overall effect is even.
• Your hammer head needs to be perfectly flat to the bench block/anvil when hammering. If it is as a slight angle when you strike the metal, it will affect the shape.

If you hit the outer edge of the wire you will push the spiral tighter.
Abby Hook's Hammering Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, Forging, Forging Jewelry, Jewelry Forging, Tools, hammering
Abby Hook's Hammering Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, Forging, Forging Jewelry, Jewelry Forging, Tools, hammering
By striking the inner edge, you will force the spiral to open.

This is because hammering changes the shape of the wire, flattening the top and bottom edges, which forces the metal out sideways. Therefore if you do not apply even pressure, you will cause one side to expand more than the other. In some cases you can use this to your advantage.

• Notice how an angled hammer head can leave marks in the wire.
• As you hammer the metal will curve upwards slightly.

Abby Hook's Hammering Heavy Gauge Wire - , General Education, Forging, Forging Jewelry, Jewelry Forging, Tools, hammering

Materials

10 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-10D
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $13.45
  • Gold Club Price: $10.09
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Tools

Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face
G3-27
  • G3-27
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.95
  • Gold Club Price: $10.46
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Flat Face Chasing Hammer
HAM-161.00
  • HAM-161.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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Steel and Rubber Bench Block 4x4 Inches
G17-44
  • G17-44
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Forging, Tools