Tutorial on How to Use a Steel Forming Block

Metalworkers use steel forming blocks to bend and shape soft metals such as copper and silver. These metals are then prepared for use as jewelry and other applications. Steel forming blocks come in a variety of forms, with the hemisphere and tube forming blocks representing the most common blocks used in metalworking. Learning how to use this metalworking tool is a relatively straightforward and fun process.

Things You'll Need

• Steel forming blocks
• Metal cutting shears
• Hammer
• Round mandrel
• Drawplate

Instructions

Creating Hemispheres With a Steel Forming Block

1. Cut out a circle made of a soft metal with metal cutting shears. Place the circle inside of one of the dies on the forming block, then select the appropriate sized punch for the die.

2. Place the punch over the circle and strike one to two blows onto the dimple with a hammer. The circle will flatten into the shape of a hemisphere.

3. Transfer the hemisphere to the next smallest die on the forming block. Strike one to two more blows onto the dimple, using the hammer and the appropriate sized punch.

4. Transfer and strike the hemisphere until you achieve the desired depth. Remove the hemisphere from the steel forming block.

Creating Tubes With a Steel Forming Block

1. Cut a strip of soft metal to a desired length. Place the strip into one of the dies on the forming block.

2. Place a round mandrel in the center of the strip. Strike the mandrel with the hammer. Transfer the metal to the next smallest die.

3. Continue forming the metal until it takes on a “C” shape, then remove the metal from the die.

4. Grasp the edge of the “C”-shaped metal and pull it through a drawplate. Continue this until the edges of the metal meet one another.

References

• Lapidary Journal: Forming Blocks - Shape Your Sheet With Ease