Hydraulic Press: Basics and Beyond
The hydraulic press is a great tool for making both one-of-a-kind pieces and multiples. Learn how to use the hydraulic press to explore the design, texture, and form possibilities it offers. The class will begin with hydraulic press safety and care before moving on to using the press. Make your own embossing tools and silhouette dies. Learn how to use a range of Bonny Doon tools, including anticlastic, synclastic, and free-form bracelet tools, ring tools, and deep draw tools for small vessels and boxes. Mastering these tools and techniques will allow students to produce bracelets, earrings, rings, beads, and more. This class will demystify the different urethanes and dies while providing students with best practices for using the press and with the confidence to improvise!
Cynthia will show samples of variations and possibilities for each technique. This course is process-oriented, rather than project-based. Demonstrations will alternate with time for hands-on work. This workshop is appropriate for students with basic metalsmithing skills as well as professionals.
