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The Hydraulic Press from A to Z
This course is currently full. Spaces do occasionally open up so if you would like to be put on the wait list please call our office at 781-891-3854 or email [email protected].
Combining hydraulic press forming with surface enrichment techniques can produce limitless possibilities. During this inspiring five-day course, learn how to use the hydraulic press to explore the exciting design and form possibilities it offers.
The class will begin with hydraulic press safety and care before moving onto a wide array of applications for jewelry and small sculpture. Learn how to take advantage of the various thicknesses and durometers of urethane for effective and creative embossing and forming. Become skilled at using Bonny Doon's anticlastic, synclastic, and freeform bracelet tools. Practice using the new small forming tools to make rings and earrings. Discover how deep draw tools transform a 3" diameter flat disc into a cylindrical vessel quickly, which can become a small box or vessel.
Students will also be taught how to use embossing and silhouette dies, and can choose to design and make their own dies. Methods for constructing a reversible silhouette die to create hollow forms (matching forms can be soldered together) will also be covered. Find out how dies can be varied, such as using "interruptions" or changing designs that a split silhouette die creates.
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. Participants are encouraged to practice each technique after the demonstration, while also pursuing their interests. This workshop is appropriate for students with basic metalsmithing skills as well as professionals.
If you'd like to see more of Cynthia's work, please visit her website www.cynthiaeid.com
Meet the instructor
Whether using hammers and stakes, or hydraulic press tools, Cynthia's sculptural jewelry and hollowware shows her focus on exploring the fluidity with which metal can be moved, formed, and joined.
Cynthia Eid co-authored the book Creative Metal Forming, with Betty Helen Longhi, published in 2013 by Tim McCreight's Brynmorgen Press. In his foreword for the book, Michael Good says the authors "have succeeded in assembling the first comprehensive textbook on synclastic and anticlastic forming." (More about the book available at www.creativemetalforming.com.)
Cynthia and Betty developed a set of anticlastic stakes, and Eid also works with Knew Concepts and Bonny Doon to help make tools for jewelers and metalsmiths. Lee Marshall has dubbed Cynthia Eid "Godmother of the Knew Concept Saws" since it was her idea for him to produce these saws for jewelers.
Excited about working in sterling silver without the problem of firescale, Cynthia has been working with Argentium Silver since 1999. After meeting Peter Johns (the inventor of Argentium Silver) in 2003, Eid has participated in AS's development. Argentium International, Ltd recognizes her as a Pioneer.
Cynthia Eid's metalwork has won awards for creativity and design, been featured in many publications, and been exhibited internationally. With a BS in Art Education and MFA in Jewelry, Design, and Silversmithing, she has previously worked as a bench jeweler for fine goldsmiths, a model-maker in a gold jewelry factory, and on private commissions. Her work is in museums in the US and UK. Currently an independent metalsmith and educator, she teaches weekly classes at Metalwerx in Massachusetts, and workshops and short courses in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Materials & Tools
There will be a materials kit available for purchase from the instructor. It is estimated to cost $50 and includes base metal to practice each of the techniques shown during class. IF students wish to work in silver, they should bring their own.
Since some students will want to make their own dies, and some would prefer to use their time differently, additional tools and supplies for silhouette dies, embossing dies, cutting dies, blanking dies, etc., will be available for purchase as needed/desired at class. These items are detailed in the supply handout.
Student Supply List:
Most of what you need is available at Metalwerx. Please be aware that tools may need to be shared. It can be nice to have your own tools with you at class. This suggested supply list includes recommendations of what students might wish to bring with them to class. Please contact us if you have any questions.