Hand fabrication
Hand fabrication is a large topic. This page will attempt to highlight processes most commonly found in a metalsmith's shop. We highly encourage you to refer to Tim McCreight's book The Complete Metalsmith for excellent information on these and other metalworking processes.
Hand Tool Processes
- Sawing
- Filing
- Sanding
- Stamping
- Dapping/Doming
- Disc cutting
- Hammering
- Pliers, cutters, mandrels
Power Tool Processes
Drilling
Notes
From Mike Thomas Drill bits for use on steel are 118 degrees at tip vs 100 (pointier) for wood or copper. Drill shanks for wood and steel use are basically hardened steel. It is the kind of tip that makes it suitable for steel. Copper uses a pointier tip because the flatter one will tend to work harden the surface.
