how to make a steel doming/dapping punch for jewellery making.

Step 8 Using and testing out your new tool!

If you have a commercially made dapping block that your dome fits in you can use it. however if you don't have one you can also use a block of lead, urethane or a sand bag.
(If you using a lead block with silver or gold make sure that no lead is transfer to the metal by using a thin layer of latex or plastic wrap. Failure to do this can result in pitting of the silver or gold when heated.)

1) Cut a small circlular metal disk,
2) Place the disk on lead or dapping block of appropiate size
3) Centre the punch on top of it
4) deliver a few blows with an appropriate sized hammer
5) inspect your results and enjoy the wonderful feeling that comes when you make something yourself


ENJOY D.P

Comments

[bruce5000]

cr8ive1
pm sent i like these tool of your makeing makeing my own is what i like if need a morw solid dapping block kor thin ss any ideas?

[mattthegamer463]

Do you think I could use this by putting it in my vice, and put a piece of sheet metal on top, and hit the metal with a hammer to shape it however I please?

[cr8ive1]

Definitely! that's a great idea. In jewellery making working sheet metal into a 3D form in the way you describe is called raising. there is no reason why a doming punch couldn't be used for that.

[lazemaple]

Actually its called Repousse - raising is using a hammer to move the metal upward while working on a blacksmiths anvil stake.
You are correct in saying the punch can be used for repousse and even as a small stake to do some really small scale raising.

[jtobako]

We were taught in MCTC's Jewelry program to do this with a soft hammer. The vice chews up the handle of the punch, so be warned : )

[lazemaple]

I wrap leather around my punch or whatever before putting it int the vice