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| Home | Jewelry Making Library | Fold Forming
   
 

Fold Forming -T-Fold with a Table Insert
Copyright © Charles Lewton-Brain 2005
 
 
This page describes the steps to using a table insert in a T-fold. A table insert is an object, or a composition of a group of objects, inserted into the table when it is made, and then trapped. Items to try include, washers, shapes of 16 gauge iron binding wire, screws, shaped metal pieces designed for the purpose etc.
Here in this example we are using a very simple insert. It is placed into the loop prepared and clamped in the vise.
The loop is now malleted down, clinching the contents in place. things are tightened onto the inserted objects so they do not slip out of place during the forming. At this stage chasing tools and dapping tools can be used to define the table detail, pressing it intimately around the insert's shape or additionally to pattern the table.
A sheet of rubber, or leather can be used to transfer the force of a hammer onto the top of the table. This forces the table surface down and around the table insert materials. It is the 'poor person's hydraulic press".
Here is what it looks like after being shaped and formed by the rubber and hammer.
Here the simple insert has been tightened in place. The T-fold is lifted out for you to see closer.
It has now been annealed, and it being opened to release the insert. Objects can also be removed before annealing.
Here is a fold that used a screw, a washer and a spiral of steel. Only rubber and a hammer were used to press around the inserted items.
Here is a view of the back side, where the insert pressed directly onto the inside of the table. The detail is sharp and clear.
Here is another version of a table insert, again just with a rubber force used to press down aroun d the insert.
A back (inside) view of the same piece, showing crisp sharp marks from the inserted materials.
 

 
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