Steps on Making a Basic Wedge T-fold


This page describes the steps to making a basic wedge T-fold

1 Minute Read

By Charles Lewton-BrainMore from this author

This page describes the steps to making a basic wedge T-fold.

To begin with a loop is made from a rectangular piece of sheet metal.
The loop is placed into the vise and the jaws clinched tight onto the loop. You can see the angle the loop is tilted to in the vise. Vary the angle to alter the results. Note this is also a very quick way of making a conical form in metal
The end of the loop is now malleted down, 'confirming' the position of the table relative to the legs. Clinching the end first leaves a hollow shape to the rest of the loop. This is called a pillow, and is used to chase into or otherwise work with. For a basic Wedge T-fold it is simply flattened.
Here is what the Wedge T-fold looks like after flattening down to the top of the vise. Note the protective vise jaws of copper which protect the fold being made. Other vise jaw materials such as plastic or wood can be used instead.
This is another type of wedge T-fold using a narrow rectangle and a more extreme angle in the vise. The change in shape and position leads to different forming options. Each change you make in the procedure results in variations in form.
Here is what a basic T-fold looks like after annealing. The table has been left standing high in this picture.
Here is an example where the table returns have been unfolded, arching over the table surface.
Another Wedge T-fold with the table returns unfolded over the table.
A back view of the basic wedge T-fold.
A Wedge T-fold with the table returns unfolded over the table.
This is a wedge T-fold which has had the table returns completely unfolded, and then been flattened 'confirming' the two fold edges from the table sides, making them into line folds.
A view of a flattened wedge T-fold. Fold edges as line folds.
A double wedge T-fold, where a fold has been made from each side of the loop towards the middle.
Repeated wedge T-folds layered over each other.
Back view of the layered multiple T-folds.
By Charles Lewton-Brain – © Brain Press Publications – 2008
All rights reserved internationally. Copyright © Charles Lewton-Brain. Users have permission to download the information and share it as long as no money is made-no commercial use of this information is allowed without permission in writing from Charles Lewton-Brain.
Buy The Book Japanese Patinas
  • Hardcover: 160 pages
  • Publisher: Brynmorgen Press; 1st edition (April 15, 2008)
  • ISBN-10: 1929565267
  • ISBN-13: 978-1929565269
  • Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches

Purchase your own copy of “Foldforming (Hardcover)” today.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the safety resources available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC does not assume any liability for the materials, information and opinions provided on, or available through, this web page. No advice or information provided by this website shall create any warranty. Reliance on such advice, information or the content of this web page is solely at your own risk, including without limitation any safety guidelines, resources or precautions, or any other information related to safety that may be available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC disclaims any liability for injury, death or damages resulting from the use thereof.


Charles Lewton-Brain

Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain trained, studied and worked in Germany, Canada and the United States to learn the skills he uses. Charles Lewton-Brain is one of the original creators of Ganoksin.

The All-In-One Jewelry Making Solution At Your Fingertips

When you join the Ganoksin community, you get the tools you need to take your work to the next level.

Become a Member

Trusted Jewelry Making Information & Techniques

Sign up to receive the latest articles, techniques, and inspirations with our free newsletter.