Steps on Making a Plunkett Fold


One of the most intriguing, and fastest ways to make fold-forms are in the Rolled fold part of the system. Rolled folds use the special, even pressure of the rolling mill to work the metal. They are either a package folded up and put through the mill like a Heistad Cup or are set up so that one side of the fold has more layers than the other when it is put through the mill. These travel further than the side with less layers when rolled, and, restrained by them, the whole fold curves as a result. This page describes the steps to making a Plunkett fold. The Good fold is derived from a Plunkett fold. These kinds of folds work well when forged as well as in the mill.

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By Charles Lewton-BrainMore from this author

This page describes the steps to making a Plunkett fold. The Good fold is derived from a Plunkett fold. These kinds of folds work well when forged as well as in the mill.

One of the most intriguing, and fastest ways to make fold-forms are in the Rolled fold part of the system. Rolled folds use the special, even pressure of the rolling mill to work the metal. They are either a package folded up and put through the mill like a Heistad Cup or are set up so that one side of the fold has more layers than the other when it is put through the mill. These travel further than the side with less layers when rolled, and, restrained by them, the whole fold curves as a result.

Plunkett FoldPlunkett Fold
Plunkett Fold

Steps on Making a Plunkett Fold

Plunkett FoldTo begin with a loop is made from a rectangular piece of sheet metal.
Plunkett FoldThe loop is placed into the vise and the jaws clinched tight onto the loop.

The amount projecting from the top determines the width of the table.

Plunkett FoldThe 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 pillow on top of the vise.

Plunkett FoldThis is what the resulting wedge T-fold looks like on top of the vise jaws.
Plunkett FoldRemove the Wedge T-fold and turn it sideways. Then clinch the vise jaws onto one side of the table.
Plunkett FoldNow mallet the protruding side of the table towards the vise jaws, folding it up.

It is important to knock it over only to about forty-five degrees.

Plunkett FoldTake it out of the vise and repeat this for the other side of the table.
Plunkett FoldHere the result has been taken out of the vise so you can see the Y-shaped cross section.
Plunkett FoldThe two sides are now flattened with a mallet onto an anvil or flat surface.

You may have to turn it over, back and forth, while flattening it to get both sides of the table to come down evenly.

Plunkett FoldThe fold is placed in between the slightly opened rolls. They are then tightened just so they touch the metal. This is called a 'dead pass', and gives us a starting point from which we can tighten the rolls to compress the metal.

Notice that the narrow end of the pleated layers enters the mill first.

Plunkett FoldIt is annealed, turning it over while doing so to ensure that the entire fold is fully annealed.

When quenching it keep it under water until it is fully cooled as if you take it out too soon scalding water can squirt out of its crevices across the room, endangering you and others.

Plunkett FoldWhen opening the Plunkett fold begin at the widest part of the fold, and push your fingers up inside it as you do so.

Rather than levering on the legs pull them sideways, which ensures a smooth opening without kinks.

Plunkett FoldHere is what it looks like after opening.
Plunkett FoldThis is a back view of a Plunkett Fold. Below are some examples, from different views.
Plunkett FoldPlunkett Fold
Plunkett Fold
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.
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  • 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

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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.

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