Can the GRS Benchmate tool be used to hold chain links so
that they could be planished?
After looking at the instructions for chain 4 in the Stark book,
I assume you're talking about the planishing in step 13. I don't
think the Benchmate would be of any value for this step. What you
might try is this.
Make a planishing punch to keep from planishing your fingers.
Measure the length of the area you want to planish.
Measure the width of the formed link before planishing.
Locate a piece of steel about 3 to 5 inches long, that is as
thick as the length measured in step 1. You may have to do some
filing to get to this dimension.
Cut the steel from step 3, 4-5 mm wider than the loop after
it's formed.
Polish the face of the steel to a high shine (or what ever
finish you want on the planished link.
Place an unplanished loop on your steel block (anvil).
Place the polished area of the punch over the link with the
edge of the link just visible at the front of the punch.
Strike the punch with a sharp hammer blow.
Using this method keeps the fingers from getting hit & ensures
each link will be planished the same distance back from the end.
Good luck,
Dave
