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