G’day - yes me again! I sometimes put a hammered finish on a
few small items of jewellery I make, such as some sterling
pendants. My simple method is to make a punch of the diameter
of the indentation I need - you could use a 6" nail, for
instance, or a smaller one. I use what we call silver steel in
NZ; which is what I think you call drill rod, as this material
can be hardened and tempered. Simply cut off a piece square with
the length, then round it using files, abrasive papers, or even
the little sanding discs used with a handpiece. Harden it by
heating to red and quenching (but only if it’s not a nail) then
temper it back to dark straw colour.
Polish the domed end brightly with your usual buffing method.
Tap the punch against the work, not too hard - practice on a bit
of copper first - and you will quickly have a finish which is
well admired. Nails will work well, but will probably only last
for one item. Cheers,
/\
/ / John Burgess,
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/ //\ @John_Burgess2
/ / \ \
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