There are two spaces available in the 5-day workshop, Hydraulic Press
from A to Z, that I am teaching at Phil Poirier’s studio–Bonny Doon
Taos, in New Mexico, Sept 21-25, 2009…I’ll be teaching an intimate
workshop in this unique and exciting setting, and there is room for a
couple more people. See where and how BonnyDoon tools are made, while
learning how to use them. Lee Marshall, the original developer of
Bonny Doon, will be visiting Phil Poirier, the current owner, during
the workshop, so there are sure to be some exciting times! Where else
could you learn how to use tools while conversing with the makers and
developers? Taos is beautiful, and it is a great time of
year—neither hot nor cold.Learn to use tools in the hydraulic press
to explore the design and form possibilities they offer. The workshop
begins with Hydraulic Press Safety and Care. Learn about and
understand how to take advantage of the various thicknesses and
durometers of urethane for effective and creative embossing and
matrix die forming. Make and use your own embossing and silhouette
dies. Become skilled in using the anticlastic and synclastic forming
tool sets, the urethane and restraining ring forming system, as well
as contained urethane blocks. Combine hydraulic press forming with
surface enrichment techniques for limitless possibilities! With
plenty of individual attention, this workshop is appropriate for
people with basic metalsmithing skills, as well as professional
jewelers and metalsmiths.
For each technique and tool, instructor shows samples of variations
Demonstrations will alternate with time for hands-on
experimentation. The workshop is process-oriented, rather than
project-based. Participants are free to work on whatever they wish,
though they are encouraged to try each technique after the
demonstration.Tools and Techniques to be Taught:
Safety and How the Press Workso Embossingo Free Form and Synclastic
Bracelets using the Urethane with Restraining Rings tool
Silhouette Dies - How to make a die -how to use commercially made
dies -How to use the new manual and electric die saws -Form boxes for
deep forms -Soldering together halves made with silhouette dies
Blanking dies-how to use (if there is interest: How to make blanking
dies)o Synclastic Forming Tool so Anticlastic Forming Tools -Original
delrin set -New steel seto How to turn a roughly formed bracelet into
an oval cuff, andother finishing info
Deep Drawing-3" and 6" discs (depending on interest) -rings -vesselso
Contained urethanes, daps, and Master Tool Holders
View and discuss images and examples of hydraulically pressed
metalwork
Note: the exact pace and topics are somewhat flexible, according to
the participants’ interests.The cost is $695 for 5 days
Contact me offline for further details and registration.