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Intermediate Metals Assignment #1.1

1/30/2026

The first unit in Intermediate metals is to make a brooch with at least one set cabochon and other items and a custom pinback. But before we do that we had 3 demonstrations on Tab, Bezel, and Prong settings. Then we were to make sample pieces using a tab and either a bezel or prong settings. Of course I did all three since doing so results in 10 extra credits. I did the tab setting last Friday and started on the prong setting using an Ammonite that I got at the Tucson gem show eons ago. I finished the shaping the frame and then soldering it closed and added the prongs and ring on Monday. Today I finished setting the Ammonite and did the bezel set stone. It is due Tuesday.

Now I can start the layout of the brooch, I did the design yesterday.

Deep Draw Kit

1/11/2026

Over three years ago, Kevin of PotterUSA did a video on a deep draw kit he was going to sell. Being the metal nerd I am, I had to buy one, which I did! He did not sell many of them and soon afterwards, maybe less than a month, they were no longer in stock and are no longer sold. Here is a link to see him showing how to use it.

Sadly, life got in the way and I never made anything with it but that changed today.

I started with 18g copper and annealed it.
Next I softened the edge of the silhouette die that goes agains the copper sheet. Pictures 1 & 2
I layered urethane and a forming disc in the hydraulic press and created the base for the round "dish". Pictures 3 & 4
I annealed and pressed again to get a good crisp edge
Anneal again
Then it was place TWO discs on the platen copper on top of that and then the silhouette die - PRESS. Pictures 5 & 6
Anneal
Repeat with 2 discs. Pictures 7 & 8
Anneal
Now use 3 disks and the steel ring to press; the steel ring provides space for the base to not "bottom out".
It pressed well but sadly the base then split from the wall. Remaining pictures
I will now soften the edges on the disc's to help prevent the splitting and do the press, with the ring, with an annealing in two steps.

BUT I GOT IT TO WORK!!!!
Time to try another piece of copper.

Intermediate Metals Assignment #1.1

Deep Draw Kit

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