An Introduction to Anticlastic and Synclastic Metal Forming: Terms and Tools
*please note that some of the links in this post are affiliated
An anticlastic bangle, synclastic bangle and silver bowl with an anticlastic base with the Durston Bangle Forming Die Set used to make them.
What is Anticlastic Raising?
Anticlastic raising is a metal forming technique used to create curved forms with sheets of metal. The process involves using a crosspein hammer and a metal forming stake to compress the centre of a sheet of metal and stretch the edges creating curves that bend in opposite directions to each other, forming a saddle shape. This technique can be used to create complex forms in both jewellery and silverware.
Raising an anticlastic silver bangle using the Durston Bangle forming die set
Filing the edges of a silver anticlastic bangle
What is Synclastic Raising?
Synclastic raising is another metal forming technique used to create curved forms with sheets of metal. But as opposed to anticlastic raising, synclastic raising involves using a hammer and a metal forming stake to compress the edges of a sheet of metal and stretch the centre creating curves that bend in the same direction as each other forming a dome or bowl shape. This technique is used to create bowls, dishes and hollow forms in both jewellery and silverware.
Forming a synclastic silver bangle using the Durston bangle forming die set
Annealing a silver synclastic bangle after planishing
What tools do I need to get started?
Anticlastic and Synclastic forming tools
Durston Bangle forming Die Set
What it’s used for: Creating anticlastic and Synclastic bangles and cuffs (can also be used for trinket boxes and napkin rings)
Why I like this tool: The different sized dies mean that you can easily make many different styles of bangles and cuffs with one tool. It comes with a stand and hammer too!
Sinusoidal Stake
What it’s used for: creating anticlastic and synclastic forms
Why I like this tool: With many different sized curves to choose from you can create a versatile range of styles and forms
Eid Longhi Anticlastic Forming Stake
What it’s used for: creating anticlastic forms
Why I like this tool: This user-friendly tool is great for ring making and creating more complex forms.
Hammers
Fretz Planishing Hammer with Nylon Inserts
What it’s used for: Raising, planishing, doming and dishing (and most other things to!)
Why I like this tool: It is so versatile. It comes with an array of interchangeable nylon heads that are really easy to change and can be used for a multitude of different projects.
Rubber Forming Mallet
What it’s used for: A Rubber or nylon mallet can be used to shape metal without damaging or denting it.
Why I like this tool: It is budget-friendly and can be used for both anticlastic and synclastic raising as well as other metal forming tasks
Planishing Hammer
What it’s used for: This polished metal ended hammer is used for planishing (smoothing out and refining the surface of the metal through hammering)
Why I like this tool: A good quality and well-balanced planishing hammer
If you would like to get started with Anticlastic Raising, come and experience making an Anticlastic Silver Bangle yourself at the Cognac Jewellery School, or Buy the Online Course from wherever you are in the world
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