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pitch alternative
Jim_in_VA -
Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 6:09am
Repousse & Chasing Chasing & repousse' | pitch My first post here. a diverse group indeed. I've searched and read the conversations about pitch alternatives. I want to ask if anyone has used a substrate such as cork, layered paper, rubber sheets, wood/composite or soft plastic to chase large works (exceeding 6 sq ft - 24 gauge). I have tried all of those with varying degrees of success. Any others to "experiment" with? thanks, Jim Waggener  Thank you Marilyn. I've been
Jim_in_VA -
Friday, November 21, 2008 - 12:54pm
Thank you Marilyn. I've been using half hard brass sheet (24 gauge). Works easy and I can get as much detail as I desire without annealing. I make relief sculpture. » reply  Jim, Perhaps you could show
Fred Zweig -
Saturday, November 22, 2008 - 6:51am
Jim, Perhaps you could show us some of your work. When working with your scale, it may be smart to use modeled wooden stakes. I have often used a pattern maker's rasp to shape a 2x4 into the basic shape I seek and then hammer the metal over it. The rasp can also create crevices that help in scoring the exact lines I might need to create in a design. We would love to see examples of your work. Best, Fred Zweig » reply  For large areas, try layers
Feral Metal -
Saturday, November 22, 2008 - 7:15am
For large areas, try layers of carpet but try to keep it clean, swarf etc. » reply I have some examples at my
Jim_in_VA -
Saturday, November 22, 2008 - 4:07pm
I have some examples at my site www.jameswaggener.com. I did not want to leave a bad first impression by posting it. I'm still "learning the ropes" here at Artmetal.com Fred and Feral, thank you both for the tips. » reply  Very Nice Work
Bob Wilkerson -
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 5:55pm
I checked your web site....nice pounding. The carpet option will work, but stability of the piece is definately a problem when trying for detail. There are a couple of video's out that use lead as a backing and clamp the two metals together while working or simply let the lead bounce. I'm just beginning, much more than your web site indicates you are. I'm using some wood stakes such as those Fred mentioned in December. I'm presuming that since you were looking for an alternative to pitch, you have tried that. Can you share why you didn't like it? Your scale is large like mine so i presume size is at least part of the challenge. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Bob » reply Pattern Maker's Rasps
Fred Zweig -
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 7:03pm
For shaping your hardwood shapes I highly recommend the Nicholson Patter Maker's Rasp #49 & #50. Money well spent. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=30288&cat=1,42524 It is helpful to have some pitch for finer detail. The warmed pitch can be pushed into areas you wish supported. It is not necessary to back the entire piece of metal. Best, Fred Zweig » reply Bob, I use pitch on small
Jim_in_VA -
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 9:59pm
Bob, I use pitch on small scale pieces, but its not practical for something as large as I work. Fred's idea of localizing it may work. I do a lot of front/back work, flipping back and forth. Most pieces don't require so much small detail that it is required, however; I am leaning that way. I like the carpet option. Some pretty dense pads are available, I think I'll try that. Thanks for the suggestion. Fred, thank you sir for the pitch tip. Will try that as well. Jim » reply |
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ArtMetal
You can use anything that
You can use anything that works. I have used a thick rubbery pad about 6"/12" that I bought in a Tandy store a long time ago. I have also put pitch on a board and that worked very well. The problem with not using pitch is that it is hard to hold your metal down with one hand while holding a chasing tool and a chasing hammer. If you are hammering the item, even an anvil works because you are thinning the metal where you strike thus raising the surface on the other side. It's hard to get much detail though. What exactly area you trying to do and with what metal?
marilyn