[TheForge] 8" hemispheres

[Thomas A. Troszak]

>>> PlumDon at aol.com 10/24/2004 8:31:36 PM >>>
> I have been trying without any success, to get some 8" hemispheres in
> Anyone have any ideas on where to get some or a quick way to make them?
> Banging them out of a 10" disc with big wooden and leather mallets is
> too much beating of an arm already in bad shape. Plus they come out a bit
lumpy.

Dear Don,

FWIW,

you can also stretch an 8" hemisphere from 11 gauge steel through a circular
hole in a heavy plate either by hand hammering with a smooth round hammer,
or faster (but riskier) with a small auto body air hammer and a very blunt
steel tool, either while hot, or hammer cold for a bit, anneal and repeat
and repeat. you must round the edge of the hole in the plate or you will
shear off a disc before you get a bowl... start in the middle and do the
edges last. leave as is for rustic look or planish and sand for smooth(er)
finish. they will be much thinner than 11 gauge when finished. you may tear
a couple before you get the hang of it, but it is fun(?) and you can really
go deep with practice. Just an idea... not for quantity production, but it
does work. For heavy production you may need machinery...

Tom


-- 
Tom Troszak
47 Panola St.
Asheville, NC 28801 U.S.A.
Cell: 828.713.7828
Phone and Fax: 828.251.1112
e-mail: tom at tomtroszak.com
http://tomtroszak.com