Diy silverware: learn the art of hammering silver at home

Silversmithing, an ancient craft that dates back centuries, has captivated artisans and enthusiasts alike with its ability to transform precious silver into exquisite works of art. Hammering silver is a fundamental technique in this craft, allowing you to shape, texture, and create intricate designs in your silver pieces. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to mastering the art of hammering silver, empowering you to create stunning and unique jewelry, tableware, and decorative objects.

Tools and Materials

Before embarking on your hammering journey, gather the necessary tools and materials:

• Silver: Pure silver is too soft for hammering, so use sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) for optimal malleability and strength.
• Hammer: A ball-peen hammer is ideal for hammering silver, providing a rounded surface for smooth and controlled strikes.
• Anvil: A heavy, flat metal block provides a solid surface to support the silver while hammering.
• Chasing hammer: A smaller hammer with a pointed tip, used for intricate detailing and texturing.
• Steel bench block: A hard surface to protect your anvil from hammer marks.
• Sandpaper: Various grits for smoothing and finishing the silver surface.
• Steel wool: For polishing the silver to a brilliant shine.
• Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from flying metal fragments.

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when working with metal:

• Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries.
• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling metal dust.
• Use a steel bench block to protect your anvil from damage.
• Handle sharp tools with care to prevent cuts or scrapes.

Preparing the Silver

Before hammering, prepare the silver by:

• Annealing: Heat the silver to a dull red glow and allow it to cool slowly. This process softens the metal for easier hammering.
• Pickle: Dip the silver in a pickle solution (diluted sulfuric acid) to remove oxidation and impurities.
• Rinse: Rinse the silver thoroughly with water and pat it dry.

Basic Hammering Techniques

Master the following basic hammering techniques:

• Flattening: Strike the silver with a flat surface of the hammer to flatten it and remove any unevenness.
• Raising: Use a ball-peen hammer to raise the silver into a dome or other curved shape.
• Texturing: Create textures by striking the silver with a textured hammer or chasing hammer.
• Planishing: Smooth and harden the silver surface by striking it with a polished hammer.

Shaping and Forming

Use hammering techniques to shape and form the silver into desired designs:

• Bending: Hammer the silver over a mandrel or other curved surface to create bends and curves.
• Dinking: Use a chasing hammer to create indentations and depressions in the silver.
• Chasing: Hammer the silver from the back to create raised designs and textures.

Refining and Finishing

Refine and finish your hammered silver pieces:

• Filing: Remove excess material and smooth rough edges with a file.
• Sanding: Use sandpaper to remove any remaining scratches or imperfections.
• Polishing: Use steel wool to polish the silver to a brilliant shine.
• Oxidizing: Optionally, oxidize the silver to create an antique or vintage look.

Advanced Techniques

Once you have mastered the basics, explore advanced techniques:

• Repoussé: Hammer the silver from the inside to create raised designs.
• Chinam: Cut out intricate designs from silver and hammer them into a concave shape.
• Keum-boo: Bond gold foil to silver by hammering it together.

Troubleshooting

Encountered challenges? Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Silver is too hard: Anneal the silver to soften it.
• Silver is cracking: Hammer too gently or use a smaller hammer.
• Hammer marks are visible: Planish the silver to smooth the surface.
• Silver is not taking shape: Use a larger hammer or a more textured hammer.

Final Thoughts: The Art of Transformation

Hammering silver is a transformative art form that allows you to create exquisite and unique pieces. With practice, patience, and a touch of creativity, you can master this ancient technique and bring your silver creations to life.

What People Want to Know

Q1: What type of silver is best for hammering?
A1: Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) is ideal for hammering due to its malleability and strength.

Q2: How do I prevent the silver from cracking?
A2: Hammer gently and use a smaller hammer to avoid applying too much force.

Q3: How do I remove hammer marks from the silver surface?
A3: Planish the silver with a polished hammer to smooth out the surface and remove any visible hammer marks.

Q4: Can I hammer silver without an anvil?
A4: Yes, but it is recommended to use an anvil to provide a solid support surface for hammering.

Q5: How can I create intricate designs in silver?
A5: Use chasing hammers with different tips to create indentations, depressions, and raised designs.