I just found out that Lee Marshall, the original developer of Bonny Doon, will be visiting during the workshop in September! The 5-day hydraulic press workshop is being held at the studio of Phil Poirier, the current owner of Bonny Doon, so there are sure to be some exciting times! Where else could you learn how to use tools while conversing with the makers and developers, and seeing how the tools are made? I’ll be teaching an intimate workshop in this unique and exciting setting, and there is room for a couple more people.
Hydraulic Press—From A to Z
Workshop at Bonny Doon Manufacturing, In Taos, New Mexico Sept 21-25, 2009
Learn to use tools in the hydraulic press to explore the design and form possibilities they offer. The workshop begins with Hydraulic Press Safety and Care. Learn about and understand how to take advantage of the various thicknesses and durometers of urethane for effective and creative embossing and matrix die forming. Make and use your own embossing and silhouette dies. Become skilled in using the anticlastic and synclastic forming tool sets, the urethane and restraining ring forming system, as well as contained urethane blocks. Combine hydraulic press forming with surface enrichment techniques for limitless possibilities! With plenty of individual attention, this workshop is appropriate for people with basic metalsmithing skills, as well as professional jewelers and metalsmiths.
➢ For each technique and tool, instructor shows samples of variations
➢ Demonstrations will alternate with time for hands-on experimentation.
The workshop is process-oriented, rather than project-based. Participants are free to work on
whatever they wish, though they are encouraged to try each technique after the demonstration.
Tools and Techniques to be Taught:
o Safety and How the Press Works
o Embossing
o Free Form Bracelets using the Urethane with Restraining Rings tool
o Silhouette Dies
How to make a die
how to use commercially made dies
How to use the new manual and electric die saws
Form boxes for deep forms
Soldering together halves made with silhouette dies
o Blanking dies-how to use
(if there is interest: How to make blanking dies)
o Synclastic Forming Tools
o Anticlastic Forming Tools
Original delrin set
New steel set
o How to turn a roughly formed bracelet into an oval cuff, and other finishing info
o Deep Drawing-3″ and 6″ discs (depending on interest)
rings
vessels
o Contained urethanes, daps, and Master Tool Holders
o View and discuss images and examples of hydraulically pressed metalwork
➢ Note: the exact pace and topics are somewhat flexible, according to the participants’ interests.
The cost is $695 for 5 days
Contact me at ceid@cynthiaeid.com for further details and registration.
