Tool Making For The Art Of Repousse and Chasing

 

Repousse is a technique in metal work whereby it is shaped and ornamented by hammering from the reverse side. Chasing is another technique which is the opposite to repoussage and the two forms are used together to create jewellery and other items of metal work. Chasing and the technique of repousse put together are known as embossing. Within this process many different types of tools are required and as a result Tool Making. The Tool Making of these specific tools needs to be very accurate and precise to ensure the tools are perfect for the techniques. 

 

When it comes to tool making tools for repoussage and chasing the most important is the bench grinder. Other tools can often be substituted for another tool but not the grinder. The bench grinder is a form of sanding tool. These tool making devices have a rest to support the work with both hands, this allows accurate shaping of the tools. There are many steps involved in the tool making of these tools, the last step being the buffing which polishes the tools. Some use a cotton buff on the grinder and buff the tools that way. Other tools required in the tool making process are a Dremel or Freedom which uses very fine paper for a different effect and finish. It is mandatory that safety glasses be worn at all times when tool making to protect the eyes from sand and chippings. Ordinary sized tools can be made by the above procedures but some tools are quite small and so a magnifying glass may be required to ensure accuracy. Tool making such small pieces means the magnifying glass requires protection as well from the sand and shavings, replaceable polycarbonate should be placed over the magnifying glass and changed appropriately. This will protect the glass from becoming damaged or broken in any way from the tool making process.