instructables

Making a Set of Chasing Tools

by LakeCitiesCraft

Chasing is a wonderfully effective way to add a level forged from silver steel, but may not be necessary for of artistry and sophistication to any sheet metal piece. the vast majority of designs one might attempt. Experienced artisans can create truly stunning forms in a wide variety of metals from brass and copper to You can make a set of tools for under five dollars, silver and gold. the biggest barrier to entry for the with common tools and a bit of patience. hobbyist is acquiring a set of tools. large tools can be

Making a Set of Chasing Tools: Page 1 Step 1: Supplies

For this project I used:

mill bastard file pliers drill hacksaw 400 grit sandpaper kitchen stove

Alternatively, you could use:

bench grinder angle grinder propane/mapgas torch bench vise

My material was a piece of 5mm steel rod.

Making a Set of Chasing Tools: Page 2 Step 2: Shaping the Round Tools

For my set of tools, I made three round ones in set of soft jaw pads to hold the work. A stroke which various sizes. One had a point about the size of a rocks slightly to follow the curve of the piece can be pinhead, the next had a head about 2x the diameter used to achieve final round. of the first, and the last had a head about 3/4 the diameter of the rod. If you have access to power tools, each piece can be filed to round while chucked in a drill. Light passes If you are not using power tools, the shaping will be are necessary to avoid too much side load on the effectively freehand, but solid work-holding will make drill, so I recommend doing the initial shaping the process go quicker and have better a finish. I held freehand. This shaping will just be a quick roughing the workpiece in a pair of pliers situated to support out, so you can take heavy passes to quickly the work in a consistent and stable position, but if you establish a square taper, then shift the strokes to have access to a bench vise you can use that with a knock off the square corners and bring it to an octagonal cross section. This octagonal profile will come into round very quickly when turned in the drill.

Making a Set of Chasing Tools: Page 3 Step 3: Lining Tools

I also included two lining tools in this set. These tools situate a pair of pliers or setting up a bench vise are basically screwdrivers with polished tips. One of becomes very important to keeping a consistent the tools has about a 1/16 inch thick tip, and the other surface. I shot for a roughly 15 degree taper on my has about a 1/32 inch thick tip. Both have the corners tools. this keeps the tool from obstructing view of the very slightly rounded to avoid marring the work if set work and allows the tool to be more versatile. at a slightly off angle. I sanded all of my tools to 400 grit, which seemed to Hand filing the flat requires a stable work-holding produce an adequate surface finish. apparatus. This is where either figuring out how to

Making a Set of Chasing Tools: Page 4 Step 4: Tempering the Tools

Once the tools are shaped and polished, it is time to submerge it so that bubbles can't cling to its surface harden them. When hardened, a file will have very and insulate it. little effect, so make sure that the tools have the level of surface finish that you want before you start to After the quench, the tools need to be softened harden them. slightly to avoid shattering in use. One option, you can sand the oxidation from the surface of the tool Situate a glass filled with water near your heat source and heat it with a propane torch until a light straw such that you can quickly submerge your piece color appears, quenching it again at that point. vertically in it. Another option is to put it in an oven set to 300-400 degrees for thirty minutes. Find a heat source that can bring at least the working end to a bright cherry red. I was able to use a gas And that's it. your tools are ready to use! stovetop for mine, though a propane torch or anything hotter would be even better. The key is just to get the If you're curious about how to use these tools, check working end hot. out This instructable where I go over the basics of chasing and repousse work. When you judge that the piece is hot enough, quickly plunge it into the water. Use a swirling motion as you

Making a Set of Chasing Tools: Page 5 Step 5: More Notes

There are many details of toolmaking which I either quality tool, check: https://www.ganoksin.com/article/ glossed over or didn't bring up in this article. Many how-make-a-chasin... This page relates how to forge, things just didn't fit the scope/intent of the project. polish and temper a larger tool. These aren't forever tools but rather a significant step up from what I was originally using, and a reasonable I hope you found this helpful starter set for someone just getting into chasing/repousse. For more projects and adventures, follow @lakecitiescraft on Instagram. For much more a detailed discussion on making a top Submerging in water will make the steel fragile. It is better to submerge in oil. Be aware that this process might raise flames!!

When using a drill you can put the end of the rod through bearing for support and reducing side load Your quenching medium depends on the type steel you are using. Air, oil, and water are the most common. If you’re unsure try oil first. You really want to anneal your tool as well. Clean the scale off to shiny steel again and gently reheat until you see a light straw color on your tool. This will reduce the hardness a little and the brittleness to safer levels. Striking brittle tools can fling chips. “Always remember to wear these, safety glasses. “ If you’re working copper you don’t need diamond hard tools anyway. Very true. Thanks for the note! the article is updated to reflect that.

Thanks for the note! The article is updated to note that.

Oh! You mean chasing; not chasing. However, I bet most people would flee if you started running after them with one or more of these chasing tools in your hand. In that case, they are a multi-tool. Thank you.

I was not familiar with the term "chasing" and you sent me to the internet. Repoussé and chasing are fascinating subjects. Nice to know you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. KJ

Great. I needed a simple easy Instructable on this. Planning on making a hdpe mallet with hand engraving on it. These tools would be great for that. This process looks simple enough - thank you! If you happen to make something with them, I think a lot of people would appreciate a guide on how to chase metal (it's not something I'm familiar with, at least, but this Instructable piqued my interest). It's always fun to learn about new things! : ) Thank you, I'm planning a chasing project for the very near future. It should be up in a week or two.

Awesome - I'm excited to see it!

Making a Set of Chasing Tools: Page 6