Hammerworks - Glossary

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Anodizing

The use of electrical current to affect the surface of a

particular metal. Aluminum, niobium or titanium are frequently anodized

metals. The term's source is from the negative pole of an electrical

circuitry, the anode.

Blackening

Formally known as oxidation, a process of darkening certain

metallic surfaces through exposure to sulfur.

Carving

A subtractive method of forming, can be executed with any cold

cutting tool. Examples: file, sawblade, and knife.

Casting

Derived from the 4th millenium BC, this ancient process

incorporates molten metal poured or pressured, through centrifugal force

or vacuum suction into a mold of some fashion, articulated in a variety

of mediums. Examples: lost wax investment, cuttlefish, sand,

charcoal.

Chasing

An ancient process in which steel tools and a hammer are used

to press recesses or intaglio into a sheet for decorative or sculpting

purposes. It is also used to refine details on repousse work, or on the

surface of a cast form.

Electroforming

A technical process in which a matrix is suspended in a

bath of free metal ions, which are then influenced to attach themselves

because of the creation of a flow of electricity, generally provided by

a rectifier.

Embossing

The act of stamping to force out a shape in cameo (relief) or

intaglio (concave). This process is done with the aid of a stamping

punch or die.

Etching

The process of using acids or strong chemicals to selectively

corrode or eat away at a metal object.

Forging

The act of plastically deforming metal into desired shapes

by hot or cold fabrication methods, utilizing the ductility and

malleability of metal by exerting compressive force upon it, mainly

through the blows of a hammer.

Lathing

A mechanically operated process which rotates a nonmetallic or

metallic raw material on a horizontal axis. By the process of

turning--the subtractive rotational removal of bulk from the work--the

material is formed by degrees into a preconceived shape and size.

Patina/Patination

Any of hundreds of surface films created by the

reaction of chemicals on metals to provide a desired color or surface

finish. Examples: heat treatment, chemical application, and electrochemical

processes.

Piercing

The process of perforating metal so that the sawframe and

blade pass through it to make a hole or opening.

Repoussage

A process that dates back to the Bronze Age in which

hardened tools are struck with a hammer to press and stretch metal into

a decorative or sculptural relief form, performed on the converse side

of metal which is chased.

Twining

A textile technique of circular weaving. The adaptation to metal offers many possibilities in physical appearance that traditional textile usage does not (i.e. severe curves). The "weft" is laced and wound around the "warp" as the twining process develops. There are many optional variations in this ancient, low-tech process, providing for a multitude of results.

Weaving

The insertion and interlacing of a set of horizontal elements,

called the weft, through a set of vertical elements, called the warp.