Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers & Metalsmiths
by Susan Kingsley
“This is an excellent book for the creative metalsmith, jewelry designer and artist. It provides the technical information you need to use hydraulic forming, and offers a variety of techniques that will expand your creative reservoir.”
"Homage to Georgia O'Keeffe," brooch, sterling silver, copper, patina, © Susan Kingsley 1987
The world of die forming has changed since the book was first published in 1993.
Forming metal with dies is not new. Etruscan and Roman goldsmiths made dies. The hydraulic press was invented in 1796 and was used in jewelry making in the 19th century. But when metalsmiths in the 1980’s began building presses with car jacks and making dies, the concept was dismissed by many who associated it with mass production and the death of hammers. They didn’t foresee creative possibilities for studio artists. Today, thousands of makers are making their own dies and using a hydraulic press. Getting the most out of die forming process requires skill in die making and knowledge of how the press can be utilized. This book explains the principals of die forming and has been used as a text in schools. It is suitable for beginners with basic skills as well for experienced metalsmiths who need updated information.
"Ulmus Cuprous," copper and iron, © Rebecca Barton, 2007
Today there are multiple press designs available and new sources for materials and equipment.
A few accessory tools described in the book are no longer made, but there are numerous new ones that add more versatility to metal forming with a press. It's not within the scope of this book to cover the many new tools and accessories that are now available. However there are numerous YouTube videos that explain and demonstrate their use. The book offers practical advice on hydraulic equipment, basic information about the materials and processes, and step-by-step directions for making and using dies. Lists of jewelry and metalsmithing books, craft organizations, local guilds and other resources have all been updated in the Fifth Edition. It also contains larger images, updated illustrations and an expanded gallery section of work produced by different artists.
"The best forming book for hydraulic die use written. Fabulous resource with an amazing amount of information and easy-to-follow instructions for all aspects of forming metal. A must-have for all metalsmiths and jewelers."
– Customer
"The best forming book for hydraulic die use written. Fabulous resource with an amazing amount of information and easy-to-follow instructions for all aspects of forming metal. A must-have for all metalsmiths and jewelers."
– Customer
Meet The Author
Susan Kingsley is an independent studio artist, metalsmith and photographer who has taught numerous workshops in die forming throughout the United States and Canada. She earned a Liberal Arts degree from the College of Wooster and an MFA from The Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work has been published and exhibited widely and is in private and museum collections. Her metalsmithing and photography can be seen on her website, SusanKingsley.net
Photo by James Atherton
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"Folded Triangle Earrings," etched copper-clad fine silver," C Carol Webb, 1997