Aluminium Bowl Making

Aluminium Bowl

March 14, 2018

Aim: To create and Aluminium bowl using techniques shown to us in class

Objectives: 

1. Smooth even finish
2. Minimal Burs and a even smooth edge
3. Suit radius Gauge Given by Russell
4. Stand out from the rest

 Process:

         Concentric circles were cut out using the Laser printer, which provided the radiuses for the bowl and guidelines to which the bowl will be formed to.

 The Concentric circles were then marked out on square piece of aluminium, which was used to mould the curvature of the bowl.The circular perimeter of the Aluminium sheet was cut using tin snips and using a file I removed the excess burs on the edges

Using a fibreglass mallet and depressed Timber stump, I was able to achieve the required curves for the bowl through utilising  a hammering technique which concentrated on the shaping the concentric circles marked out originally.For greater detailing a sand bag was used to provide a nicer and more detail curve to the bowl.

Using the english wheel I was then able to get rid of the lumps and divots in the aluminium which formed due to hammering out the material to round it up.The wheel provided a nice smooth and rounded surface for the bowl.

Using a planishing hammer and steel ball, I went through and planished the whole bowl to provide a nice hammer-tone finish to the aluminium.I could have left it with the original standard english wheel finish however I wanted to go a step further and provide a nicer rustic industrial look to the bowl.

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After continuous hammering, annealing and smoothening I was-able to achieve the desired R125 radius I wanted for the whole bowl. ( Images above )

Once the bowl was suited to the required standard wanted, I sanded the edges and used steel wool to lift the colour of the aluminium providing my final masterpiece.( Above)