In this video, I'll show you how to use thermoplastics to create tools for the jewelry studio. This video focuses on making a Mushroom Former (a large dapping punch and block). Thermoplastics are great tool makers and can be used to make mallets, forming tools as well, holding settings for stone setting, and many more uses. Realitivelyinexpensive and reusable, thermoplastics are a great addition to a jeweler's toolbox.
Tools and Materials used in this video (and ideas):
Jett Ballistic. A thermoplastic that contains Kevlar. Really strong amzn.to/2InoiEB
Jett Basic: A thermoplastic sans Kevlar. Strong. I have not used this for making dapping sets but, have used it for file handles and other tools. amzn.to/3eRIv11
Other thermoplastics - I have not used these to make punches with but, I will be testing a few of them, in the future. amzn.to/3eYJ899
Different ideas to create the "bowl" shape.
Lacrosse ball without printing amzn.to/3kpUXpT
Superballs amzn.to/36uDaZN (various)
Cue balls amzn.to/3kszEUq
Metal ladles amzn.to/3pqYN5C
Candlepin or duckpin bowling balls (large dishes!)
Coin Ring Making Forged Steel Balls (for smaller dapping sets - 1" diameter and less) amzn.to/2K4pHAf
Coin Ring Making Forged Steel Balls (for smaller dapping sets 1/2" and less) Coin Ring Making
Dog balls
Snow Cone maker - I can't find the type that I used in the video, anymore.
Remember raised and recessed areas will imprint in the thermoplastic. Try to find smooth molds.
You can make a punch by using the "bowl" that you just made, to shape it in. The process is the same as with the punch I made - push the material into the "bowl", insert the dowel and build up a wall around the dowel and the punch area. Be sure to use a mold release like vaseline or silicone spray on the "bowl" before pushing the material into it. But, try to keep the release away from the punch area - especially where you want to apply material around the dowel. If you get the release on the parts that you want to join, they will not bond together. Don't reuse material that has a release on it until it is thoroughly cleaned. Wash well with hot water and a strong soap like Dawn dish detergent to remove any release material before reusing the plastic. If the material still feels slick, don't put it back in the container, and maybe don't reuse it - up to you!
Small Crockpot amzn.to/3npyYRX
Rawhide Mallets amzn.to/38INkJ3
The rawhide mallet size that I used is a size 3: amzn.to/3nkCGMt
The plastic Mallet that I used is a size 2 - face 1 1/2" amzn.to/2H1oNn2. Another option is a size 1 - with a face of 1 1/4" amzn.to/3eVEed2
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