The Basic Die Forming Workshop is given by G. Phil Poirier, co-inovator of the Deep-draw press and process for metalsmiths. This workshop is for jewelers and metalsmiths interested in learning about Hydraulic Die Forming. It is intended to communicate a basic understanding of:

The Hydraulic Press

Die Forming Processes

Materials and Techniques Used in Die Forming

Large deep-draw in the new

20 ton tall press

Examples

Methods will be demonstrated showing how to make light weight hollow objects, production units, small parts that can be used to form larger assemblages, embossing sheet, etc. Participants will have the opportunity to design and make several different kinds of dies, and will be encouraged to adapt and use die forming techniques to assist them in their own unique requirements. The workshop will include the following:

• A presentation and discussion of the various uses of die forming, including examples of dies and what they do, as well as a slide show of different and interesting applications.
• Learn to use Urethane (Examples) pads of various thicknesses and durometers for different effects and purposes.
• Learn how to choose the correct thickness and durometer for different applications. Combine pads for special effects.
• Learn how to focus the urethanes energy using a Form Box(Examples)
• Learn to use various press accessories: master holder (Examples) for holding tooling, daps, contained blocks (Examples) of urethane, forming tools, bending brake(Examples), mushroom formers(Examples), etc.
• Learn to emboss and texture metal, use found material (screening, etc.) for embossing or texturing, make wire forms for imprinting.
• Make and use matrix dies, using a Precision Saw Guide (Examples) to make accurate saw cuts, that enable the die to make identical right and left hand units for making hollow forms.
• Make and use a tool steel Blanking Die (Examples) for cutting out a design. This will be a building block method that will lead up to being able to form a piece in the press, and then trim away the flange, using the blanking die.
• Make and use your own bending and forming tools in the press, using the brake as a tool holder.
• Learn how to utilize the Deep-Draw method of forming vessels using the 3" Draw die set (Examples) , and the new 6" master die set with the latest 10" 20 ton Press.
• Learn about and use the Microfold Brake(Examples) to develop a wide variety of textures. New for 2003 is Bead making with the Microfold Brake(Examples).
• Learn about conforming dies and Coining Dies used and how it fits into the array of tooling for the press. Because of the time constraints, it will not be possible to make a conforming die, however the process is extremely well documented in Susan Kingsley's book: "Hydraulic Die Forming For Jewelers and Metalsmiths". Any questions about the technique will be answered.

This is a class for learning. As in all of the workshops given by myself and other qualified instructors, a 30 day 10% discount is offered to the participants on equipment and supplies. For any specific information, please email me. Purchasing and reading Susan Kingsley's book and or Phil Poirier's book "Deep-Drawing in theHydraulic Press" BEFORE THE WORKSHOP is strongly recommended.