The Project Starts

My basic tools are the oxy torch, an offset mushroom or ball stake around which to raise, a heavy steel swage block full of useful depressions and holes for sinking, and the hammers.

This picture was taken after I had done a good bit of work.

I first had to measure and cut two blanks of 12 gauge cold-rolled mild steel sheet on the band saw for the project. I knew the diameter would be reduced by raising, as well as the flange, so I started large.

I had a dished 14 gauge boss already made, which I had future plans for. I may have messed it up by trying to refine the shape by raising, during this project, so I'm not going to talk about it any further.

Raising the flat blank was as simple as heating one small part at a time and hammering while the metal was red hot, doing this in concentric circles from the middle out. At least, that's how it is in theory. Easier said than done when you're trying to make a symmetrical, even bowl out of thick iron with tools you are unfamiliar with. It took shape kind of like this:

These are the hammers that I use most. From left to right: 1. Dishing, 2. removing lumps and planishing, 3. my main raising hammer, which I use the most, and 4. a small raising hammer: