Workshop Description

Please arrive 15 minutes early for a safety induction

Hydraulic forming is a press-based technology that uses 20 tones of pressure to move metal. The techniques introduced in this course are three-dimensional metal forming and embossing using the press and urethanes. These techniques apply to both one off and a limited series production of repeatable domed forms.

We will make personalized custom acrylic silhouette dies that allow metal to be domed in custom forms. The hydraulic press and its 20 tones of pressure works with urethanes to do the hard lifting of pushing the metal into the dies and forming domed shapes. We will also utilize the press to embossing surfaces with detail.

The course will cover:

Introduction to the uses of the hydraulic press
Embossing and texturing using urethanes.
Familiarity with urethanes and their various applications to doming bending and embossing.
Appropriate design and lay out for simple die making
Each student will make their own acrylic die from which they can press metal blanks.
You will get to use the hydraulic press and manipulate metal with 20 tons of pressure as you get hands-on practice.
Learn all about press tooling safety and maintenance.

Hand tool kits will be supplied but it is advised to bring your own hand tools if you have them.

Participants will be able to hire ongoing access to the NC4 hydraulic press to practice and refine their skills as Access Space visitors. Each ticket to the workshop includes one free half day in the Northcity4 Access workshop

Experience required

This is a hands on introductory workshop. Although familiarity with metalworking is assumed, care will be taken to make it accessible to beginners. All necessary materials and class notes will be supplied. Once the principals of the hydraulic forming have been mastered the possibilities of the technique are limitless.

What to bring

An apron
3/0 sawblades - available to purchase on the day from the tutor
1mm drill bits - available to purchase on the day from the tutor
silver sheet if required - available to purchase on the day from the tutor
jeweller's toolkit including piercing saw, half round file, square file, needle files set, scribe, half round, straight, needle nose and chain nose pliers, side cutters, safety glasses and emery sticks. Northcity4 can provide the use of a student tool kit.
A notebook, pencil and your imagination

What is provided?

Students will receive a starter pack with acrylic and copper sheet and twist sawblades for acrylic. Additional acrylic, copper and tools will be available to purchase on the day.
jewellers toolkit if required
cups of tea and biscuits

Safety Concerns

Northcity4 is a working studio in an old factory in Brunswick. It has a concrete floor and heavy machinery and equipment in the space. It can be cold in winter (we have some heating!) and hot in summer so please dress appropriately.

Safety glasses will be provided. Please wear covered shoes and be prepared to tie long hair back. No loose clothing or jewellery.

Tutor Profile

Sarah Ross completed her Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT. Following with her honours degree she lectured at Rmit for more than a decade. Sarah has given workshops, guest lectures and classes both nationally and internationally.

Sarah is a founding Director at Studio Ingot and divides her time between the Gallery, limited edition jewellery pieces, custom orders and larger scale sculpture. She has been represented both nationally and internationally in numerous exhibitions.

Sarah awards include a residency at Hill End, a highly commended at Itami, an Honourable Prize at the 3rd International jewellery design competition, Tokyo, and the Jewellery Association of Australia’s Platinum Jewellery design Award.

Getting to Northcity4

Northcity4 is located at 61 Weston St, Brunswick. Workshop entrance is via the side path on the Eastern side of the building. Northcity4 is easily accessible via public transport; the #1, #8 & #19 trams stop nearby and we are close to Jewel station on the Upfield line. There is ample bike parking out the front. Car parking on the street is limited and timed but the Barkly Square carpark is just across the road.

Northcity4 is a working studio in an old factory in Brunswick. It has a concrete floor and heavy machinery and equipment in the space. It can be cold in winter (we have some heating!) and hot in summer so please dress appropriately.

Please wear covered shoes and be prepared to tie long hair back. Please bring a notebook, pen and your imagination!

Terms and Conditions

Our courses are suitable for students who are 16 years or older, unless specified in the class description. Some of our courses require prior learning, please check the course description thoroughly before enrolling.

Cancellations

Northcity4 reserves the right to cancel any scheduled course. Of course, we don’t want to do this but in the case of tutor illness or the class not reaching a minimum number of enrolments, students will be notified two days before the scheduled start date and refunds will be provided.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds if you are unable to attend your course. If you want to transfer to a course at a later date, we require you to give us at least four working days’ notice prior to the start date of your course. No transfers or credit notes will be issued for withdrawals when less than four working days' notice is given.