The Bowl

The Bowl

Starting process:

Here I traced the template to have guide lines on where I would  like to stretch and shrink the aluminium

This photo is showing how I used a file to smooth the edges for safety when

handling the piece of metal

Tools:

These are the main hand tools used which includes a sandbag, a stump and mallet, etc.

Shaping process:

First attempt a shrinking outer edge using stump and mallet

Using a Deburring tool to strip away sharp edges

Stretching inside area of bowl using sand bag and mallet

Adding more curvature by repeating process

Smoothing Process:

Stretching for final curvature

Checking degree of curvature through the process and smoothing
using the English wheel. Maintaining the hammered effect around the outer edge of the bowl was hard but worth the hassle due to it giving the bowl two different textures when finished which is an interesting result.

Removing any noticeable dents and high spots

Finishing Process:

Finishing with some 400p sandpaper, cleaning surface with spirits and polishing surface.

Perfect curvature of r125mm

Finished product: