TUTORIAL 2 - THE TORUS

The Torus

Tutorial 2 task consisted of creating a Torus also known as a Reverse Curve. A Torus is a surface or solid formed by rotating a closed curve, especially a circle, about a line which lies in the same plane but does not intersect it.

Upon arriving to the workshop, we were split into our groups and told to go to our tutors. Firstly, Russell once again explained the theory behind shaping and forming metal into a Torus/ Reverse Curve. I learnt that when creating the Torus, it is completely different to The Bowl, as the curves go in opposite direction. He explained that in order to achieve the Reverse Curve the long outside edges need to have more area that the inside strip.  There are two different methods this could be achieved

1. Stretching the outside edges or shrinking the inside strip – Daniel demonstrated this technique
2. Stretching the outside edges - Gabe demonstrated this technique

We were required to choose a method that we felt most comfortable with. I decided to go ahead with Daniel method which consisted of using the mallet and stump. I personally believed that utilising the English wheel will be quite difficult to achieve the Torus shape, and a much slower process.

The material needed to achieve the Torus included the following:  

• -       Aluminium
• -       Nylon Mallet
• -       Indented round log
• -       Replenishing hammer
• -       Marker
• -       Dolly

Once I had all the above material I placed the aluminium strip and rolled it onto the indented round log and began to hammer it with the Nylon Mallet.  I immediately noticed my sheet began to form tiny tucks which couldn’t be hammered out, this is due to me rushing my work. Thus, I decided to have another go using my second aluminium strip and trace two-lines creating a 70mm centre to help indicate where I should stump allowing for a better finish. I also took my time and aimed to remove any bumps using the replenishing hammer.

Overall this task was the most difficult for me as I spent more hours completing this object as opposed to the other items created.

Different Views illustrating the Torus.