TUTORIAL 4 - THE BLISTER

The Blister

In this weeks final tutorial for Assignment one we were required to make a blister using a female hammer. For me personally I believe this was the least difficult task to achieve. 

Firstly Russell explained the process of making a blister in which he explained the process of hammer forming.  Hammer forming involves clamping two wooden sheets that are bolted together with a metal sheet in between. 

Secondly we were next stationed to Daniel, he showed us how to insert the 240 x 240 mm piece of Aluminium between two MDF templates cut on a CNC router. He then showed us how to begin hammering the metal sheet using the Nylon Mallet, he emphasised the slower and softer you hammer the greater the finish you will receive. Once Daniel session was finished, we headed over to have a greater insight on how the mould/templates were cut. As mentioned this was achieved using a CNC router which can cut various 3D shapes. 

Next Gabe showed us how make a sharper tool to get into the corners, as the Nylon Mallet and other hammers are too thick and cannot define the edges . This was achieved by collecting a piece of timber and sanding until you are pleased with the sharpness. Each Jig was to be shared amongst two people, me and Eddie decided to partner up and use the same jig, which was a tear drop. We first started by bolting the corners of each aluminium sheet and jig. Next we cut out sheets to be 240 x 240 mm, and sandwiched it between the jig. To ensure the jig does not move when hammering it, we put clamps this ensured it was rigid. 

I continuously hammered the opening of the mould until I was happy with the depth and shape of the product.