115 - Hexagon Gem Impression Die
This steel jewellery impression die produces a hexagon Gem design in silver, gold, copper and pewter. The gem designs add a reflective, eye catching accent to your work and can also form the main focus of earrings, a pendant, ring or brooch. This gem is slightly different to our other 6 sided gem which tapers into a 3 sided point.
There are 3 other impression dies in this gem set.
Product description
- Specification
The hexagon gem design measures approximately:
Diameter: 5mm
Depth: 1.8mmThis impression die is manufactured from mild steel and measures approximately 20mm thick and 40mm in diameter. Made in England, UK.
- Instructions
Can I use this tool with a hammer and a punch?
Yes - Please note - this design is fairly deep and the best results will be achieved using a hydraulic press. It's still possible to get good impressions with a hammer and punch if your technique is sound and your setup is solid and rigid. Anneal your metal regularly.
When using a hammer and punch, it's crucial to work over a solid and rigid surface such as a stump, anvil or a concrete floor. Without a solid surface, no amount of hammering will produce good results! The size of your hammer plays a big part too - a 4lb lump hammer is ideal. Always use a punch when hammering your metal. Be careful to avoid striking the hammer directly on the die or shot plate.
Can I use this tool with a hydraulic press?
Yes, all Gemina impression dies and shot plates can be used in a press. Ensure your metal is annealed regularly before you begin. Intermediate annealing may be required to achieve a full impression.
How much silver do I use with this design?
You can use approximately 1.2g of silver to achieve a solid impression.
What shape of silver can I use?
Round shot:
Melt your metal into round shot and flattened enough to cover most of the design. For best results, clean or pickle your metal before placing into the die. Use a hammer and punch (or press) to force the silver into the die. If hammering, anneal your metal after every 3 or 4 heavy blows.
The gem dies have polished surfaces meaning you can minimise further polishing after striking your gems (and losing the sharp gem edges) by using Scotchbrite and a polishing cloth on your shot before hammering or pressing. You can also wipe the dies before striking with a polishing cloth for extra shine. It helps to squash your shot slightly before placing into the die to reduce the amount of forming required.
Removing your impression from the die
Occasionally, some dies can 'hold on' to your metal. This is more common when using a press compared to hammering. Ensure the dies are clean before use. If you wish, you can apply a very small amount of oil into the die before forming as this can help removal. Excess metal will create a flange around the design that will aid in removal after hammering or pressing. Carefully use a thin bladed knife under the excess metal to lift the impression out of the die.
Some additional information can be found here shot plate and impression die tips.
- Additional Information
Take a look at our other shapes and symbols shot plates and impression dies.
If you have a solid and rigid work surface, you could use our Punch (Force) tool with a 2-4lb lump hammer. If you need a pusher for your press, you can buy a flat or tapered pusher from our range of press tools. If you need a spacer for your press, you can buy one here. - Processing Times & Shipping
PROCESSING TIMES
All purchases are made to order and will take 4-5 working days to dispatch. You will receive a dispatch notification via email with your tracking number. All hardened items will take an extra 3-5 working days for the heat treatment process. These times may increase during promotions, sales and holiday periods.
UK DELIVERY
UK delivery is free on orders over £30. A delivery charge of £6 applies to orders under £30.
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Free International Shipping on orders over £125GBP. Orders under £125GBP have flat rate shipping charge of £10-25 (depending on country) for all items in basket. We use UPS/DPD for all international deliveries. The buyer is solely responsible for understanding and complying with the import requirements of the destination country and any duty, VAT, taxes, or clearance charges that may be applicable outside of the UK.
If you need to have your parcel delivered to a PO Box. Please contact us first.
For more delivery information, please see our delivery policy.
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