Dapping Tools | Dapping Punch Set 

For jewelers and wood craftsmen, dapping tools remain one of the more essential tools for day to day work.

What are dapping tools?

In the world of metalmaking, dapping tools and the dapping process is used to make a dome shape out of flat metal. This is often done by molding the metal in the shape of a dome shape in a metal or wooden block. Dapping tools often include a dapping block and dapping punches. When the dapping tools are utilized well, a craftsman can create well shaped domes of a range of sizes. Dapping tools come in both metal and wood.

The importance of dapping tools jewelry

The creativity allowed by dapping tools jewelry is what makes these tools important jewelry making tools.  When using dapping tools jewelry, a craftsman can create perfect domes that can be used on its own or soldered with other domes to create a larger dome - this could then be added to a charm bracelet or a necklace for example. 

Choosing the right metal dapping tools

Generally, dapping tools come with blocks that contain a range of holes, each of differing circumferences and depths, allowing you to make the exact shape every time. These sets also feature punches in numerous sizes. Metal dapping tools are more common. This is because metal dapping tools have better durability - making them better suited for thick hard metals – and are polished for a more professional appearance. If your needs include making higher domes, a steel dapping block is recommended as they allow the metal to move more than others and create indentations with more depth.

Why use wood dapping tools?

So why even use wood dapping tools?

Wood dapping tools are well suited when it comes to working with textured metal as they are unlikely to alter the metal’s textured pattern. There would be little to no disruption on the surface if a wooden dapping block is utilized. 

What is a dapping punch set?

A dapping punch set is a tool used for metalmaking. It comes with a ball shaped tip.  When combined with a doming block, a dapping punch set assists craftsmen in creating perfect domes in a range of alloys.

Uses of dapping punch jewelry

The ability of dapping punch jewelry to create perfect domes in almost every type of alloy opens a world of creative possibilities for a craftsman.

A jeweler can take any metal they desire and use a dapping set to set it into a dome shape with the punches and dies included. Of course, expert craftsman skill is a necessity for a good product.

Using a wood dapping block and punch set

Awood dapping block and punch set includes a range of concave indentations on each side of the block. Every indentation is of a different size that is made to fit a specific dapping punch. Thanks to this, a jeweler is guaranteed an accurate and exact final result.

How to use dapping tools?

The key to success with dapping tools is figuring out the right indentation size. Keep the metal blank in the well that most closely fits the size. Don’t forget that the entire metal must fit inside the well. The metal must not overlap and if that happens, that indicates that the indentation is of the wrong size for use with that particular metal. The right doming punch for your use with the indentation must be just a bit smaller than the size of the hole. Utilize the correct hammer. With a chasing hammer, you can deliver a weighted impact. Similarly, a dead blow mallet will offer the exact weight needed. Don’t use a hammer that is too light because you will then have to use a higher force, vastly reducing accuracy.

Decide on the metal suitable for the task. Usually, softer metals are preferred for use with a punch set and doming block. Some examples of soft metals include silver, aluminum, and brass. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with harder metals. Just don’t forget to use the right amount of pressure and apply annealing just before your final indentation. If you do not do that, you will have to work harden the piece again before you finish the project. When striking the metal with a hammer, apply force with a slight angle. Once you have narrowed down the correct well and the doming punch to go with it, you can line up the punch at the top and apply pressure with the hammer. By tapping your hammer at an angle, you have better control over the accuracy and the pressure exerted on the metal. After every couple of taps, stop to turn the metal over and assess your progress before you proceed.