The Blank

This is a laser cut blank with the center punched marks for the holes already made. The laser cutting has both pieces held together by a thin sliver of steel. After punching, we break the two pieces apart.

Punching the Holes

We use a large "hand punch" to punch out the holes in the mild steel.

Molly and the Punch

The punch that Molly is using is a Whitney number 8. This punch is capable of punching a 1/4" hole through a piece of 1/4" thick mild steel. It is held in the vise while Molly is using it. A punch goes just below the cam in the top, and a die is held at the bottom. We have a number of different punches and dies.

Starting the Eye

The hinge part is heated in the forge and then moved quickly to a swage block where the curve for the start of the eye is formed using a small hammer peen.

The metal because it is so light cools very quickly while working.

Starting the Eye

Here is a hinge half with a started eye.