ObjectsandElements

                                                   ObjectsandElements

Curved surfaces show more reflections than flat and the result appears brighter and more pleasing to the eye.  Also, when you work a piece of metal by shaping and filing you make it look much more appealing than a punched out flat piece.  
                                     

Many things can be dapped to add interst and allow stacking.  This photo shows just a few dapped items including sheet metal, tokens, stars, gears and more!  Even a simple disk earring looks better if you slightly curve the surface.
Dapping uses a die and punches to create a curve in a disk of sheet metal.   Dies are ususally a block that has depressions of various sizes on each side.  They can be steel, copper or wood.  Wood is a much more gentle die and will allow curving and softly move the metal. A high quality steel dap and die set is the most precise die and with a good set of punches can create very precise curves and even pods.
                                                 

For a simple dapped disk, use a precut disk or cut one from sheet metal with a disc cutter or cut with a  jeweler's saw or shears.  Before dapping you need to anneal (heat with a torch to glowing) your metal and if you are going for a very deep dap you will need to anneal about every other hole to keep your piece from getting brittle and cracking.  
                                     

Choose the largest hole in the die and the correct size punch for it.  Put the disk in the hole and tap the punch with a hammer until the shape of the disk fits the die hole.
 
                                                                                    
The cup should look smooth and even.  If you want to make it more organic you will need to cut it out in a less precise shape before dapping.  
                                                  
If you want the curve deeper, anneal and put into a smaller hole, working your way down the sizes.  Anneal between each change in size.  
                                                 
If you want a "lip" you can use a pair of chain nose pliers to curl the edge back.  
                                   
A fun project to make with dapped disks is a ring.  Drill a hole in the center by tapping with a center punch to make the correct spot and drill. 
                                                   
 
 Using a premade ring band, put in a long screw and start stacking.  
                                                   
If you want to add more height use tubing that will fit over the screw to add height. You can cut with a jewler's saw on a bench pin or held in a tube cutting jig.  
                                                 
Finish your stack and top with the nut screwing it down as tight as you can.  Snip the end off just above the nut.  Put the ring on a ring mandrel so you have "metal to metal" and tap the end of the screw down to spread it so the nut is secure.  Be careful not to break the glass!  Use a brass screw it's softer than the steel one....