Bonny Doon Small Anticlastic Forming Stake for Swanstrom Anvil

Create flowing curves and dimensional forms with the Bonny Doon Small Anticlastic Forming Stake for Swanstrom Anvil. Precision CNC-milled for stability and control, this specialized metalsmithing stake features 6 graduated anticlastic depressions for forming a range of compound curves in sheet metal.

Between the anticlastic depressions are synclastic curves, adding even more forming versatility to this compact stake. Whether you're creating jewelry, small sculptural forms, or dimensional metal components, the graduated surfaces let you explore different curves without continually changing forming tools.

The stake bolts securely into the Swanstrom Anvil, providing a rigid working surface with minimal flex. Pair it with a Bonny Doon Urethane Hammer, nylon hammer, or rawhide hammer for controlled forming while helping preserve the stake's working surfaces.

Features & Benefits

• 6 graduated anticlastic depressions provide multiple forming options
• Synclastic curves between the depressions add additional versatility
• Creates flowing, dimensional compound curves in sheet metal
• Small profile is well suited to jewelry-scale and detailed forming
• CNC-milled construction provides excellent stability and precision
• Bolts securely into the Swanstrom Anvil
• Rigid mounting minimizes flex during forming
• Compatible with urethane, nylon, and rawhide hammers
• Ideal for jewelry making, metalsmithing, and sculptural metalwork
• Made in the USA

Specifications

These specifications are taken from the current Micro-Tools listing rather than inferred from neighboring Bonny Doon stakes.

Six Graduated Anticlastic Depressions

The defining feature of this stake is its 6 graduated anticlastic depressions.

Anticlastic forming creates compound surfaces that curve in opposing directions. The resulting shapes can range from subtle flowing curves to more pronounced saddle-like forms.

Having six graduated depressions gives you a selection of forming surfaces for developing different degrees and scales of curvature within the same tool.

This makes the stake especially useful for dimensional jewelry where the desired form may evolve gradually as you work.

Synclastic Curves Add More Forming Options

Although this is primarily an anticlastic forming stake, Bonny Doon incorporates synclastic curves between the six anticlastic depressions.

Synclastic forms curve in the same general direction along two axes, producing rounded or dimensional surfaces rather than the opposing curves associated with anticlastic forming.

Having both types of working surfaces available on the stake gives you additional creative options without requiring another tool for every change in curvature.

Designed for Jewelry-Scale Forming

The Small Anticlastic Forming Stake is particularly useful for detailed metalwork and jewelry-scale projects.

Potential applications include:

• Earrings
• Pendants
• Bracelet components
• Small cuffs
• Sculptural jewelry
• Dimensional sheet-metal components
• Decorative metal elements
• Experimental metal forms

The graduated surfaces make it possible to choose a forming area appropriate to the size and curvature of the piece you're creating.

What Is Anticlastic Forming?

Anticlastic forming is a metalsmithing technique used to create a surface that curves in opposite directions along two perpendicular axes.

Instead of producing a simple bend or dome, the technique develops a compound curve with a flowing, three-dimensional character.

This can transform relatively simple sheet-metal shapes into sophisticated dimensional jewelry components.

Anticlastic vs. Synclastic Forming

The distinction between these two forming techniques is useful when choosing a working surface.

Anticlastic forming creates opposing compound curves, producing flowing or saddle-like shapes.

Synclastic forming develops curvature in the same general direction along both axes, producing rounded dimensional forms.

Because this stake includes anticlastic depressions along with synclastic curves between them, it provides useful flexibility for exploring both types of dimensional forming.

Secure Swanstrom Anvil Mounting

The stake is designed to bolt securely into the Swanstrom Anvil.

This creates a stable working platform and virtually eliminates the flex that can make controlled forming more difficult.

With the stake firmly mounted, you can concentrate on:

• Hammer placement
• Controlling the workpiece
• Developing the curve gradually
• Maintaining symmetry
• Refining the finished form

CNC-Milled for Stability & Precision

Bonny Doon CNC-mills the stake for stability and precision.

A rigid, accurately formed working surface provides a more predictable foundation for hammer forming and allows the energy from each strike to be directed into shaping the workpiece.

That stability is particularly valuable when working on smaller jewelry components where subtle changes in curvature can significantly affect the finished design.

Choose the Right Forming Hammer

Bonny Doon recommends using the stake with its Urethane Hammer, although nylon and rawhide hammers are also suitable options.

These hammer materials allow you to form metal against the stake without subjecting its precision surface to unnecessary impact damage.

Avoid hardened steel hammers directly against the stake, as they can dent the working surface.

Ideal for Jewelers & Metalsmiths

The Bonny Doon Small Anticlastic Forming Stake is an excellent choice for:

• Jewelry making
• Metalsmithing
• Silversmithing
• Anticlastic forming
• Synclastic forming
• Dimensional jewelry
• Sculptural jewelry
• Hammer forming
• Sheet-metal forming
• Professional jewelry studios
• Jewelry schools and workshops
• Advanced makers

Its combination of graduated anticlastic depressions and intermediate synclastic curves makes it a particularly versatile addition to a Swanstrom Anvil setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many anticlastic depressions does this stake have?
It has 6 graduated anticlastic depressions, providing a range of working surfaces for different curves and forms.

Does the stake only create anticlastic forms?
No. In addition to the six anticlastic depressions, the stake has synclastic curves between them, providing additional forming options.

What is this stake best suited for?
Its small size and graduated surfaces make it especially useful for jewelry, detailed dimensional components, and smaller sculptural metalwork.

Does it fit the Swanstrom Anvil?
Yes. This stake is specifically designed to bolt securely into the Swanstrom Anvil.

Is the Swanstrom Anvil included?
No. This listing is for the Small Anticlastic Forming Stake.

What type of hammer should I use?
Bonny Doon recommends its Urethane Hammer. Nylon and rawhide hammers can also be used.

Can I use a hardened steel hammer?
A hardened steel hammer is not recommended for direct use against the stake, because it can dent the working surface.

What is the difference between anticlastic and synclastic forming?
Anticlastic forming creates opposing compound curves, while synclastic forming creates rounded dimensional surfaces where the curves travel in the same general direction.

Is this suitable for professional jewelry work?
Yes. Its CNC-milled construction, stable Swanstrom mounting, and multiple forming surfaces make it suitable for professional studios as well as serious metalsmiths.

Where is the stake made?
It is made in the USA.

Micro-Tools makes every attempt to provide accurate information for each item. Actual packaging and/or specifications may be slightly different from the information and picture provided.