Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake – 10 Profiles

Expand your metal-forming capabilities with the Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake, a versatile professional forming tool designed for jewelers, metalsmiths, silversmiths, and metal artists.

This precision stake combines 5 graduated anticlastic depressions and 5 graduated synclastic shapes, giving you 10 forming profiles in one tool. Create opposing anticlastic curves, rounded synclastic forms, dimensional jewelry, sculptural components, and a wide variety of complex three-dimensional shapes without switching between separate forming stakes.

Precision CNC-milled for stability and reduced flex, the stake features a hexagonal center section that clamps securely in a bench vise. It also indexes into the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise for an exceptionally secure forming setup.

Features & Benefits

• 10 total forming profiles – Five anticlastic and five synclastic profiles provide exceptional versatility in one forming stake
• 5 graduated anticlastic depressions – Create flowing, saddle-like forms with opposing curves
• 5 graduated synclastic shapes – Develop rounded, domed, concave, convex, and dimensional forms
• Graduated forming profiles – Multiple sizes let you select the appropriate curvature for different projects
• Anticlastic & synclastic forming in one tool – Move between two major dimensional metal-forming techniques without changing stakes
• Precision CNC-milled – Engineered for stability and reduced flex during hammer forming
• Hexagonal center section – Provides flat gripping surfaces for secure bench-vise mounting
• Bench-vise compatible – Integrates easily into an existing jewelry or metalsmithing workbench
• Indexes into the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise – Creates an exceptionally secure dedicated forming station
• Professional metalsmithing tool – Ideal for jewelry studios, silversmiths, metal artists, and serious hobbyists
• Made in the USA

Key Specifications

These specifications are confirmed by the current Micro-Tools listing.

10 Forming Profiles in One Versatile Stake

The standout feature of the Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake is the amount of forming versatility packed into a single tool.

You get:

5 graduated anticlastic depressions
+ 5 graduated synclastic shapes
= 10 total forming profiles

The graduated profiles give you multiple curvature options for projects of different sizes and shapes. Instead of dedicating bench space to numerous individual forming stakes, you can move between multiple anticlastic and synclastic profiles using one substantial forming tool.

For a jeweler or metalsmith exploring dimensional sheet-metal forming, that makes this one of the most versatile Bonny Doon vise-mounted stakes.

What Is Anticlastic Forming?

Anticlastic forming is a metalsmithing technique in which sheet metal develops curves in opposing directions along two axes.

The resulting shapes often have flowing, saddle-like forms that can give a relatively simple piece of sheet metal dramatic three-dimensional movement.

Anticlastic forming is frequently used in:

• Cuffs and bracelets
• Sculptural jewelry
• Pendants
• Dimensional jewelry components
• Flowing sheet-metal forms
• Decorative metalwork
• Small-scale sculpture
• Experimental metalsmithing

The five graduated anticlastic depressions on this Bonny Doon stake give you multiple working profiles for developing these opposing curves.

What Is Synclastic Forming?

Synclastic forming develops curves in the same general direction along two axes.

Think of rounded forms such as a dome or bowl. Instead of the opposing curvature associated with anticlastic forming, the surface develops an overall rounded three-dimensional shape.

Synclastic techniques are useful for creating:

• Domed forms
• Rounded jewelry components
• Concave forms
• Convex forms
• Bowl-like shapes
• Dimensional jewelry
• Sculptural components
• Decorative metal forms

This stake provides five graduated synclastic shapes, allowing you to select different profiles according to your project's size and desired curvature.

Anticlastic vs. Synclastic Forming

The easiest way to understand the difference is:

Anticlastic = opposing curves

Synclastic = curves moving in the same general direction

A dedicated anticlastic stake normally provides surfaces for one technique, while a dedicated synclastic stake provides surfaces for the other.

The advantage of the Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake is that you get both types of forming surfaces in one tool.

That makes it an excellent choice for metalsmiths who regularly experiment with different dimensional forms or don't want to purchase and mount separate stakes for every technique.

Why Graduated Forming Profiles Matter

Different projects require different radii and degrees of curvature.

A forming surface that works beautifully for a broad cuff may be too large for a small pendant or jewelry component. Likewise, a tight profile may create more curvature than a larger project requires.

The 10 graduated profiles give you considerably more flexibility.

You can select a forming surface based on:

• Project size
• Desired curvature
• Metal dimensions
• Design
• Forming stage
• Final shape

You can also move between profiles as a piece develops, depending on your material and forming technique.

Hexagonal Center for Secure Bench-Vise Mounting

The center of the Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake features a hexagonal profile designed to clamp securely in a bench vise.

This is an important design feature.

The flat surfaces of the hexagonal section give vise jaws positive gripping surfaces, helping prevent the stake from rotating or shifting while you hammer and form metal.

Secure mounting allows you to concentrate on:

• Hammer placement
• Metal movement
• Developing curvature
• Maintaining symmetry
• Controlling the workpiece
• Refining the final shape

It also allows the forming stake to integrate into an existing metalsmithing bench without requiring the Swanstrom Anvil used by Bonny Doon's interchangeable bolt-in stakes.

Pair with the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise

For an especially secure forming setup, this stake is designed to index into the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise.

The Vertical Vise creates a dedicated workstation for holding Bonny Doon forming stakes and related tools.

For jewelers and metalsmiths who regularly perform hammer forming, pairing the two tools provides a purpose-built setup with a secure grip on the stake.

Micro-Tools currently carries the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise within the same Bonny Doon tool collection, making this a natural complementary product.

CNC-Milled for Stability & Reduced Flex

The stake is CNC-milled for superior stability and less flex.

That rigidity is particularly valuable during dimensional forming.

When a forming stake flexes or moves excessively, some of the energy from each hammer blow is absorbed by movement of the tool. A more rigid forming surface gives the metalsmith a stable platform from which to work.

That means you can concentrate more closely on controlling the workpiece and progressively developing the intended curve.

Ideal For

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

• Anticlastic forming
• Synclastic forming
• Jewelry making
• Metalsmithing
• Silversmithing
• Hammer forming
• Dimensional sheet-metal forming
• Cuff and bracelet making
• Sculptural jewelry
• Pendants
• Curved jewelry components
• Domed metal forms
• Concave and convex forms
• Decorative metalwork
• Small vessel forms
• Small-scale sculpture
• Professional jewelry studios
• Metalsmithing workshops
• Advanced hobby metalworking

Ideal for Dimensional Jewelry & Metalwork

The combination of anticlastic and synclastic surfaces makes this stake particularly useful for artists who don't want to limit themselves to one type of curvature.

Depending on your material, project size, and forming technique, it can be incorporated into projects such as:

• Cuffs
• Bracelets
• Pendants
• Earrings
• Sculptural jewelry
• Statement jewelry
• Domed components
• Curved decorative elements
• Small vessel forms
• Three-dimensional sheet-metal designs

The 10 graduated forming profiles give you the freedom to experiment with different shapes and scales from one tool.

Why Choose a Combination Forming Stake?

A dedicated forming stake is useful when you repeatedly create one particular type of form.

But if your work moves between different curves and techniques, a combination stake can be considerably more versatile.

With this Bonny Doon stake, you have:

Anticlastic forming + Synclastic forming + 10 graduated profiles

That makes it an especially attractive choice for:

• Jewelers learning dimensional forming
• Metalsmiths exploring multiple techniques
• Studios producing varied designs
• Artists working in multiple project sizes
• Workshops and educational environments
• Professionals wanting multiple profiles readily available

This Stake vs. Swanstrom Anvil Combo Stakes

Bonny Doon offers combination forming tools with different mounting systems.

This 115419 Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake has a hexagonal center designed for vise mounting and provides 10 total graduated forming profiles.

Bonny Doon also offers smaller interchangeable Combo Stakes designed specifically to bolt into the Swanstrom Anvil. Micro-Tools currently carries both Small and Large Swanstrom-compatible Combo Stakes.

Choose this vise-mounted stake when you want:

• 10 graduated forming profiles
• Direct bench-vise mounting
• Bonny Doon Vertical Vise compatibility
• Anticlastic and synclastic surfaces in one substantial tool

Choose a Swanstrom-compatible Combo Stake when you already use the Swanstrom Anvil system and prefer its interchangeable bolt-in stake format.

Why Choose Bonny Doon?

Bonny Doon specializes in professional jewelry and metal-forming tools designed to give metalsmiths greater control over demanding forming operations.

The Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake combines:

• 5 graduated anticlastic depressions
• 5 graduated synclastic shapes
• 10 total forming profiles
• CNC-milled construction
• Reduced flex
• Hexagonal bench-vise mounting
• Bonny Doon Vertical Vise compatibility
• USA manufacture

For professional metalsmiths and serious jewelry makers, it provides an exceptionally versatile platform for exploring dimensional metal forming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake used for?

It is designed for anticlastic and synclastic metal forming, allowing jewelers and metalsmiths to create complex three-dimensional curves in sheet metal.

How many forming profiles does it have?

It provides 10 total forming profiles: 5 graduated anticlastic depressions and 5 graduated synclastic shapes.

What is anticlastic forming?

Anticlastic forming creates dimensional metal shapes with curves developing in opposing directions along two axes, often producing flowing or saddle-like forms.

What is synclastic forming?

Synclastic forming develops curves in the same general direction along two axes, producing rounded, domed, bowl-like, concave, or convex forms.

Can I use this stake for both techniques?

Yes. That's the primary advantage of this stake. It combines both anticlastic and synclastic forming surfaces in one tool.

How does the forming stake mount?

The stake has a hexagonal center designed to clamp securely in a bench vise.

Can I use it with the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise?

Yes. The stake is designed to index into the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise for a secure grip.

Does this stake require a Swanstrom Anvil?

No. This model is designed for vise mounting. It is different from Bonny Doon's smaller interchangeable stakes that bolt into the Swanstrom Anvil.

Is the stake CNC machined?

Yes. It is CNC-milled for stability and reduced flex.

Is this suitable for jewelry making?

Yes. Its multiple graduated profiles make it useful for dimensional jewelry, cuffs, bracelets, pendants, sculptural pieces, domed components, and other curved metal forms.

Where is the Bonny Doon Anticlastic & Synclastic Forming Stake made?

It is made in the United States.

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.