Two pairs of spinners’ pliers for turning over the edge of the metal when making large curves are shown in Fig. 42. The wedge-shaped pieces shown in this illustration are used when breaking down or roughing shells to give a bearing to the metal in order to prevent it from wrinkling or buckling when changing its formation. These pieces are made of hard wood with the exception of the one to the right, which is of steel. When one of these pieces is in use it is held in the left hand at a point directly opposite the spinning tool, the metal being between the two. Wood is preferable in most cases, as it does not harden the metal blank.
Fig. 42. Spinners’ Pliers which are used for turning the Edge of the Metal when making a Large Bend
The tools shown in Fig. 43 are used in spinning steel. The round tools are of drawn brass, and they can be used where the steel tools cannot, for while a steel tool is perfection on brass, a brass tool is the only thing on steel. It wears out, however, much more rapidly than one of steel. The rolls shown in the center are used for breaking down steel shells. These tools are hardened and have hardened roller bearings. The handles are made of one-inch iron pipe, which is filled with lead to give weight and strength.
Fig. 43. Some Spinning Tools used in Working Steel
Hard wood tools that are used for breaking down large thin copper blanks ranging from 2 to 5 feet in diameter are shown in Fig. 44. These tools are also used where the surface that the tool will cover without hardening the metal is important. Blanks which are broken down with these tools are finished with the regular types.
The handles of spinning tools vary in diameter from 1¼ to 1¾ inch, and in length from 16 inches to 20 inches. The tools should project from the handles from 9 to 18 inches, and the total length of the tool and handle should average from 30 to 34 inches.
Fig. 44. Wooden Tools which are used on Large Thin Copper Blanks