Sinking Block

Description

Sinking is a process used to create flat, shallow tray shapes (i.e. Flatware) by beating an Annealed sheet metal shape into a recess formed in the end grain of a suitable block of close-grained Hardwood known as a Sinking Block.

Features and Uses

Sinking Blocks are usually self-made as required with removable pegs to maintain a constant width of rim where needed. A suitable manufacturing procedure is shown below:

first, a block of close-grained Hardwood is drilled through towards one end with a drill diameter twice the required recess depth (e.g. using Forstener Bits);
then the waste is removed to reveal the required 'step'.
Removable pegs are added to complete the block ready for Sinking.

DT Online Buyers' Guide

12oz Hammers (0.45kg) are a good useful size for general work in Design and Technology.
Larger 2lb hammers (1kg) are used for heavier work such as Blacksmithing for example.
Smaller hammers (e.g. 4oz and 8oz) are suitable for jewellery work and model engineering applications.
Brick Hammers between 1lb and 1.5lb weight (450g to 700g) are suitable for school use and are available also with a Scutch Comb Chisel at one end which can be used for shaping brick and masonry.
A 2lb Lump Hammer (0.9kg) is a good useful size for general work in Design and Technology and home maintenance tasks.
2lb to 4lb Sledge Hammers (1-2kg) are a suitable size for general forge-work in Design and Technology since hammers heavier than 4lb would be difficult for students to use.