04/26 - 05/17 Custom Stakes and Blanking Dies for Small-Scale Fabrication with Jeff de Boer

Saturdays, April 26 - May 17, 2025
(4, 3-hour sessions)
2:00 - 5:00 pm PST

Instructor: Jeff de Boer

Would you like to know how Jeff de Boer make editions of mouse armor? In this class, you will learn how to grind and shape mild steel bars to make custom stakes for small-scale fabrications in sheet metal. This will also include drafting 3D patterns from sculpted clay models and then using pancake/blanking dies in combination with the custom stakes to make production work with complex forms possible.

All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page. The Zoom link and handout (if any) will be available 24 hours before the class starts.

You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

Supply List for Students

The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Students in the Rio for Schools program enjoy wholesale benefits for six months (instructor code = RFSLMF). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Minimum Recommended Toolset:

• Upright belt sander, min. 1" wide belt
• Grinding burs, carbide or HSS:
  • Ball, double-cut, 1/4" head, 1/8"shank
  • Cylinder, double-cut, 1/4" diam. 1/2" length, 1/8" shank
  • Pointed Tree, double-cut, 1/4" diam. 1/2" length, 1/8" shank
• Coarse files for steel - flat, 1/2 round, round
• Ball peen hammer
• Other shaping hammers (ex. chasing hammer)
• Rawhide or nylon mallet
• Hacksaw
• Bench vise, 3" - 4" wide jaws

Materials recommended:

• 24ga copper sheet - 3" x 3"
• 1" square steel stock - 6" length
• Wood 2x4 - 8" length
• Sandpaper
• Duct tape
• Aluminum foil
• Plasticine (modeling clay)
• 3/0 jeweler's saw blades
• 16g SWG (1.63mm or 1/16") satin coat steel 5” x 3”, also called "galvannealed" steel. Online Metals part # 26448 - use the "Create Custom Cut" button to order a 5"x3" blank.
  IMPORTANT: This is not satin finish stainless steel or galvanized steel. Satin coat is a special heat-sprayed coating on the steel. This steel is actually lightly tempered and has a bit of spring to it. It can be cut with a 3/0 jeweler's saw and makes durable blanking dies.