How to make an aluminum dome

HOW TO MAKE AN ALUMINUM DOME WITH THE HELP OF AN

ENGLISH WHEEL

ABOUT “ALUMINUM DOME”

Aluminum Domes are useful in different applications either for providing a protective shield or for aesthetic purposes.

No matter what the use is, fabricating an aluminum dome requires attention to details and precise working with the English wheel.

Shaping of the dome is quite tricky because of its convex shape that needs the metal sheet to be bended and stretched with high level of accuracy.

1. CUTTING CIRCLE IN THE ALUMINUM SHEET

Decide the radius of the circle to be cut out from the original sheet.

Draw circle on the sheet and cut out the circle precisely using an electric cutter or a Beverly Shear.

Make sure that you fill the edges (circumference) of the circle.

2. PLACE THE ALUMINUM SHEET BETWEEN ROLLERS OF ENGLISH WHEEL

Position the circled aluminum sheet in between the rollers of English Wheel in such a way that it would be easily moved for bending.

3. MOVE THE ALUMINUM SHEET IN CLOCKWISE DIRECTION

Move the sheet between the English Wheel’s rollers. The movement should be back and forth with

periodic clockwise turns to get an evenly-shaped dome.

Repeat this movement of sheet for the entire circumference.

4. MOVE THE ALUMINUM SHEET IN ANTICLOCKWISE DIRECTION

Need to continue the back and forth movement of sheet in between the rollers.

However, once you have covered the circumference, you will need to move the alumni sheet in anticlockwise direction.

(Keep repeating clockwise and anticlockwise movements till you get the depth you wish for)

5. PLACE THE CURVED SHEET BETWEEN PLANISHING HAMMER AND ITS DIE

Place the sheet between the planishing hammer and its die.

Dome is formed when you move the sheet constantly as the hammer is hitting hard on it.

Make sure to hold the sheet by its edges while moving it so that your hand is not hit by the hammer.

6. SMOOTHEN THE SURFACE OF THE DOME

Insert a finishing die into the planishing hammer. This die when applied over the surface of your

dome will smoothen it and give it an even look.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

oAluminum Sheeto Electric Cutter/ Beverly Shearo English Wheelo Planishing Hammero Finishing Die

TIPS AND WARNINGS

If you are alright with the uneven surface of the dome, then you can skip using the finishing die

Always wear hand gloves while working with English wheel to avoid injuries to your hands

To know more about English Wheel

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