Punched Tin

[B00kW0rm]

Has anyone here created punched tin panels...like the ones you would see in pie safes?? I have a wooden cabinet that has two doors. Each door has two openings which I believe used to be covered with punched tin. I'd like to replace the punched tin but I have a some questions.

How difficult is it to learn this craft?
Where can I find patterns that would create a punched tin design similar to what you would expect to see 100 yrs ago?

[tufhelp]

I also really like punched or as they used to call it pierced tin. Google would be your best bet here. I did a search on Punched Tin Patterns and there is a bevy of stuff out there. Here is one link that has samples of patterns they sell, wouldn't be a big step to make your own form them...

http://www.piercedtin.com/

[backlash]

Norm on The new Yankee Workshop did one a few years ago.
Here is a link to buy the plans and or the video.
It didn't look very difficult.

http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?312
Here is a source for plans.
http://www.piercedtin.com/pie-safe-kits.htm

backlash

[B00kW0rm]

Thank you both for your insights and for the links. I checked out some sites before posting the question and everyone (who was trying to sell DIY plans/kits) made it sound as though this was the easiest thing in the world to learn and do...LOL. Thanks again:-).

[NCLee]

It is easy to do, with the right tools, practice, and patience.

After choosing your pattern, make extra copies. Use at least one solely for practice. The hardest part is learning how hard to hit the punch to make the piercings for a uniform look.

Your practice piece will also give you insight into how much patience it takes with these. That's important because you have to resist the urge to "hurry up and finish", as it'll affect the uniformity of your finished piece.

IMHO, it's a beautiful craft. If you find that you enjoy doing it, there's lots of applications for it after you finish your cabinet. Lanterns, candle holders, and trivets are 3 that come to mind.

Good luck with your project. I'd love to see pictures when you finish.

Lee

[tufhelp]

I think it was ole' Norm on the New Yankee Workshop that put together a tool that insured uniform punches. It was mechanically sort of like a shaving horse, but rather than holding the stock when the foot peddle was mashed, it lowered a fixed punch into the tin. You could set the depth of the piercing and once set on a scrap piece, all of the piercings would be uniform.

Another tip: Once you have your design set, make photo copies or print copies off on your printer. Affix a sacrificial pattern right on top of the tin with artists rubber cement or spray adhesive.