Planishing requires patience and consistency. It is vital that the hammer make contact with the bowl at the point where it is in contact with the stake. The purpose is to force the metal so that it is in the same plane as the surrounding areas and that the contour of the bowl be smooth per the design. Thousands of blows of the hammer will be required to finish the planishing process.

         Above are images showing the planishing progression with an image of how the bowl is held while planishing. Note that I am wearing a glove on the hand holding the bowl and that I am also wearing ear protection. I work outside since the climate in Tucson is so mild. Below is an image of the stake I have used during the raising and now the planishing.

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