How to Use Fretz Stakes for Jewelry Forming and Texturing

Quick answer

Fretz stakes let you shape metal into cones, domes, and fluted forms using a hammer and a sturdy holder. Start with the correct stake for your shape, secure it in a stake holder, and use a polished hammer face to avoid marking the metal.

How to form metal with Fretz stakes

1. 1. Secure the stake in a holder: Insert the stake's square shank into a compatible stake holder and tighten the set screw. The stake must not wobble. A loose stake will transfer vibration and produce uneven marks. Check that the holder is clamped to a sturdy bench, not a lightweight table.
2. 2. Anneal the metal if needed: For copper, brass, or sterling silver, heat the metal to a dull red and quench it before forming. Work-hardened metal will crack or resist shaping. For fine silver or gold fill, annealing is usually unnecessary for thin gauges. Skip annealing only if you are using dead-soft sheet under 24 gauge.
3. 3. Position the metal on the stake: Hold the metal against the stake with your non-dominant hand. For the F-4 cone stake, wrap the metal around the taper. For the M-6 dome stake, center the disc over the dome. For the F-2A flute stake, align the metal along the convex curve. If the metal shifts during the first hammer blow, use a lighter grip or a clamp for small pieces.
4. 4. Strike with a polished hammer: Use a Fretz or other polished steel hammer with a flat or slightly domed face. Strike squarely and let the hammer bounce. Avoid dragging the hammer across the stake surface, which can scratch both the stake and the metal. A textured hammer face will imprint on the metal. Use a smooth face for forming, then switch to a texturing hammer if desired.
5. 5. Work in a progression for flutes: If you are using the F-2A for fluting, start with gentle blows to create a broad concave curve. Then move to the F-2B and F-2C stakes (if you have them) to sharpen the ridges. Skipping the progressive stakes can cause the flutes to become too sharp or uneven. Check the flute depth after every few blows. Stop when the curve matches your design—overworking can thin the metal.
6. 6. Planish and finish: After forming, use a polished planishing hammer on the same stake to smooth out hammer marks. Work from the center outward in overlapping blows. For a matte finish, switch to a nylon or rawhide mallet. Planish with light, even taps. Heavy blows will stretch the metal and distort the shape.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Fretz® F-4 Miniature Cone-Forming Stake 89 x 15 mm: The F-4 Miniature Cone-Forming Stake measures 89 x 15 mm and is made from 420 hardened stainless steel. Its tapered shape lets you form consistent cones for earrings, pendants, or hollow bangles without distorting the metal.

  

• Fretz® M-6 Miniature High-Dome Mushroom Bezel-Forming Stake: The M-6 Miniature High-Dome Mushroom Bezel-Forming Stake has a 10 mm diameter dome made from hardened stainless steel. The rounded profile helps you shape bezels that fit stones snugly and lets you planish small domes without leaving hammer marks.

  

• Convex Fluting Rolled Edge Fretz, F2A: The F-2A Convex Fluting Rolled Edge stake is the first in a progressive series for forming concave flutes. It establishes gentle concave curves without sharp creases, so you can build up fluted patterns gradually.