Punching and drifting

Punching

Punching is a blacksmithing technique used to create a hole in a piece of metal without removing any material.
The method involves driving a punch - a hard, pointed tool - into the hot metal, displacing it and forming a hole.
The punch must be cooled regularly during the process to prevent it from overheating and sticking to the workpiece.
Proper force management is essential in punching to drive the punch through the metal without causing unnecessary deformation to the rest of the workpiece.
Punching is often used when the desire is to maintain the weight of the item or when creating a specific design element.

Drifting

Drifting is the process of enlarging a punched hole or changing its shape.
This technique is typically accomplished using a drift, a tapered tool made of steel that is driven into and through the punched hole.
The metal should be at a cherry red or orange heat to allow for the smooth passage of the drift and to prevent cracking or tearing around the hole.
The drift should be rotated occasionally during the process to help maintain an even, smooth interior on the hole.
It’s important to work from both sides of the piece to ensure the hole remains centred within the work.
Repeated heating of the material may be required as the metal cools quickly because of the contact with the drift.
Drifting is often used to create larger holes for handles or decorative elements in blacksmithing projects.