Probably my favorite set out of all the Nechamkin Chasing and Repousse Tools Is the Small Pattern Chasing Tool Set.https://nechamkin.com/chasing-tools/small-pattern-chasing-tool-set/ It is a grouping of 10 tiny face tools great for fitting into the little corners and valleys of your chasing patterns. They neatly work together as a team and were made to augment the core set. The question I am asked the  most is; ” I chase jewelry and very small work, what sets set should I buy” .  while I would definitely say you should have a core set of average sized tools, the small pattern chasing tool set is a great addition and you will definitely need smaller tools. These guys are what you need to get your tiny little details onto your tiny little pieces. OH and BIG PLUS; they are made 100% in the USA, mostly by Women toolmakers. Maybe I’ll feature them in my next blog! 

complete 25 piece core set

https://nechamkin.com/chasing-tools/25-piece-chasing-tool-set/

This set is sold all together as shown (25 pieces with the container) or you can purchase a 9 piece set now and 16 later. https://nechamkin.com/chasing-tools/starter-chasing-tool-set-16-piece/

Chasing and Repousse tools, although very low tech, require basic parameters to perform well. Tons of people ask me what tools they need, which shapes and sizes etc. To me it is important FIRST, to know the basics of what makes a good chasing tool.

  A Length of 4″or so is good for most hands. The shanks should be squared (at least somewhat) so you know which way your chasing tool is facing in your fingers. Completely round stock sort of rolls around in your fingers and I prefer them mainly for round nosed tools like beading tools.

 The corners of the shank should be soft and comfortable to hold. They should not be sharp, bent or deformed in any way.  There should be some length to the taper to the tool face for good line of sight. The faces should be satin smooth or polished shiny. Nothing should be left sharp.

The striking end should be left annealed and the working face hardened and tempered to about an inch back. The old machinists’ handbooks teach that the hammer for the punch is to be hardened to prevent a hollow from developing in the face. Hard steel on hard steel is risky. Slight mushrooming on the striking end of a punch can easily be dressed with a file when needed.

Punches suffer concussive blows with cracking force. For this reason they are traditionally made from solid rolled steel, cut to length and ground or forged into shape. Rolled steel has a long strong crystal structure that resists cracking when correctly heat treated.

That said,  I have come across lots of tools missing all or several of these basics. But now  you have a guide to help you decide for yourself.

All Nechamkin Chasing Tools are made using these parameters. I personally oversee the quality. Every tool has my family name on it.https://nechamkin.com/chasing-tools/

CHASING & REPOUSSE TOOLS