This hand tool is for bending metal wire and flat bar– developed from the desire to stimulate haptic activity and to promote the basics of bending metal.  An instruction guide illustrates the steps required for each letter of the alphabet in a step-by-step sequence.  Bent metal letters can be used to hot-brand personal belongings made of wood, leather, paper, and even hamburger buns.

Metalsmiths, jewelers, and makers may recognize the array of bending dies and pins that can be configured on the matrix block of the tool. Hundreds of different configurations can be quickly set into place. The action of a pliers inherently adjusts to different dies, sizes of wire and can be used to flatten, pinch or cut metal. 

ITERATION

Combining the features of a Hossfeld bending machine, hand and finger movements, and a pair of welding pliers together with one purpose– versatility and comfort. 

This project is a result of eye-hand coordination– pens, paper, clay, wood, and simple woodworking tools like saws, drills, chisels, files, and sandpaper. My previous experience as a tool maker and architectural metalsmith helped bring this prototype to life.

Ages 6 +