Otto Frei-Fretz Hammering & Forming Tool Kit

A comprehensive Fretz hammering and forming kit curated for the Metalsmith Essentials Basic Jewelry Hammering & Forming (Vol. 1–2) curriculum. Though those DVDs are no longer published, this thoughtfully assembled selection remains a practical foundation for exploring classic Fretz forming workflows—from planishing and raising to texturing, fluting, and shell forming. With 23 individual tools spanning hammers, stakes, holders, bench anvils, and micro mandrels, the kit equips metalsmiths to work across a wide range of cold-forming techniques in a single purchase.

Features

• Balanced mix of hammers, stakes, holders, and anvils suited for shaping, planishing, embossing, blocking, and texture work.
• Three bench anvil profiles—flat top, low dome, and medium dome—support a broad range of forming surfaces.
• Progressive fluting stakes (F-2A lining convex, F-2B sharp convex) and a double convex stake enable refined flute and channel work.
• Micro stakes and mandrel set expand fine control for small-scale jewelry forms.
• H-1 miniature stake holder and H-2 micro stake/mandrel tool holder keep stakes secure and bench-ready.
• Eight hammer types—planishing, raising, embossing, texturing, blocking, and insert—address the full spectrum of forming operations.
• Fretz fit and finish deliver clean working surfaces that reduce post-forming cleanup time.

What's Included

Notes

• Additional shop equipment is required for a complete workflow, including a flex shaft, torch, and polishing setup; basic soldering and finishing skills are recommended.
• Use appropriate eye and hand protection and secure work on suitable stakes or benches during all forming operations.