Hammered ACS

[Metalman]

Okay
You could do some experimenting with the clay before you fire it. This way you would be able to use almost any tool for your 'hammer'. If you formed a piece, let it dry a certain amount [experiment to determine how long] and then tapped or gently pressed your tool on the surface of the clay you could develop a hammered surface look.  With the clay damp or wet you would get a deeper and/or larger mark. As you finished and polished this texture your piece would get a more worn and polished in look, compatible with an 'antiquey'  or old object look.
If you did your regular finish work, sanding, etc. then fired the piece and applied a hammered texture you would get a more refined hammered finish. You could do this with repeated blows from a small hammer, or using something like a dapping punch and repeatedly hammering the punch. Tests and experiments will be worthwhile.  ACS is moderately soft after firing and will stand a certain amount of hammering [or forging] but  only a certain amount, then it starts to crack apart. You will have to do the tests to find out how much is too much.  You will probably want to fully finish your piece and then carefully apply your hammering for the nicest hammer marked surface

[Metalman]

Welll....., yes but.....
[please notice the hesitation]

Cracks of this sort are called 'metal fatigue' happens to airplanes also.  Repairing this can be problematic. In a simple sense, what has happened is that the metal atoms are overly compressed and are separating.  A repair with ACS Oil Paste may take care of it but these cracks are on a molecular level which may not be repaired by an overlay.  The heat of firing will relax the tension that has developed from the hammering but may or may not repair the actual damage. So the bottom line is that it is time for an experiment.
If you have a work fatigued piece, do the Oil Paste repair, fire it and then press, flex and/or 'work' the repaired area and see if it stands up to the abuse.  Good luck with it
Send me your results, Thanks

[beadhag]

I am wanting to put a hammered finish to my ACS piece.  Is there anyone out there that might share this technique with me.

[Metalfairy]

If it cracks while hammering, can it be repaired?