English Wheel

• 1). Position the aluminum sheet you will be forming into a dome between the steel rollers of the English wheel.
  
  
• 2). Move the aluminum sheet back and forth so that it rolls between the English wheel's dies. You will begin to notice the metal taking on a curved shape. As it does this, turn the sheet counterclockwise while you continue moving the sheet back and forth.
  
  
• 3). Roll the aluminum sheet while turning it in a counterclockwise direction until it has reached your desired dome depth. You won't be able to get the curvature too tight with an English wheel; they are meant to build sweeping curves.
  
  

Planishing Hammer

• 1). Position the aluminum sheet between the hammer and the die of the planishing hammer. In this process, you can use an aluminum sheet that was previously formed with an English wheel, but you cannot form a planished dome with an English wheel. The curves produced are too tight.
  
  
• 2). Activate the planishing hammer and move the sheet continuously as the dome forms. Hold onto the edges of the sheet to help prevent your fingers from becoming caught in the hammer. The dome will form more quickly the harder you press the activation pedal of the planishing hammer. To work more slowly, release the pedal slightly.
  
  
• 3). Insert a finishing hammer die into the planishing hammer head. A finishing die smooths out the ridges and deformities formed by the planishing process. You don't have to use the finishing die, however, if you like the way the dome looks with the ridges.