Planishing
Planishing is a metal finishing technique where jewelers use special hammers to smooth and harden metal surfaces. It's like giving metal a massage that makes it stronger and shinier. This process is commonly used in jewelry making to create professional-looking pieces and improve their durability. When someone mentions planishing in their resume, they're showing they know how to refine metal surfaces by hand, which is a valuable traditional metalworking skill. This technique can be used on various metals like silver, gold, and copper, and it's often mentioned alongside terms like "metal forming" or "surface finishing."
Examples in Resumes
Refined over 200 silver pieces using Planishing techniques to achieve mirror-like finishes
Trained junior jewelers in proper Planishing and metal finishing methods
Created custom jewelry pieces utilizing traditional Planishing hammer work
Typical job title: "Jewelry Makers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Jewelry Makers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you train someone in proper planishing techniques?
Expected Answer: A senior craftsperson should explain the importance of proper hammer selection, demonstrate correct arm movement and control, and describe how to recognize when metal is properly work-hardened. They should also mention safety considerations and common mistakes to avoid.
Q: What considerations do you take when planishing different types of metals?
Expected Answer: They should discuss how different metals respond to planishing (gold vs silver vs copper), appropriate hammer types for each metal, and how to adjust technique based on metal thickness and desired finish.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the signs that indicate proper planishing technique?
Expected Answer: Should explain that properly planished metal shows even hammer marks, has increased hardness, and displays a smoother surface. Should mention how to test if the metal has been work-hardened enough.
Q: How do you maintain your planishing tools?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper hammer care, surface maintenance of stakes and anvils, and how to identify when tools need repair or replacement.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is planishing and why is it important in jewelry making?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that planishing is a hammer technique used to smooth and harden metal surfaces, making jewelry more durable and attractive.
Q: What basic tools are needed for planishing?
Expected Answer: Should identify planishing hammers, stakes or anvils, and describe the basic setup needed to begin planishing metal.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic hammer control
- Understanding of basic metal properties
- Simple surface finishing
- Safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient planishing techniques
- Work with various metals
- Quality control assessment
- Tool maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced finishing techniques
- Training and supervision
- Complex project management
- Custom tool modification
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic metalworking safety
- Inability to identify different metal types
- Lack of hand-eye coordination
- No experience with basic jewelry tools
Related Terms
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