Tools

I. Cutting tools.

1. Metal snipper - to cut sheet metal.

2. Scissors - to cut the gold foil.

II. Shaping tools

1. Vattaikaparam (mandrel) - a thick-walled iron or wooden hollow cylinder. It is the base around which a piece of metal is pounded into a curved shape. Since it is tapared, the metal can be formed in any size depending upon its position on the mandrel. There are different sizes for rings, bangles, etc. The length varies from 4" to 16".

2. Triangular needle files - to refine and smoothen edges.

3. Hammers

4. Metal dies (dome-shaped) - to form the metal into curves of specific dimensions.

5. Pliers - small pliers are used for bending, twisting and curving metal. There are round-nosed pliers, chain-nosed pliers and half round-nosed pliers. To avoid unwanted marks and indentations on the metal, adhesive tape is put over the serrated jaws.

III. Other tools and accessories

1. Basarakoduvai - small brass container to hold solder paste.

2. Oodhamkulal - metal tube (brass) used as a blower.

3. Olaikoradu - forceps used for lifting smouldering coal.

4. Chaamalam - helper to spread wax.

5. kadir or slaaku or monnaikadir or kambi - metal rod with a flat end.

6. Carborundum stone to grinde tools.

7. Brass wire brush - to clean the silver pieces before electro-plating.

8. Forceps - to lift gold foil, stones, etc. which should not be touched by hand while working.

These tools are available at the local hardware store.