Metal & Bronze

Chasing

Chasing is now an art and a craft in itself. This ancient savoir-faire is becoming a rare trade that the Rinck workshops are determined to keep alive and thriving. They bring it to life through the reproduction of classic models which can, in turn, borrow the ornamental hallmarks of different periods – Empire, Gothic, Renaissance, Louis XV, or even Louis XVI –, but also through creation by adding a modern and novel touch while applying traditional methods. Chasing is performed once the metal object leaves the foundry workshop. The chaser’s first focus is deburring: removing the seams that the mold has left on the object’s various surfaces, erasing flaws and residues. Then, one by one, the chaser hones and enhances all the details that did not become sufficiently manifest in the casting: sharpening the edges, emphasizing the contours, repairing imperfections, filling in holes left by trapped gases.

This savoir-faire, handed down through the generations, is carried out with blunt instruments that the craftsperson has personally made to the exact shape needed – these are small gravers. Chasing, considered one of the most precious adornments that can be given metal objects, has always been practiced on bronze. This medium does indeed admirably withstand the tests of time and, by virtue of its physical properties, makes possible a multitude of shapes and almost infinite patinas.

Mounting

Mounting is the final assembly stage of the work crafted by the various trades involved in its creation and production. This is the moment when the piece of furniture is adorned with the most exquisite finery, be it of brass, bronze, or any other metal. The same is true for outfitting. Whatever the nature of the project – a staircase, interior woodwork, screen walls, partition windows, door handles, or even a banister –, the mounting process is when the project conspicuously comes to life. The various metal pieces make their home in the spaces originally planned for them. They enhance and complete the work, letting it become a finished piece. The mounter therefore knows how to draw, saw, file, bend, adjust, weld, tap, and thread. She or he possesses vast knowledge of styles and is a master of design and aesthetics. The mounter’s savoir-faire entails the greatest finesse and precision, finding and bringing forth the extra measure of beauty within every piece.

Polishing

The purpose of polishing is to eliminate any remaining unevenness on a surface, removing all roughness, flaws, or marring, making the metal shine. This form of savoir-faire involves fastidious work; the time required varies with the complexity of the piece to be polished. The surface can be given different appearances, such as a satin, brushed, or mirror finish. Its practice presupposes an excellent knowledge of metals and calls for patience and meticulousness, a keen awareness of detail, and confident dexterity.

Cutting & Welding

The purpose of welding is to join two separate pieces of metal, by using either flame alone or a composition having a fusibility between those of each metal to be joined. Solder is the metallic composition used to weld metals that makes it possible to assemble a wide variety of pieces. Welding can be practiced with or without additional materials and varies in cost, but is a sturdy solution that is executed with relative speed.

The craftspeople who prepare the parts before assembly need a number of essential tools: soldering iron, shears, steel hammer, vice, hacksaw, jigsaw, grinder, file. They also choose their tools based on the metal or metals they will be working with: brass, bronze, stainless steel, copper, steel. The pieces that will adorn furnishings, or any work intended for the outfitting of your custom interior, are prepared in advance.