Here’s a way to get your prongs to stay in position while soldering from @sweetbellajewelry - “For prongs I use a soft solderite tile. It’s soft enough to push the wire prongs right into it.” 🤯 You know, the Metalsmith Challenge this month just so... more
Here is another prong hack from @shop_kajsjewelry she solders an X with two wires, then she forms the arches around her piece. - “I find that that way I can adjust the prongs to the exact spot that I want them to “land” on the piece. Having a central... more
When you want to go the extra mile to protect a stone during a soldering repair, use this method from @andreabjewelry -“I used a crucible to not get the paste all over my work surface. The crucible helped with the large stone being cradled. Then I... more
When I’m soldering a clasp onto a chain, I protect the clasp with heat shield. It helps prevent the small elements of the machine made clasp from melting. This heat shield is also great for preventing chain from melting or accidentally getting... more
Love this #diy revolving solder chip holder from @leafandbadger - “Screw a watercolor pallet onto the underside of a surface to get a revolving solder chip holder. It usually has 12 cups which works great for easy, medium, and hard solders for silver,... more
Here is another way to prevent solder from flowing - gouache paint! Thank you for sending this awesome technique @artjewels.ru you can paint it on in the same way you would white out or yellow ochre. IMPORTANT UPDATE* thank you to members of the... more
When your torch is crackling and suddenly cuts out with a pop it may be time to clean your torch tips! @moonshinedivineco had this issue and was able to share this technique for cleaning with us - “Just throw them into a pot of boiling distilled... more
When you need a little lift during a solder job @amyy50 has multiple options for you! T Pins, paper clips, and pieces of steel sheet she cut to suit her needs! “The solder won't stick once the lift is dirty with firescale.” Thank you so much for... more
When you want to prevent solder from flowing into a design you’ve stamped, or prevent a previously soldered element from flowing use this tip from @knotandsplice (and thank you to other members of the community that have mentioned this stuff in... more
If you’d like to create a gorgeous rounded edge on a ring use this tip from @petercat_jewelry - “I was introduced to this tool in a printmaking class, where we used it to bevel the edges of our plates. It occurred to me I could do this with the thick... more
Here is a tip for reducing fire scale/stain from @khdjewellery - “My tip for fire scale reduction is using a Boric acid and methylated spirit solution (a.k.a denatured alcohol). I have a plastic vitamin bottle on my bench and toss what I want to... more
Here is a tip for laying out your work prior to soldering from @adornedsmithingco -“I use clear packing tape! I will cut off enough for the piece and lay it sticky side up on my bench. Then I fold one corner over so I have something to hold on to. I... more
Here is a tip if you use prefabricated chains that come with a jumpring that looks a little wonky (top photo) I replace the jumpring and solder. While soldering I protect my chain with heat protectant so it doesn’t accidentally melt or solder. I... more
Here is a technique to help you position elements like bails and jumprings while soldering from @umyajewelry - “Using anything pointy (like a nail or a file), you can easily carve out a line of the desired depth, length and width into a *soft*... more
Here is a tip for helping you form your small bezels from @elizaschmuck - “When I make small round bezels I hammer them through a wire drawing plate (first with a flat surface until it’s on one level with the plate and then with the dapping tool. The... more
If you need the perfect tool to bend the titanium strips from yesterday’s post or if you need to close the gap on a heavy gauge band here is a suggestion from @meritmade - “I shared about how much I love the @knew_concepts titanium strips I got from... more
Here is a fabulous production tip from @danaantoniadesigns when managing multiple bezels - "Today I had an ah-ha moment as I’m working my way through what I call a “Bezel Marathon” - I always find myself in this position the week before I have a... more
Today’s tip is about safety! @ghosttownmetalworks reached out to share a recent experience in her studio (and share what she wears while working!) -“I had a little safety scare awhile back - involving my amazing Dura-Bull Double-Wheel... more
Here is a step by step on how to create a basket setting from @sinead_cleary_jewelry - “Start by forming two circles out of wire. I prefer 18g. Argentium, sterling or fine silver all work. One circle should be smaller than the other, the larger circle... more
