This weeks #tooltalktuesday is about forming tools! I received this set from @splenortools and have spent weeks working with it, brainstorming all the possible uses. I fear this post does not even do it justice, but here we go: the Swage block (the... more
In this week’s Rolling Mill Mini Series post I wanted to show off how to use your mill for MARRIAGE OF METALS 💕 (this is a process of soldering contrasting metals together). In my first example I’ve taken three wires, twisted them, soldered them and... more
Here is another step by step method for making a split-shank from @smith.and.stone “I measure each one to the middle and then kinda decide how much I want soldered and measure that out and just bend the wire out just a tad, and boom! I can use three... more
For this #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss the most common SOLDERING SURFACES (to the best of my knowledge :) First we will discuss the honeycomb soldering board. They are lightweight and have tons of tiny holes, they don’t retain heat and cool... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off these powerful cutters from @maunindustries 😍When I have wire that is thicker than 14g I put down my flush cutters and grab these. They are incredibly powerful! Perfect for trimming sprues from... more
Here is a great soldering tip from @objectif.bijoux - “Create a nest with binding wire! So that the flame can pass below, I place the jewelry on an 22 gauge iron wire rolled into ball, which I crush slightly afterwards. Thus, the heat spreads better,... more
Here is a tip for straightening wire from @miguelmonzonjeweler - His preferred method is to place the wire on a steel block and roll it with a piece of wood! He also has some wise words about taking your take. Thank you for letting me share this... more
Here is a #diy plier holder for your bench from @littleoscilla -“This is my diy bench modification/organization I made for my pliers, making them convenient to grab and to store. 👩🏭⬇️ . I saw on Metalsmith Society’s Tip Search that... more
Here is a tip for making even pieces of wire from @atelier32jewellery - “You can use masking tape to tape a few pieces of metal together for filing or sanding, they don't move about and is super useful if they all need to be shaped to the same angle.... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I created a quick demo of the Whaley Precision Bezel Cutting 90 Degree Shears I got from @ottofrei1930 they are essentially solder shears that have been modified so that you can quickly cut your bezels with a nice 90... more
Here is a tip for straightening pieces of wire from @millathegoldsmith - “A good way to straighten wires is to take a flackjärn (that’s the Swedish word for a steel block :) and roll with light pressure over the wire against a solid surface (I’m... more
Here is a tip for tumbling chain from @showellstudios - “When tumbling chain in a rotary tumbler, thread wire through the links every inch or so to prevent it from tangling. Works beautifully! The entire chain is exposed and tumbles evenly and there... more
#sponsored These tips on creating rectangular (or square) shaped settings are sponsored by @turquoise_moose they sell a wide variety of gorgeous, high quality turquoise and are offering our community $10 off your order with code METALSMITHSOCIETY... more
Here is a tip for rounding wire from @maxbennettjewellery - “Busch’s twincut concave burrs, one of my absolute favourites. These little guys can round up the ends of wires like cup burrs, but they also cut/shorten the wire with ease, so handy if... more
Here is a tip for sanding the bottom of decorative bezels from @janet.wise - “I found holding bezel wire can hurt your fingers after while... Some of them are pointy little buggers on top. So I improvised with an eraser 😂” Thank you!! Erasers seem... more
Here is a tip for when you need to file a taper on a piece of wire from @ajr.jewelry - “To help secure wire for filing a taper prior to drawing down, I drilled a hole in the crotch of my pin at a very low angle, and a long gradual trench out of the... more
Here is a storage solution for bezel wires from @metal.by.kate - “I thought I’d share how I sort all my bezel and wire. I only purchase in small amounts as smithing is just a hobby. I found this clear case full of smaller containers at Kmart here in... more
Here is a tip for setting super thick bezels sponsored by @turquoise_moose (and featuring one of their gorgeous turquoise bars) Once you have your setting created you will want to chamfer the edge. This is done by filing a 45 degree angle on the top... more
Here is a tumbling tip from @sarabjewelry - “Like many of my fellow metalsmiths, I try my best to reuse packaging from silver and stone suppliers as much as possible. It is easy to reuse a bag, a box, or some bubble wrap, but what about the little... more
For today’s tip I wanted to share some techniques for working with patterned bezels! This post is sponsored by @jeffkleinjewelry who makes 38 varieties of sterling, copper and brass bezels. For my little demo I worked with his Castellated Silver Bezel... more
