Metalsmith Society Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tips

Torch fired enamel tips from the talented @tkiplinger - ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “When I first got into vitreous enameling, I used a torch to fire my enamel paintings because I did not have a kiln in my fledgling studio. Though I now have a kiln, I still prefer using a... more

Here are some instructions on refilling a Butane Torch from @arcanasilver - “I've been using butane torches in my home studio for years. It's a great affordable way to get started soldering. I started with the Proxxon Microflame Torch from Rio. It's a... more

#tooltalktuesday I have been wanting to show off a Butane Torch since I started this page. While I didn’t learn with one they are affordable, portable and I know many many people in our community use them. I am not super experienced with butane... more

Here are the basics of torch firing enamel from @jessjewelry - “Let's talk Torch fire enamel! This method uses copper shapes covered in granules of glass enamel powder. The powdered enamels are sifted onto the copper like sifting powdered sugar onto... more

For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m keeping it real simple and showing you a torch holder that is under $10 from our friends at @gesswein.jewelry This simple bracket (Item 830-1305) gets secured onto your bench or tabletop and it holds your acetylene... more

Filling a butane torch: when filling a butane torch it’s pretty straight forward. Stay in a ventilated area, even going outside can be nice 😊 . Make sure your torch is off, flip the torch upside down and then find the area on the bottom of the torch... more

Here are some tips on torch safety from @creativesidejewelry - “ 1️⃣ Make sure to check the connection where the regulator screws on to the tank everytime you change the tank out. This is as easy as using soapy water and a paint brush to brush all... more

For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m sharing a tool that I went without for a really long time. I decided to finally treat myself last year 💃🏼and I don’t know why I waited so long! This is an automatic torch lighter. It saves me SO much time, I used... more

Here is a technique to create smooth silver balls from @limbagal - “No one likes wrinkly silver balls!!! How to melt wire into smooth balls using an oxygen/propane torch. Light torch as usual. Melt wire until it forms into a ball. When the wire balls... more

Here is a torch safety tip from @commongroundgreenport - “This tip is a safety essential when changing out your tanks. After affixing new gas and/or oxygen tanks to your torch, always take a clean paintbrush and paint a solution of gently mixed soapy... more

Here is a soldering tip from @makeitwithkim - “Do you struggle to solder bigger pieces of jewellery with your small torch? Here Alex is demonstrating how a tiny torch can heat up a super chunky ring with ease. This ring is a size Z and made from 5mm... more

How do you hold your torch? A DIY holder? We’d love if you shared with us! This one is a torch holder that is under $10 from our friends at @gesswein.jewelry This simple bracket (Item 830-1305) gets secured onto your bench or tabletop and it holds... more

Torch Fired Enamel with @jessjewelry - “Let’s talk Torch fire enamel! This method uses copper shapes covered in granules of glass enamel powder. The powdered enamels are sifted onto the copper like sifting powdered sugar onto a dessert. (but... more

Here is a #diy torch holder from @hushandhavenstudio - “I use an extra large binder clip to secure my torch, keep the lines in order, and tuck it out of the way when I am done with it. Since I have such a small work bench, space is a precious... more

Over the years I’ve had many students say they felt nervous about using an acetylene or oxygen/acetylene (featured in this picture) torch system in their home or studio. I just set up my new Smith Little Torch (I had one years ago and am excited to... more

Here is a tip for when your torch tips get clogged. Someone from the community suggested this last year and we did a story about it (I’m sorry I can’t remember who it was!) Use distilled water and boil them for ten minutes! Easy peazy! I wish I had... more

Here is an awesome tip for your soldering station from @metalwerxstudio - “The lip of the soldering table is steel – the magnetic part is in the handle! We bought 2” heat shrink tube and rare earth magnets. To create the magnetic handle you heat the... more

Here is a tip for those using smaller torches from @silvermaplestudiome - “Since I use a small butane torch, I don’t have a lot of fire power. My son @northcountryblacksmith suggested I use copper sheet to reflect the heat back on my project. It... more

For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m keeping it short but sweet, I’m obsessed with my Automatic Torch Lighter. Is it a luxury? Kind of 😂but it truly saves you so much time at your soldering station and you can light your torch with one hand! I... more

Here’s a torch enameling tip from @tkiplinger - “I like to torch fire my enamels on a little basket of v-shaped wire mesh resting on an open tripod rather than on a trivet because it is more stable than a trivet. And I always make it a point to wear... more