Here is a prong setting tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “For a creative person I’m pretty obsessed with order! Learning anything is so much easier when techniques are practiced and learnt in order. For instance, if you want to master prong setting,... more
Here is a production tip from @martindenoch - “I prepare each pin by melting some solder at each end. I then place the rings on an old hacksaw blade to get them up to the right level, and place them close in touch with the pins. Then I heat the pins... more
Thank you for your continued support of Metalsmith Society merch. Your purchases support me in continuing this community on a daily basis and it’s also a great way to represent and spark conversations about your work as a jeweler! Anyone who is... more
Here is a sawing tip from @kaivijewelry - “When using sharpie on the metal, I noticed saw dust would smudge the lines I drew for where to saw. I slapped on some packaging tape over the metal and voilà! A small but mighty tip 🙌🏾” YES! Thank you so much... more
Here is a sanding tip from @dangbravegirl - “I use mine so often that I keep it permanently hooked to a 2nd flex shaft (and to my Quatro dust collector). I can quickly clean up and smooth cuff ends, prep ring shanks for soldering, level a bezel... more
A few sanding tips you can try: I like to create my own sanding boards by using 3m adhesive backed finishing films onto a piece of plastic (you could use wood just make sure it’s perfectly flat). I sand in a figure 8 motion. As I switch grits I turn... more
Another way I’ve been experimenting with my sunstoneweld Orion 150s Pulse Arc Welder is using it to tack components in place so they absolutely do not move while I solder. I honestly don’t know if sticking my work into the Kaiser-Lee board was even... more
How to create a patina with sulfur from an egg from @missioncreekmetal - “ 1. Take 1-2 eggs hard boiled depending on the size of your project. (For this one I just used 1 egg since it was a small ring). 2. Peel the shell off the egg, and mash the... more
Here is a #diy setting tools from @curtisrjewellery - “Tip for setting soft gemstones like opal and turquoise! Upcycle a toothbrush into a bezel pusher by cutting and filing the tip. I like a flat spot on the bottom, but you can shape to your liking... more
Here is a #diy flux bottle from - @9th_generation_stx - “ Here is my tip for a recycled liquid flux bottle. I can’t tell you how many times I've knocked over my flux, or set the plastic tupperware that I used on fire🔥, causing me anxiety and giving... more
Please like this post so we can spread the word!🚨 The #metalsmithchallenge is back. You all voted for UNUSUAL STONE. You have THREE MONTHS to create something that challenges and excites you. Take away the pressure that it has to be a sellable piece!... more
It was requested I show how to heat Thermo-Loc. This is not the only way, just one way. 😄 You can buy a Teflon pad (I got mine as a starter kit from ottofrei1930 that comes with Thermoloc-Loc) this pad provides a surface to heat the thermoplastic with... more
Here is a #diytool from @sierrasilverstudio @sierrastonestudio - “This is my favorite DIY tool. It’s simple but mighty! With this tool, holding tiny pieces for filing/drilling/etc is easier, and the wood “jaws” are grippy but don’t mar the silver. The... more
#affiliate For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I am showing off my foredomelectric Angle Grinder Attachment (SKU:8501358 ) available from our friends gesswein.jewelry This tool is designed for use with the #30 Foredom Handpiece. I am securing it for... more
Here is a sawing tip from @maggiethebear - “Here’s at a tip on how I put my designs onto silver. I use double stick Scotch tape! Rubber cement is often a suggested adhesive, but I find that it reacts to the heat & sweat of my fingers, causing my... more
Here is a bench pin tip from @jennwellsstudio - “Here I’m using an old leather wallet, cutting the outside off and then using that as a cover for my bench pin. You could also use any scrap leather. This allows me to work on pieces at my bench pin and... more
Here is a tip for opening a bezel 🙏🙏 from @iamweathergirl - “I started using watchmakers tools to open bezels on my pieces for repairs and resizing so I don’t ruin stones with heat. The tips of the tools are perfectly chamfered and polished so they... more
One immediate benefit of using my sunstoneweld Orion 150s Pulse Arc Welder has been working with chain. First I hold the link I want to weld with grounding tweezers that are attached to the welder. They allow the electrode to fire when I touch the... more
⚡️Apron Restock⚡️ if you are on my email list you already know ☺️ I have three options: Black Denim (featured here) Black Cotton Canvas & Gray Cotton Canvas. I also have 2022 Moth Raglans available in the shop for those that are obsessed with that... more
Here is a jump ring tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “How to use your jump ring winder with the smaller mandrels that have no hole? 😏 All I can say any hole is a goal! And there is a perfect little hole right inside the chuck, just put a little bend in... more
