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

Tips

Hey everyone, Corkie here 👋 I just wanted to acknowledge that I know some people have been waiting on custom printed orders, like this rad muscle tank 👆😉 due to COVID-19 my manufacturer for custom printed items is experiencing delays. Even with longer... more

Here is a tip for when you are checking a stone in its bezel from @stonefruitsilver - “I love using this UHU tac for removing stones from bezels when checking fit (as long as they're not in too tight). There are different brands and types, which can... 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 tip to cut small pieces of tubing from @rockypardo - “I load my saw frame with the blade upside down and insert tubing into the flex shaft. When I'm cutting several bits, I'll mark it with sharpie but if I want one piece, I'll line it up... more

Here is a soldering tip from @tennessee_rose_jewelry - “I’ve modified something I learned from my teacher and it works great for me. On my soldering board (Silquar High Heat Board) I’ve used an oval template to mark out area for solder bits I’m using... more

For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to talk about a tool I constantly use but have never done an official tool talk for: my Foredom Bench Lathe I got mine from our friends at @ottofrei1930 a few years ago. For a long time I only used my flex... more

Here is a tip to keep your chain from getting tangled in the tumbler from @theloveleighlocket - “To keep necklaces from getting tangled in the tumbler...I like to thread them through a little plastic medicine dropper. Just cut the tip of the dropper... more

Here are a few solder tips from @therealtonyadavidson - “Let’s talk about sheet solder with these 4 tips. This is a prep job I don’t care for but I find my work to be far more productive when the pallions are cut and ready to go. I like to sit and... more

Here is a work holding tip from @hendersonstudiosjewelry - “Use hot glue on a metal plate, peg vise, or engraving ball to hold your work temporarily for stone setting. First use just enough hot glue to secure your setting without completely swallowing... more

Here is a tutorial on making your own tubing from @marta.oms - “Some days ago @metalsmithsociety asked on their stories if somebody wanted to share tips and information about tubing. So I thought that will be a good idea to share you how I make myself... more

Here is a tip for cleaning your brass pieces after soldering from @dcadefdesigns - “Working with brass? My lovely friend @silverbythebaystudio gave me this tip to make Super Pickle: Mix 1 part HOT🔥 pickle with 1 part hydrogen peroxide. OR use hydrogen... more

Here is a tip on repurposing sanding discs from @atlas_jewelers_bench - “Probably my number one favorite tip that I use everyday: charge the back paper side of a used sanding disc with Tripoli and you have a precision mini lap.” LOVE this idea!! Thank... more

#sponsored For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m showing off an awesome tool for setting up your home studio: the ECO-Torque 280 Rotary Micromotor from our friends at @gessweinco what I love about this option is it’s just under $200 and is wonderful... more

Here is a tutorial on attaching chain to a bezel from @estona_sieraden. - “This is such a useful way to attach a bezel centerpiece to a piece if chain. A real shortcut to attach the ring and chain in one go, on both sides. First you measure the exact... more

Here is a tool organization tip from @blueberryjewelry02 - “Old leather belt repurposed to a tool hanger. Use for mandrels, hammers, or anything else. Keep work surfaces clear and organized. Dad always said “a clean job is a happy job” when I would... more

Bonfire Pre-sale happening now through next Sunday! Happy Saturday friends, I wanted to talk real quick about my current @bonfire campaign. Through May 10th you can purchase the 2020 Panther Design with black lettering. I have a shirt option starting... more

Here is a hexagon bezel making tip from @theloveleighlocket - “I bought hexagon diamond cabochons to make stud earrings a while back, they are pretty tiny. I needed a tiny mandrel to shape the bezels for them...but the one I had was too big at... more

For this TWO FINGER RING challenge we had snake rings, hollow rings, and rings with stone settings, SO much variety! As per usual I love hearing that people were creating a two finger ring for the fist time ever! That is definitely the spirit of our... more

Here is a soldering tip from @madalaynas_fire - “To protect elements while soldering I’ve been using a product called Thermo Trap and it is working great! For this example I put a generous dollop of the paste onto the stainless steel chain I want to... more

Here is a tip for creating bezels with points (pear shape for example) from @moonandforge - “Bezel setting stones with points can be challenging, and if you ask 12 smiths to do it, you’ll get 12 different ways to tackle it! Here is a way that I’ve... more