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

Tips

Here is a ring bender tip from @aimeesutanto - “One of my most often used tools in the studio: ring bender courtesy of @durstontools. Handy tip: using half round parallel pliers, bend the ends first to the required curve before bending the rest of the... more

Make these projects with me!! I’m incredibly proud of my book Metalsmith Society’s Guide To Jewelry Making because not only do I take you on a deep dive of understanding tools, materials and techniques but there are ten, intentionally simplistic... more

To reduce “chatter” when using a ball bur, try rotating the bur as you cut. Chatter is super annoying, the definition is: to vibrate during cutting so as to produce surface flaws on the work. So if you can rotate your work (like I am in the ball vise)... 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

Here is a plier modification from @mcallisterstudio - “These pliers were modified to hold and close small jump rings. I made them to hold the jump rings in the laser welder so I can put a little pressure on them when welding them closed.” Love this... more

For this #tooltalktuesday I’m sharing a collapsable colander I use to pour my tumbler media into. It truly is a game changer. Thank you to my girl @unmarkedindustries for sharing the idea with me! I will put a link in my profile to my Amazon, here’s... more

Here is a tip for welding super fine chain for forever bracelets from @stonesandfindings - “Jewelry Quick Tutorial - How to weld a permanent bracelet (forever bracelet) with pearls and beads threaded onto the chain, using the Orion Micro Welder... more

Here is a storage tip from @mageofmetals - “ I was at Ikea and saw this 'NEREBY' rail and hanging organizer that was intended for the kitchen but I thought would be great for small hammers, large files and my lighter mandrels. There are two options of... more

I’m giving myself the day off ❤️ my advance copy of my book has arrived. Today I’m celebrating my kid’s birthdays at a lake in Rhode Island. So I’m going to relax ❤️ This book is so stunning and I worked SO hard on it. It’s sooooo thick lol. Thank you... more

I made a flush setting tool from a stainless steel knitting needle and it’s a GAME CHANGER. I picked this tip up watching @lucywalkerjewellery Flush Setting Class, she suggests making one with stainless steel because it will work better when flush... 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

For this #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off the @grstools Slide & Lock. I would recommend the “Original Tall” which allows for two mounting plates to adjust up and down with 8” of movement. Mine is actually the “Tru-axis” version which is more... more

🔥 Subscriptions 🔥For about 1/2 the cost of a cup of coffee you can support me in running the this beautiful community of ours. The support truly does mean the world to me, it’s $2 a month and I’m going to try my damndest to come out with some bonus... more

Here is a tool organizing tip from @honedbyclairekinder - “Standard construction screws can be used to store and organize tools on a wall. You can adjust the depth to fit various tools too.” I love the look of this too. To be able to quickly find... more

Here is a soldering tip from @violetstreetdesigns - “Titanium clips from Knew Concepts hold bezel wire against a textured backplate, ensuring easy and even soldering.” Thank you Kristin! This is so helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to... more

Today I’m showing some stamping tips with @impressart they are having their Christmas in July SALE. You can save on stamping essentials, letter sets and those cool ring and bracelet forming pliers they have. LINK IN MY PROFILE! All of these stamping... more

Here is a texturing tip from @johnnyoro - “Any sand/ beads/ shot/ media can be used to achieve a variety of different textures. Polish the piece first and hold the funnel above your head and release with your pinky finger. This is simply sand... more

I partnered with @lindstromtools today to show off how to make your own earring wires. These are intentionally simple, add your own pizazz! I also highly recommend experimenting with copper wire if you have some on hand and then move on to silver once... more

Here is a great bench pin modification from @mklahn - “Use the corner of a square file to carve out a 90° angle notch in your bench pin at the top of the V you use for sawing. Cut through the notch a little bit with your saw, and you can use it to... more

This is a little throwback when I showed off the @foredomelectric Bench System from @gesswein.jewelry all these years later I’m still finding it very helpful. You can individually purchase the Flex Shaft Hanger and then add the LED Light Bar, the Bur... more