Post by 1dave on Jan 14, 2017 13:56:22 GMT -5
Here is a well done article on the subject.
www.ba-education.com/for/hobbies/silversmithing.html
Silversmithing and jewellery
by
Brian Allensby ©
Using original sketches
With insipration from Alan King, Keith Smith and Paul de Lamerie
Silversmithing and jewellery making have usually come under the elementary heading, of beaten metalwork, as indeed some of the processes are but not all, so this correct heading is being used here.
The materials used in silversmithing are chosen for their malleability and ductility. Owing to the high cost of silver, copper and gilding metal are often used as these can then be silverplated if required. Brass is used when its colour is important, but when it is annealed it is too hard for most hollowing processes. Pewter and its more modern counterpart Britannia metal, which contains no lead, is is more expensive than copper and presents difficulties with its low melting point when soldered. Aluminium too presents difficulties in soldering, and is therefore more often used in thin sheet or cast form. The chief gauges involved are from 14 swg (2.032mm) to 26 swg (0.457mm) although 20 swg (0.036mm) for domestic articles and 22 swg (0.711mm) for jewellery are commonly used.
Tools and Equipment
Many of the tools and equipment require will be in general use in the workshop, but a few are kept specially for silversmithing.
Acid Bath
For the cleaning and removal of oxides a solution of ten parts water to one part sulphuric acid in a container made of stoneware or lead is used. The container may be heated or not. For small work a Pyrex dish may be used. In all cases a lid should be fitted to the top of the bath to prevent splashing and a sink with running water should be adjacent. Heated baths should have their fumes extracted by a fan. When mixing a solution for the bath the acid should always be added to the water. Copper or brass tongs or a nickel basket must be used for holding work in the acid.
If iron, or a different metal to that which is being cleaned is put in or left in the pickle, plating of the surface of the metal being cleaned will occur.
Hammers
A number of hammers made from forged cast steel in sizes ranging from 0.11 kilograms (4 oz) to 0.28 kilograms (10 oz) and with various heads suitable for different operations are available. The faces of the hammers should be kept polished, clean and free from marks or damage to work will result.
Hammers and Mallets
Much more follows.
www.ba-education.com/for/hobbies/silversmithing.html
Silversmithing and jewellery
by
Brian Allensby ©
Using original sketches
With insipration from Alan King, Keith Smith and Paul de Lamerie
Silversmithing and jewellery making have usually come under the elementary heading, of beaten metalwork, as indeed some of the processes are but not all, so this correct heading is being used here.
The materials used in silversmithing are chosen for their malleability and ductility. Owing to the high cost of silver, copper and gilding metal are often used as these can then be silverplated if required. Brass is used when its colour is important, but when it is annealed it is too hard for most hollowing processes. Pewter and its more modern counterpart Britannia metal, which contains no lead, is is more expensive than copper and presents difficulties with its low melting point when soldered. Aluminium too presents difficulties in soldering, and is therefore more often used in thin sheet or cast form. The chief gauges involved are from 14 swg (2.032mm) to 26 swg (0.457mm) although 20 swg (0.036mm) for domestic articles and 22 swg (0.711mm) for jewellery are commonly used.
Tools and Equipment
Many of the tools and equipment require will be in general use in the workshop, but a few are kept specially for silversmithing.
Acid Bath
For the cleaning and removal of oxides a solution of ten parts water to one part sulphuric acid in a container made of stoneware or lead is used. The container may be heated or not. For small work a Pyrex dish may be used. In all cases a lid should be fitted to the top of the bath to prevent splashing and a sink with running water should be adjacent. Heated baths should have their fumes extracted by a fan. When mixing a solution for the bath the acid should always be added to the water. Copper or brass tongs or a nickel basket must be used for holding work in the acid.
If iron, or a different metal to that which is being cleaned is put in or left in the pickle, plating of the surface of the metal being cleaned will occur.
Hammers
A number of hammers made from forged cast steel in sizes ranging from 0.11 kilograms (4 oz) to 0.28 kilograms (10 oz) and with various heads suitable for different operations are available. The faces of the hammers should be kept polished, clean and free from marks or damage to work will result.
Hammers and Mallets
Much more follows.