Tommy
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Post by Tommy on Oct 17, 2022 12:27:46 GMT -5
This is for the purpose of gathering community based book recommendations for the website that is coming ... and yes I promise, it's really coming  I know we are all really good at reading forums and looking at pictures and self-teaching when it comes to lapidary and such, but by comparison metalsmithing is a highly specialized and technical skilled artform and there are many many published books on the subject. What book is your go-to metalsmithing book that you wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others? Which one helped you the most, and was it in the early learning stages or later on when you were in search of higher more technical learning? Thanks for all the responses - I'll be forming a short list of recommended reading from your answers. |
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Post by MsAli on Oct 17, 2022 12:57:56 GMT -5
I have a bunch of books on Silversmithing but I can't say any of them compare to sitting down with Mr. Larson and learning from him.
Maybe someone had a book recommendation, I'll just have to read☺️
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Tommy
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Post by Tommy on Oct 17, 2022 13:12:07 GMT -5
I have a bunch of books on Silversmithing but I can't say any of them compare to sitting down with Mr. Larson and learning from him. Fair enough and it underscores the "highly technical" nature of the art form. Channeling your inner Mr. Larson, which book do you think he would tell you to buy? Or if you had just enough time to sit down and open just ONE of the books you own in search of an answer, which one would it be? |
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gemfeller
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Post by gemfeller on Oct 17, 2022 13:22:09 GMT -5
I think "The Complete Metalsmith" by Tim McCreight is an indispensable bench manual. There are much more detailed guides but this little book answers specific questions in very readable form. For those considering casting, his companion book "Practical Casting" is also very helpful.
Another book I like is Robert Von Neumann's "The Design & Creation of Jewelry." It's a bit dated in design concepts but the basic info is timeless.
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Tommy
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Post by Tommy on Oct 17, 2022 14:13:05 GMT -5
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Post by liveoak on Oct 17, 2022 19:14:41 GMT -5
It's a book that teaches you though progressively harder projects. It used to have DVD's that you could get, that followed the first edition of the book (the newer book is slightly different), but I'm not sure if the DVD's are available anymore.
EDIT- the DVD's are still available as a set on Rio Grande
I have lots of books, but if I had to recommend one to someone starting out, this would be the one.
Patty
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gemfeller
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Post by gemfeller on Oct 17, 2022 19:29:35 GMT -5
It's a book that teaches you though progressively harder projects. It used to have DVD's that you could get, that followed the first edition of the book (the newer book is slightly different), but I'm not sure if the DVD's are available anymore.
I have lots of books, but if I had to recommend one to someone starting out, this would be the one.
Patty
All the books by Revere are excellent. I took several in-person courses with him in San Francisco and his methods are world-class. There are many really fine books on this topic. I have a number in my library I'm thinking of selling and if anyone's interested send me a message. Due to some physical limitations and other issues I'm mostly retiring from metal work and will have quite a bit of stuff in addition to books -- casting machines, burn-out ovens, polishing lathes, etc. -- for sale soon. Tommy , edit this if not allowed. Don't mean to take advantage of the thread but it seems a good "fit" to mention it here. |
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Tommy
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Post by Tommy on Oct 17, 2022 20:05:18 GMT -5
There are many really fine books on this topic. I have a number in my library I'm thinking of selling and if anyone's interested send me a message. Due to some physical limitations and other issues I'm mostly retiring from metal work and will have quite a bit of stuff in addition to books -- casting machines, burn-out ovens, polishing lathes, etc. -- for sale soon. Tommy , edit this if not allowed. Don't mean to take advantage of the thread but it seems a good "fit" to mention it here. No worries at all Rick and sorry for what ails you. I will be watching with high interest if you decide to post for-sale threads in the the marketplace. I've said this before but I'm pretty sure my next hobby within the hobby is going to move in the direction of metalsmithing. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Oct 17, 2022 22:00:45 GMT -5
All of these previously mentioned, including 1dave's list and my bible Jewelry Concepts & Technology by Oppi Untract. Expensive, but everything you need to know and more. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 18, 2022 6:32:27 GMT -5
It's a book that teaches you though progressively harder projects. It used to have DVD's that you could get, that followed the first edition of the book (the newer book is slightly different), but I'm not sure if the DVD's are available anymore.
I have lots of books, but if I had to recommend one to someone starting out, this would be the one.
Patty
All the books by Revere are excellent. I took several in-person courses with him in San Francisco and his methods are world-class. There are many really fine books on this topic. I have a number in my library I'm thinking of selling and if anyone's interested send me a message. Due to some physical limitations and other issues I'm mostly retiring from metal work and will have quite a bit of stuff in addition to books -- casting machines, burn-out ovens, polishing lathes, etc. -- for sale soon. Tommy , edit this if not allowed. Don't mean to take advantage of the thread but it seems a good "fit" to mention it here. Rick, I am so sorry to read this. I know it was a difficult decision and one you probably have been putting off for awhile. I hope you find something new for your muse.
ETA I sure hope I got your name right. I have a hard time with names. No offense intended.  |
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 18, 2022 7:54:34 GMT -5
I attempted to teach myself and found the books and dvds by Joe Silvera helpful.
I don't have this book, but I might get it: These links, as written, go to my amazon smile. You'll need to use the amazon link.
I also like the work and dvds of Lexi Erikson. Not sure how available these are.
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Tommy
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Post by Tommy on Oct 18, 2022 12:07:29 GMT -5
Thank you everyone so far - based on your recommendations I think we have a SOLID base of good instructional metalsmithing books in place.
I'm going to move this thread to General Rocks and expand it to cover all of the lapidary arts - tumbling, wire wrapping, cab making - basically anything rocks, lapidary, and jewelry related?
if anyone has a good book recommendation that has helped them in any of these hobbies please let us know.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 19, 2022 7:11:29 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 19, 2022 7:21:44 GMT -5
These are also great for ID and loaded with awesome images. They are written to explain his novel ideas of rock development. He is available to email, too. www.agatesandjaspers.com/ |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2022 7:43:36 GMT -5
I have enjoyed these, especially the one by Patti Polk.
- what’s that rock or mineral:Tom Jackson
- Rocks and minerals: Chris pellant
- collecting rocks, gems and minerals- patti polk
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Oct 19, 2022 9:50:48 GMT -5
Any of John Sinkankas' books, but especially Gemstone & Mineral Data Book: A Compilation of Data, Recipes, Formulas and Instructions for the Mineralogist, Gemologist, Lapidary, Jeweler, Craftsman and Collector.
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Post by liveoak on Oct 19, 2022 10:08:07 GMT -5
I second John Sinkankas, my go to is Gem Cutting, A Lapidary's Manual. A lot of info about a lot of stuff.
Patty
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gemfeller
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Post by gemfeller on Oct 19, 2022 15:42:04 GMT -5
Can't mention John Sinkankas without flagging his amazing "Gemstones of North America" 3-volume series. An amazing job of research combined with very important information on major gem locations. A bit dated in places but invaluable IMO.
My go-to book on mineral data and ID is Frederick H. Pough's "Rocks and Minerals," now published in the Patterson Field Guide series (paperback). Also "Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann which combines excellent ID data with good color illustrations of worldwide gems. I would also recommend any gem-oriented books by Joel Arem.
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quartzilla
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Post by quartzilla on Oct 21, 2022 5:40:29 GMT -5
Don’t forget Sinkakas Gemstones: How And Where To Find Them. This book has been reprinted several times and under different names. It has been essential in helping me understand the formations gemstones are found in and the techniques for collecting them. Especially helpful for collecting in granite pegmatite formations. This book, more than any other, increased my ability to recognize the formations out in the field and my self collected stuff greatly increased in quantity and quality because of it. Can’t have lapidary arts if you can’t find the stones to work with😉
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Post by opalpyrexia on Oct 23, 2022 15:51:06 GMT -5
Here's a book devoted to stone setting and making various stone settings: Creative Stonesetting by John Cogswell.
The title and cover might suggest that it's an advanced text, but it mostly spans beginning to intermediate levels. A wide range of settings are covered for cabs and especially faceted stones, plus various metalsmithing techniques. It also presents gravers and bright-cutting the edges of bezels, which, with practice, is an easy way to achieve a professional look. It's very much a how-to book and there are many illustrations.
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