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Post by stoner on Dec 25, 2009 14:32:58 GMT -5
Well, I've jumped in over my head with this silver smith work and have enough tools now to work at home on my own. So for a gift for my wife for Christmas, I made a ring to match the Condor agate pendant she claimed for herself. Next will be a set of earrings or maybe a bracelet.   Here's the necklace and the ring together.  |
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Post by superioragates on Dec 25, 2009 14:52:46 GMT -5
That is sharp lookin'!
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Post by Toad on Dec 25, 2009 16:05:05 GMT -5
Beautiful stones. They make a nice pair.
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Dec 25, 2009 17:07:18 GMT -5
That's nice work! If I may ask, what all tools do I need for silversmithing work? I would like to do that also, at some point. Currently though, I am totally in the dark about that kind of work. But, for now, I am working on getting consistant with my cabbing and wrapping.
Mike
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Dec 25, 2009 20:20:35 GMT -5
Gorgeous! Great work.
Nate
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Post by tkrueger3 on Dec 25, 2009 23:11:48 GMT -5
I also would like to have some idea of the tools needed to get into silversmithing, as I have signed up for a class for mid-January.
Tom
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Post by NatureNut on Dec 25, 2009 23:19:39 GMT -5
You did that beautiful rock proud, Ed.
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Post by stoner on Dec 26, 2009 4:10:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words, I'm having a blast making these pieces. There aren't really too many specific tools needed to do basic silver work, a small butane torch, a jewelers saw(coping saw will work), files, sandpaper, a non metallic mallet, small hammer, cutters and pliers. The main thing is learning to solder properly, if you can master that, the rest is easy. Taking a class is the best way to get started. My local rock club offers a 6 hour, 2 evening class for $5 plus the cost of the silver. They will even supply the cabs if you don't have any to set. There are videos on YouTube and a bunch of sites with tutorials if you don't have access to a club or college course.
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agatehunter
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2009
Posts: 4
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Post by agatehunter on Dec 27, 2009 10:45:37 GMT -5
great job on stone ,the band could be tighter on the silver joint,bend it a bit tighter then use the pressure to hold it, and you will get it tighter before you weld it next time for a tighter joint.still a good job though.
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Post by sitnwrap on Dec 27, 2009 23:46:53 GMT -5
It's good to see your gorgeous cabs in your own settings. The set is beautiful.
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steelandstone
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2008
Posts: 500
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Post by steelandstone on Dec 30, 2009 7:16:07 GMT -5
Great job on the ring, but sorry to hear about you jumping in over your head into silver work. It is very addictive; almost as bad as rock hounding and the water only gets deeper and more expensive but it sure is fun.
What are you planning on making next?
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Dec 31, 2009 6:04:04 GMT -5
Hi Stoner ,Tom, & Mike,
I run a silversmithing course in UK
I was helped by Tom (Conrock) with a usefull link to Will Smith.s guide on how to silver solder and tools needed
This Guy is fantastic and his handout exceptionaly good with a colour chart giving the colours at various critcal tempratures
I also find a little book available over her BUT published in USA called
"Jewelery Makers Handbook " by Iva L Geisinger ,
ISBN 0-935182-61-6
Available in USA From & Published by
Gem Guides Book Co,
315 Cloverleaf Dr,SuiteF,
Baldwin Park,
CA91706
USA
At $5-95 It will be the best $6 you ever spend in your life !!!!
It deals with setting up a basic workshop , tools , Fluxes & Pickle, Procedures , projects, Stone setting and Chain making to name but a few with 16 chapters its a very good buy
(Available in UK from Manchester Minerals )
I recomend this book to my students as a first step and helps a lot with tips .
With Silver soldering one essential is to get your joints Perfect, DONT aim to fill them up with Solder
It is greatly satisfying to set stones the way you want them set ,
Hope all goes well and all the Best for 2010
Jack
Yorkshire UK
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Post by sandsman1 on Dec 31, 2009 9:23:15 GMT -5
dam ed lookin good
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Post by Tonyterner on Dec 31, 2009 13:26:49 GMT -5
Great looking work Ed. I really want to jump into that too but will need to hit the powerball in order to afford the tools and silver. Thanks for posting.
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jan 2, 2010 4:37:20 GMT -5
hi Tony ,
Its not to expensive.
I find it fasinating im sure you would to ?
Silver is the Highest cost (with gold so high), but some one on RTH picked up some old silver plate at a garage sale, ? it is amazing what is around at such sales at scrap price , that can be melted down or re furbrished
Jack
Yorkshire uk
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Post by sandsman1 on Jan 2, 2010 19:45:35 GMT -5
hey ed i dont know what happend but i missed your birthday man maybe i was away in pa but anyway happy birthday hope it was your best ever
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