neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 129
|
Post by neural on Mar 23, 2020 15:19:15 GMT -5
I have all of my silversmithing tools, but am struggling with what seems to be a mountain of doubt and, frankly, just too much information.
I've lost nearly all knowledge that I had in 2010/2011 on silversmithing. What I *do* remember is that there's a good number of ways to get yourself killed through fumes and other slow-painful-death methods.
I feel like there is this stupid-high and steep learning curve cliff that I have to climb just to get...somewhere? I don't even know what my first goals should be.
Can we even buy the materials needed anymore with all the stuff going on now? I know I very likely need some solder chips (two types, and I can't even remember why I have two types in my box. Just know that they are a decade old and discolored, which means they are likely not of any use).
I have both brass and silver, and I know I can use the brass to "practice" because it's similar to silver.
Sorry for rambling. I'm just lost right now. I need a distraction from the nightmare that is reality right now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Mar 23, 2020 16:22:36 GMT -5
Relax!
Start just one easy project.
You will probably need
-some metal (copper is good to start with)
-a way to cut it - saw, shears, paper cutter
-a way to add texture - rolling mill, hammers, dimple pliers, sandpaper...
-a way to smooth edges-files, sandpaper
As a first project, we make earrings or/and pendant by cutting out a circle or other shape, adding texture, a hole for an ear wire, then polish it with a Sunshine cloth or something similar.
That is the most basic project.
Good luck. It is lots of fun.
|
|
|
|
Post by toiv0 on Mar 23, 2020 17:01:36 GMT -5
Here is a tutorial brought back to life a few weeks ago. Maybe it will stimulate your brain into remembering Just be careful nothing to be afraid of if you been there before. Hit the solder and tarnished mental with a little sandpaper and all will be well with the metal. Rio Grande jeweler supply will get you supplies. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/63337/silver-stone-set-pendant-ii |
|
|
|
Post by opalpyrexia on Mar 23, 2020 17:16:15 GMT -5
I know I very likely need some solder chips (two types, and I can't even remember why I have two types in my box. Just know that they are a decade old and discolored, which means they are likely not of any use).
Your two solder chips are most likely Hard and Medium, and the latter melts at a lower temperature than the former. If they aren't labeled or marked, take an equal size chip of both and place them flat on, say, a small piece of copper sheet. Heat the sheet evenly from below with your torch (and a modest flame) and you should see the Medium solder melt a fraction of a second before the Hard. Repeat that if the timing isn't clear.
General rule of thumb: start with Hard (or maybe even stay with it) and switch to Medium if you're concerned that something might come unsoldered, shift, or make a seam visible.
Hope this wipes away some of the cobwebs!  |
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 23, 2020 18:42:04 GMT -5
Relax, my friend.
You can clean the silver solder with some sand paper. Do opalpyrexia 's and toiv0 's test for the solder to figure out which are which. Then as soon as you know, label your containers! Doh! 
So Do you have a pickle pot and pickle? PHdown works a treat if you don't have any. I have a container and can give you some if you're not going to Wally's World anytime soon.
Make sure you have some ventilation. I'm assuming you'll be in the garage. Make sure the door is open. 
I'm a phone call away.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Mar 23, 2020 19:00:42 GMT -5
The ph Down hummingbirdstones mentioned above is found in the swimming pool department at Home Depot et al. It is much cheaper than official pickle. |
|
neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 129
|
Post by neural on Mar 23, 2020 21:54:52 GMT -5
I still have my pickle pot and phdown.
As for ventilation I have plans to run a 6" duct fan with hose. will put a flange on a piece of plywood cut to fit into a window
|
|
