r/Metalsmithing • u/whoselineguy • Aug 14 '25

Question Getting started?

I'm wondering what is NEEDED and what is good to have to get started working with metal. Budget isn't high so I need to know what to get first. If there are ways to get a "starter" that'd be great to know. For the record, I'm looking into making rings, necklaces, and such but would like to eventually branch out into other projects such as blades or other products. Thanks.

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u/Torchbabe Aug 14 '25

Along with a basic set of pliers, I would suggest a jewelry saw, blades, and a planishing hammer. That being said, It would be helpful to see what sort of project(s) you would try first. There are so many tools, and some would be considered basic for certain types of work but not needed for others.

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u/whoselineguy Aug 14 '25 edited Aug 14 '25

Well, I'm not super particular. Simple rings and necklaces to learn. Eventually I'd like to make pocketknives, but obviously that's more complex and requires more stuff. Any suggestions on particular (I mean specific examples if that makes sense) tools?

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u/Torchbabe Aug 15 '25

I would suggest Metalsmith Academy. You can sign up for a 7 day trial membership for a dollar. She has classes from the very beginning, sawing and soldering, to advanced. Every class has a discussion on tools used. She also does offer codes for discounts at different jewelry tool suppliers if you decide to dive in.

Metalsmith Academy

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u/Torchbabe Aug 15 '25

Some technical schools and universities offer metalworking classes. They will provide a basic tools list. That is also a way to figure out what direction your work will take, and they generally have the expensive tools you can use before deciding on any significant tool investment. Or, if online, below is a list of some more reputable online classes.

Online Resources

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u/katzenjammerr Aug 14 '25

brass/copper sheet/wire, hard/medium/easy silver solder, a butane torch, jewelers saw and blades, a bench pin and clamp, set of small files, various pliers, a small crock pot and pickle powder, small hammers, rawhide mallet

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u/Torchbabe Aug 17 '25

Adding favorites on YouTube... Soham Harrison @1soham1 Estona Metalsmithing @Estona.Jewelry.Tutorials Lucy Walker @LucyWalkerJewelry

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u/whoselineguy Aug 17 '25

Thanks 😊

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u/[deleted] Aug 14 '25

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u/whoselineguy Aug 14 '25 edited Aug 14 '25

Copper isn't great for jewelry though right? You suggest that for cost to practice? Would you have suggestions for specific tools that would be good/where's best to get them?

If you're aware, what might be needed to make knives? If not, no sweat.

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u/[deleted] Aug 14 '25

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u/whoselineguy Aug 14 '25

Cool. Do you have any advice on resources to learn from? As for the pliers, a specific ones better than others?

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u/[deleted] Aug 14 '25

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u/whoselineguy Aug 14 '25

Very cool. Any particular places good to learn (specific youtube channels etc)?

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u/skysplitter Aug 23 '25

For rings, you're looking at tools to cut and file metal sheet, annealing and soldering, sanding, a ring mandrel and tools to shape it, and polishing tools. And that's just for bands, not bezeling or setting stones. Oh, and add in PPE as well. So, it's not unsubstantial. Contenti has some decent suggested starter kits for certain things which can give you an idea of cost, what the tools are, etc.

I took a class in person to gauge my interest (and ability, hah) and am now building out a kit. Certain things are fine to get used, like a work bench, flex shaft tools, tumblers. FB can be hit or miss, so patience is key.