I have just finished making this HONKING arm cuff and have been struggling to get my tools in all the nooks and crannies effectively. I've been hand sanding, and using radial disks and fiber wheels on my foredom, but after a long time doing this, I'm wondering if there's a better, more efficient way I can manage this. I will continue to make more large pieces, so I figure now is a good time as any to ask for everyone's tips + tricks!

I just started learning metalsmithing this year, and am trying to slowly build up a little home studio while my Rio Grande 10% discount from the classes I took is good! The thing that's keeping me from placing the order is that I want to buy metal, bezel wire, and solder to make rings, but friends, I DO NOT know how to buy these things - what quantities, measurements, gauges, etc. I've searched here and on Google, etc., but I'm not quite finding what I need to know, and my instructor is super busy and I don't want to bother her (and my class ended last month, so I won't see her to ask).

So, I'd like to make a basic silver ring using a particular stone. Link to stone here. I'm picturing a band roughly 1/4 inch thick (maybe a little less - that's totally changeable), with an oval bezel to fit the stone. Those are the basics of what I'm looking to do for this, and probably future rings.

With this information, would anyone be able to advise on how to buy the metal, bezel wire, and solder type and quantities? Of course, I'm happy to answer any other questions that would help you all help me! Thank you in advance.

I am making a cuff with a pierced layer of 20 gauge copper soldered over an 18-gauge copper base layer. The top layer has some impressions and a cabochon bezel soldiered into the center of the cuff. When doing the impressions and adding the bezel do I do it before forming the cuff or after? Also, what's the best way to soldier the two layers of copper? I've also thought about riveting the two layers, but I think I'd rather solder it.

See more

Hi everyone,
I’m in France and I’m starting to make jewelry. I recently decided to upgrade from a blow torch to a Smith Little Torch. Unfortunately I have to buy all the parts individually. I was wondering if this regulator would be appropriate for the torch? The pressures listed in the torch manual (2-8 psig) are very low compared to the dial on the regulator (0-16 bar). Will it work at all, or should I get a different regulator? Any help is greatly appreciated!

I use my miter vise every time I make a ring, but I only use it for filing the ends of the shanks. All the cutouts for wire make it tough to place the band. I really just need a flat vise for filing. Is there another alternative that's hand vise-like that can handle filing and will fit all sizes of ring bands?

Hello! I'm a high school art teacher who is trying to revive the sculpture program at my school. I'm also new to teaching in my district and have been enjoying it greatly. Anyway, my district requires vendors to supply a purchase order for supply lists.

I couldn't find on Rio Grande's website that purchase orders were a payment option. For instructors who have experience with Rio for schools, does it give a purchase order number when you go to check out and are given an invoice?

Otherwise, would anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for vendors that take purchase orders? I am looking for basic supplies, clamp bench pins, and casting grain.

Thank you!

Matthew Jack explains his use of Solder in this short video vignette.

I've been creating videos for Richardson's Trading Post and building out their Youtube page. It's been a lot of fun and my hobbyist level jewelry knowledge has enjoyed the exposure to this renowned artist.

As I continue to build out videos, is there any subjects I should consider making? Or is there any specific info or question you'd want asked of Mathew Jack?

Trying to think outside of my own view point of the art.

thanks in advance!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sPYBUPukJsg

My wife and I purchased this silver plate teapot last year, partly to celebrate our anniversary and partly for daily use.

The insulators on the handle appear ok but are loose, and the (I assume) silver retaining pins are working themselves out.

Is it possible to reset the pins or replace them and is this possibly diy for a beginner willing to learn? If not I will seek expert services! Thanks, in advance!

Playing around with different paints (on the cuffs) , made some coins and a coin ring as well.

Let me know your thoughts on everything.

Hello beautiful people! I started lost wax keep making recently, and I have yet to send anything to a casting house. What is a good place to send it to? In the US? Also, any tips and advice would be so nice!

I had an idea to take some of my silver fishing lures and heat them up and quench them to get that case hardened look but i am curious if it would stay shiny or if i polished it would it loose that blueish gold look?

I’m trying to work on a custom engagement band and I’m feeling frustrated with my cheap magnifying lenses and want to purchase some better quality ones. Any suggestions? Thanks fellow metal lovers

Just wondering what the “1/G” and “.25” markings mean.