Difference between revisions of "Jewelry and Metalcraft"

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βˆ’
=== Equipment List ===
 
  
βˆ’
==== Hand Tools ====
+
Our shop is dedicated to working with non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc., or precious metals and to the fabrication of relatively small items. Here is a short list of both decorative and functional skills you can learn and practice at our shop:
 +
 
 +
β€’ Wire work: braiding, wrapping, chain-maille, jewelry findings, beading
 +
 
 +
β€’ Forming and shaping metal: jewelry, vessels, small home decor items
 +
 
 +
β€’ Joining metal: soldering, cold connections such as rivets, hinges, latches
 +
 
 +
β€’ Decorating metal: piercing, texturing, stamping, enameling, imprinting, coloring, etching
 +
 
 +
β€’ Casting and sculpting
 +
 
 +
β€’ ... and more. If you have a request for a class or have a specific question, please send a note to the shop captain.
 +
 
 +
== Open studio opportunity ==
 +
Please come, learn, and create something cool at the Metalcraft and Jewelry Open Studio. This regularly held time on Sunday afternoons from 12:30-2:30 is perfect for exploring the shop, getting acquainted with others with similar interests, and asking questions. Do you have a craft or piece of jewelry you'd like to make using metal, but not sure how to begin? Someone with experience will be around to help you get familiar with the tools available and how to use them. This is very informal, just RSVP on the MeetUp page and come! Open studio dates are scheduled on the MeetUp calendar, as are more formal technique instruction and tool certification classes.
 +
 
 +
== References and Resources ==
 +
 
 +
* '''[[Media:Bookmarks - Resources.pdf ]]''' - Contains a few hundred bookmarked resources accumulated over several years by member, Lynne Davis.  (As is. Links may not be current.)
 +
 
 +
* [http://www.lapidaryforum.net/group/index.php Lapidary Forum] This is an extremely comprehensive and authoritative site for jewelry makers.
 +
* [http://www.meetup.com/LongmontHackerSpace/events/ MeetUp calendar for TinkerMill]
 +
* If you are a TinkerMill member, please [https://tinkermill.slack.com/messages/metal-craft/ join our channel on Slack.]
 +
* Contact Shop Captain: Crystal Hinds (crystal.hinds@tinkermill.org)
 +
 
 +
== Processes supported ==
 +
 
 +
Here are some examples of jewelry making and non-ferrous metal craft processes for which our shop has tools, equipment and expertise Click the links for full descriptions:
 +
* '''[[Casting ]]'''
 +
* '''[[Cold connections ]]'''
 +
* '''[[Enameling ]]'''
 +
* '''[[Etching ]]'''
 +
* '''[[Firing - Kiln ]]'''
 +
* '''[[Forming ]]'''
 +
* '''[[Hand fabrication ]] - using hand tools and power tools'''
 +
* '''[[Lapidary ]]'''
 +
* [[Marriage of Metals ]]
 +
* [[Metal sculpture ]]
 +
* '''[[Milling ]]'''
 +
* [[Precious Metal Clay (PMC) ]]
 +
* [[Raising ]]
 +
* [[Stone setting ]]
 +
* '''[[Soldering ]]'''
 +
*''' [[Surface Treatments and Finishing ]]'''
 +
* [[Wire wrapping/Beading ]]
 +
 
 +
== Equipment List ==
 +
'''Hand Tools'''
 
* Hammers-assorted
 
* Hammers-assorted
 
* Pliers-assorted
 
* Pliers-assorted
Line 7: Line 54:
 
* Files-assorted needle
 
* Files-assorted needle
 
* Sanding sticks
 
* Sanding sticks
βˆ’
* Jeweler's saw (x2)
+
* Jeweler's saw (x6)
 
* Calipers
 
* Calipers
 
* Hand shears, tin snips - assorted
 
* Hand shears, tin snips - assorted
βˆ’
* Hole punch (Prat and Whitney)  
+
* Hole punch (Roper Whitney)  
 
* Bench blocks
 
* Bench blocks
 +
* Stone setting tools
 +
* Jump ring jig
 +
* Forming Stakes
 +
*
  
βˆ’
==== Bench Tools ====
+
'''Bench and Powered Tools'''
 
* Flex Shaft w/assorted bits
 
* Flex Shaft w/assorted bits
βˆ’
* Dremel w/drill press stand
+
* Drill Press
βˆ’
* Bench pins
+
* Bench pins (a.k.a. "V" blocks)
βˆ’
* Small vice/bench block (x2)
+
* Small vice (x2)
 
* Large vice
 
* Large vice
βˆ’
* Large anvil
+
* Large anvil (x2)
 
* Belt sander
 
* Belt sander
βˆ’
* Bench grinder/wire wheel
+
* Bench grinder/polisher
 
* Dapping block and punches
 
* Dapping block and punches
 +
* Disc cutter
  
βˆ’
==== Soldering station ====
+
'''Soldering station'''
βˆ’
* Butane torch
+
* Single-fuel torches: Butane, Propane, Acetylene/Air
βˆ’
* Oxygen/Acetylene torch
+
* Oxygen/Acetylene torch (Dual fuel torch)
βˆ’
* MAPP gas torch
 
 
* Pickle pot, chemical
 
* Pickle pot, chemical
βˆ’
* Tongs, tweezers
+
* Tongs, tweezers, third-hand
βˆ’
* Rinse pot
+
* Rinse/Quench pot
 
* Cleaning supplies
 
* Cleaning supplies
 +
* Small supplies of solder, flux
  
βˆ’
==== Patina setup ====
+
'''Patina setup'''
 
* Glass mixing jars and dishes
 
* Glass mixing jars and dishes
 
* Brushes/applicators
 
* Brushes/applicators
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* Steel wool
 
* Steel wool
  
βˆ’
==== Electro-etch setup ====
+
'''Electro-etch setup'''
 
* DC Power supply
 
* DC Power supply
 
* "D" battery holders
 
* "D" battery holders
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* Chemicals
 
* Chemicals
  
βˆ’
==== Firing Setup ====
+
'''Firing Kilns'''
βˆ’
* Kiln (On Loan to TinkerMill)
+
* Electric Kilns (2) with programmable controllers
βˆ’
* Programmable controller
 
  
βˆ’
==== Enameling Setup (On Loan to TinkerMill) ====
+
'''Enameling Setup'''
 
* Sifting screens
 
* Sifting screens
βˆ’
* Enamel powders
+
* Enamel powders (sample quantity)
 
* Enamel holding agent (e.g. Kleerfire)
 
* Enamel holding agent (e.g. Kleerfire)
βˆ’
* Kiln trivets, wire screen
+
* Kiln trivets, wire screens
 +
* Hot gloves
 +
* Cleaning stones
 +
* Dome kiln
 +
* Spatulas
  
βˆ’
==== Casting ====
+
'''Casting'''
βˆ’
* Centrifugal rig (On Loan to TinkerMill)
+
* Carving/modeling wax (small quantity)
 +
* '''[[Wax injection machine]]''' (2)
 +
* Tools and materials for model investment
 +
* Burn-out oven (see Firing Kilns)
 +
* Casting machine similar to: [[Media:6-Inch-Centrifugal-Casting-Machine-IS.pdf|Centrifugal Spin Caster]]
 +
* Vacuum Casting Machine (Per cast model)
 +
* Rotary tools for wax modeling, cutting sprues and final finishing
 
* Sand casting kit with casting frame, crucible, release agent, pre-mixed casting sand, tongs
 
* Sand casting kit with casting frame, crucible, release agent, pre-mixed casting sand, tongs
 +
* Non traditional casting media (beans, cuttlebone, pinecones, straw, sand)
  
βˆ’
==== Lapidary (On Loan to TinkerMill) ====
 
βˆ’
* Trim saw, cab forming wheels (Lortone LU6X Combination Unit) refurbished
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Lathe (On Loan to TinkerMill) ====
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Hydraulic Press ====
 
βˆ’
* (to be converted from battery casing press to custom forming tool)
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Rolling Mill ====
 
βˆ’
* Small Pepe
 
βˆ’
* Part of 3-in-One
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Shear ====
 
βˆ’
* Part of 3-in-1
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Bending brake ====
 
βˆ’
* Part of 3-in-1
 
βˆ’
* Stand-alone brake (larger than 3-in-1)
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
=== Classes ===
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Curriculum  Map ====
 
βˆ’
See [[http://www.gliffy.com/go/publish/image/9750485/L.png|Curriculum Map]] <br /> Map is still under development.
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 100: Introduction to the Jewelry and Metal Crafts Shop ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite: none
 
βˆ’
* Certification: no
 
βˆ’
* Duration: 60 minutes
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite for: All certificate classes
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
Metals 100 is a comprehensive introduction to the Jewelry and Metal Craft shop within TinkerMill.
 
βˆ’
It is a non-certificate class but is a prerequisite for any shop certification class.
 
βˆ’
It introduces the shop's tool groups, safety and guidelines, self-study resources,
 
βˆ’
and examples of the types of projects best suited to this shop. <br />
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
Metals 100 covers:
 
βˆ’
* Safety first
 
βˆ’
* Shop rules, (Ferrous vs Nonferr.) priority use, scale matters
 
βˆ’
* Tool groups in the shop
 
βˆ’
* Overview of curriculum paths and classes to become certified for independent tool use
 
βˆ’
* Resources for independent study and collaboration: books, magazines, shop web portal, TM experts, organizations, and suitable project suggestions
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 101: Basic Hand Tools & Fabrication ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite: Metals 100
 
βˆ’
* Certification: Metals 101 - Hand tools
 
βˆ’
* Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
 
βˆ’
* Required for: Metals 102 (Power tools) and Metals 201 (Single Fuel Torch) and specified project classes
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
Metals 101 is a certification class for independent use of the shop's basic hand tools. It provides:
 
βˆ’
* Instruction on the safe and appropriate use of unpowered hand tools
 
βˆ’
* List of tools included in this certification
 
βˆ’
* Additional self-study references and list of resources: e.g.: Wire+Metals Text, Web
 
βˆ’
* Time in class or at Open Studio times to practice using the tools and complete the sampler project required for certification
 
βˆ’
* Certification sampler project: Described in class handout
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
===== Tools certified:  =====
 
βˆ’
* Jeweler’s saw 
 
βˆ’
* Hole punch
 
βˆ’
* Files
 
βˆ’
* Sanding media
 
βˆ’
* Hammers
 
βˆ’
* Ring mandrel, bench block, anvil
 
βˆ’
* Dapping punch
 
βˆ’
* Disc cutter
 
βˆ’
* Pliers
 
βˆ’
* Aviation shear
 
βˆ’
* Calipers, Wire gauge, Jewelers’ rule
 
βˆ’
* Bench pin
 
βˆ’
* Stamps and punches
 
βˆ’
* Jumpring maker
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 102: Power Tools & Uses ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite: Metals 100
 
βˆ’
* Certification: Metals 102 - Power tools
 
βˆ’
* Duration: 2 hours
 
βˆ’
* Required for: Specified project classes
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
Metals 102 is a certification class for independent use of the shop's listed power tools. It provides: <br /> 
 
βˆ’
* Instruction on the safe and appropriate use of shop's power tools
 
βˆ’
* List of tools included in this certification
 
βˆ’
* Additional self-study references and list of resources: e.g.: Wire+Metals Text, Web
 
βˆ’
* Time in class or at Open Studio times to practice using the tools and complete the sampler project required for certification
 
βˆ’
* Certification sampler project: Described in class handout
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
=====  Tools certified: =====
 
βˆ’
* Dremel Drill press
 
βˆ’
* Foredom Flexshaft
 
βˆ’
* Bench Buffer
 
βˆ’
* Belt Sander
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 200: Introduction to Torch use: Theory and Practice ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite: Metals 100 and 101
 
βˆ’
* Certification: none
 
βˆ’
* Duration: 60 minutes
 
βˆ’
* Required for: Metals 201 (Single Fuel Torches)
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
The Metals 200 is a non-certificate class to introduce the use of the shop's torches to anneal, join or fuse metal.
 
βˆ’
You will hear about the certificate classes offered, and learn when you can use the torches independently at TinkerMill.
 
βˆ’
This class demonstrates the differences between soldering, brazing, and welding, annealing and tempering metal.
 
βˆ’
It also provides a bit of theory and terminology for this practice.
 
βˆ’
<br />
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
Metals 200 covers:
 
βˆ’
* Safety first
 
βˆ’
* Soldering station equipment, supplies, and conventions
 
βˆ’
* Torch-related certifications
 
βˆ’
* Single fuel vs dual fuel uses
 
βˆ’
* Flame heat principles
 
βˆ’
* Understanding annealing
 
βˆ’
* Demonstrations
 
βˆ’
* Examples
 
βˆ’
* Q&A
 
βˆ’
* Resources: books, magazines, web, TM experts, organizations, and project suggestions
 
βˆ’
* List of tools included in certifications
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 201: Torch use - Single fuel====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite: Metals 200
 
βˆ’
* Certification: Metals 201 - Single Fuel Torches and tools requiring annealed materials
 
βˆ’
* Duration: 90-120 minutes
 
βˆ’
* Required for: Metals 202 and specified project classes
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
This class is a certification class for independent use of the shop's single fuel torches (Butane, Propane, MAPP Gas, Acetylene-Air).
 
βˆ’
It provides: <br />
 
βˆ’
* Theory: Annealing different metals, silver soldering
 
βˆ’
* Instruction on the safe and appropriate use of torches for basic jewelry-making (annealing and silver soldering)
 
βˆ’
* Instruction to use tools that may be used only with annealed metal
 
βˆ’
* List of tools and techniques requiring annealing (e.g.: texturing, raising, folding, riveting, making headpins)
 
βˆ’
* Reference materials
 
βˆ’
* Additional self-study resources
 
βˆ’
* Hands-on trials (supervised)
 
βˆ’
* Open Studio time to practice using the tools safely and complete the sampler project required for certification
 
βˆ’
* Certification sampler project: Described in class handout
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
=====  Tools certified: =====
 
βˆ’
* Butane torch
 
βˆ’
* Acetylene/AIR torch (not Oxygen/Acetylene torch)
 
βˆ’
* MAPP Gas torch
 
βˆ’
* Soldering station - materials and tools (solder, pickle, quench, hand tools, etc.)
 
βˆ’
* Rolling mill
 
βˆ’
* 3-in-1, bending brake
 
βˆ’
* Review of dapping block and disc cutter, use of punches
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 202: Torch use - Dual fuel ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 203: Torch use - Molten metal====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 300: Introduction to Chemical and Electrolytic Surface Treatments ====
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite: none
 
βˆ’
* Certification: no
 
βˆ’
* Duration: 30 minutes
 
βˆ’
* Required for: Metals 301 (Electrolytic Etching), Metals 302 (Chemical Patinas and Inks), Metals 303 (Annodizing)
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
Metals 300 is a non-certificate class to introduce the use of the shop's equipment to alter the surface appearance of metal using an electrical charge and/or chemical means. You will hear about the certificate classes offered which allow you to use this equipment independently at TinkerMill.
 
βˆ’
This class explains and gives some examples of the differences between these surface treatment methods.
 
βˆ’
It also provides a bit of theory and terminology for this practice.
 
βˆ’
<br />
 
  
βˆ’
Metals 300 covers:
+
'''Hydraulic Press'''
βˆ’
* Safety first
+
* small 3500 psi press
βˆ’
* Station equipment, supplies, and conventions
+
* use of 60 ton press from machine shop
βˆ’
* Certifications
+
* urethane
βˆ’
* Storage and disposal of chemicals at TinkerMill
+
* some basic dies
βˆ’
* Demonstrations
 
βˆ’
* Examples
 
βˆ’
* Q&A
 
βˆ’
* Resources: books, magazines, web, TM experts, organizations, and project suggestions
 
βˆ’
* List of tools included in certifications
 
  
βˆ’
----
+
'''Rolling Mill'''
βˆ’
==== Metals 301: Electrolytic Etching ====
+
* Small 4" Pepe
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
  
βˆ’
<br /> Description
+
'''3-in-1'''
 +
* Slip-roller - 9"
 +
* Bending brake 12" 5 finger sections, bends to 90 degrees
 +
* Shear: 12" guillotine style
  
βˆ’
----
+
== Classes ==
βˆ’
==== Metals 302: Applying Chemical Patinas and Inks ====
+
=== '''Jewelry and Metal Craft Projects''' ===
βˆ’
 
+
Project classes are defined as a use of the shop under instructor supervision for the purpose of making an identified project or learning an identified process or technique. It is not a certifying class and does not qualify the student to use the equipment and tools unsupervised. It may, at the instructor's discretion, be combined with a certification class.
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
  
βˆ’
<br /> Description
+
'''[[Jewelry and Metal Craft Projects Catalog|Browse the catalog]]'''
  
 
----
 
----
βˆ’
==== Metals 303: Annodizing ====
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
  
 +
=== '''Jewelry and Metal Craft Certification Classes''' ===
 +
Certification classes provide an understanding of the shop's place within Tinkermill, teach safe practices and provide practical instruction with tools and techniques sufficient to qualify the student for ''independent'' use of the tools covered in the class.
 
----
 
----
βˆ’
==== Metals 400: Introduction to Kiln Use ====
+
''Briefly, the certifications include:''
 +
: '''Metals 100 Series:''' Orientation to the Jewelry and Metal Craft shop and the safe use of basic hand tools and powered bench tools in jewelry and metal craft fabrication.
 +
: '''Metals 200 Series:'''Safe use of Single-fuel Gas Torches. Covers basic torch operation as well as theory and practice. Includes understanding of what happens when metal is heated (annealed), and the process and concepts behind the hard soldering process. The student can progress to more advanced topics such as the use of dual fuels (oxygen with gas) to provide greater control over the temperature and type of flame needed for more advanced soldering and casting techniques.
 +
: '''Metals 300 Series:''' Technique based classes: Enameling, Casting, Fold Forming, Chase and Repousse, Raising, Cold Forging, Electro-Etching, Acid Etching, Stone Setting, and Metal Clay.
 +
: '''Metals 400 Series:''' Safe use of the Kiln including how to use the pre-programmed heat profiles for e.g.; annealing, enameling, PMC (precious metal clay), investment burnout (for lost wax casting), and advanced classes on programming the controller for custom use.
 +
: '''Metals 500 Series:''' Lapidary classes, including certification for safe use of the equipment, technique and project based classes.
  
βˆ’
 
+
''More links:''
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
+
* [[Media:Curriculum_Map_v31.pdf|'''Curriculum Map''']] - This map guides students through a progressive set of metalsmithing classes to build skills and confidence (subject to change)
βˆ’
* Certification:
+
* '''[[Jewelry and Metal Craft Certifications]]''' - Full Descriptions (subject to change)
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 401: Using the Metal Craft Shop Kiln ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 500: Introduction to Lapidary Use ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 501: Using the Lapidary for Stone Shaping ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 600: Intro to Lathes at TinkerMill ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
----
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
==== Metals 601: Using the Small Metal Lathe ====
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
* Prerequisite:
 
βˆ’
* Certification:
 
βˆ’
* Duration:
 
βˆ’
* Required for:
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
<br /> Description
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
 
 
βˆ’
----
 
  
βˆ’
=== References and Resources ===
+
== Teaching ==
  
βˆ’
*{{:bookmarks_-_resources_edited.pdf|Lynne's Bookmarks 2/23/2016}} Contains a few hundred bookmarked resources Lynne Davis has accumulated over several years. As is - no warranty!
+
Teaching is sharing and inspiring others to learn and share. Here are a few ways this can be accomplished:
 +
* Think, Pair, Share
 +
* Mentorships
 +
* Projects
 +
* Techniques
 +
* Open studio
 +
* Certification instructor
 +
Contact the shop captain to learn more, or visit [http://wiki.tinkermill.org/index.php/Teaching_Classes Teaching Classes]
  
βˆ’
*[http://www.lapidaryforum.net/group/index.php Lapidary Forum] This is an extremely comprehensive and authoritative site for jewelry makers.
+
[[Category:Shops]]
βˆ’
*[http://gemstone.smfforfree4.com/index.php?topic=1010.0;wap2 Buffing and Polishing Guide] from Sharr Choate's book, Chapter 8: ''Creative Gold and Silversmithing''
 

Latest revision as of 21:41, 25 February 2022

Our shop is dedicated to working with non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc., or precious metals and to the fabrication of relatively small items. Here is a short list of both decorative and functional skills you can learn and practice at our shop:

β€’ Wire work: braiding, wrapping, chain-maille, jewelry findings, beading

β€’ Forming and shaping metal: jewelry, vessels, small home decor items

β€’ Joining metal: soldering, cold connections such as rivets, hinges, latches

β€’ Decorating metal: piercing, texturing, stamping, enameling, imprinting, coloring, etching

β€’ Casting and sculpting

β€’ ... and more. If you have a request for a class or have a specific question, please send a note to the shop captain.

Open studio opportunity[edit]

Please come, learn, and create something cool at the Metalcraft and Jewelry Open Studio. This regularly held time on Sunday afternoons from 12:30-2:30 is perfect for exploring the shop, getting acquainted with others with similar interests, and asking questions. Do you have a craft or piece of jewelry you'd like to make using metal, but not sure how to begin? Someone with experience will be around to help you get familiar with the tools available and how to use them. This is very informal, just RSVP on the MeetUp page and come! Open studio dates are scheduled on the MeetUp calendar, as are more formal technique instruction and tool certification classes.

References and Resources[edit]

  • Media:Bookmarks - Resources.pdf - Contains a few hundred bookmarked resources accumulated over several years by member, Lynne Davis. (As is. Links may not be current.)

Processes supported[edit]

Here are some examples of jewelry making and non-ferrous metal craft processes for which our shop has tools, equipment and expertise Click the links for full descriptions:

Equipment List[edit]

Hand Tools

  • Hammers-assorted
  • Pliers-assorted
  • Files-assorted
  • Files-assorted needle
  • Sanding sticks
  • Jeweler's saw (x6)
  • Calipers
  • Hand shears, tin snips - assorted
  • Hole punch (Roper Whitney)
  • Bench blocks
  • Stone setting tools
  • Jump ring jig
  • Forming Stakes

Bench and Powered Tools

  • Flex Shaft w/assorted bits
  • Drill Press
  • Bench pins (a.k.a. "V" blocks)
  • Small vice (x2)
  • Large vice
  • Large anvil (x2)
  • Belt sander
  • Bench grinder/polisher
  • Dapping block and punches
  • Disc cutter

Soldering station

  • Single-fuel torches: Butane, Propane, Acetylene/Air
  • Oxygen/Acetylene torch (Dual fuel torch)
  • Pickle pot, chemical
  • Tongs, tweezers, third-hand
  • Rinse/Quench pot
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Small supplies of solder, flux

Patina setup

  • Glass mixing jars and dishes
  • Brushes/applicators
  • Chemicals
  • Steel wool

Electro-etch setup

  • DC Power supply
  • "D" battery holders
  • Battery clips
  • Etching vessels
  • Resist materials
  • Chemicals

Firing Kilns

  • Electric Kilns (2) with programmable controllers

Enameling Setup

  • Sifting screens
  • Enamel powders (sample quantity)
  • Enamel holding agent (e.g. Kleerfire)
  • Kiln trivets, wire screens
  • Hot gloves
  • Cleaning stones
  • Dome kiln
  • Spatulas

Casting

  • Carving/modeling wax (small quantity)
  • Wax injection machine (2)
  • Tools and materials for model investment
  • Burn-out oven (see Firing Kilns)
  • Casting machine similar to: Centrifugal Spin Caster
  • Vacuum Casting Machine (Per cast model)
  • Rotary tools for wax modeling, cutting sprues and final finishing
  • Sand casting kit with casting frame, crucible, release agent, pre-mixed casting sand, tongs
  • Non traditional casting media (beans, cuttlebone, pinecones, straw, sand)


Hydraulic Press

  • small 3500 psi press
  • use of 60 ton press from machine shop
  • urethane
  • some basic dies

Rolling Mill

  • Small 4" Pepe

3-in-1

  • Slip-roller - 9"
  • Bending brake 12" 5 finger sections, bends to 90 degrees
  • Shear: 12" guillotine style

Classes[edit]

Jewelry and Metal Craft Projects[edit]

Project classes are defined as a use of the shop under instructor supervision for the purpose of making an identified project or learning an identified process or technique. It is not a certifying class and does not qualify the student to use the equipment and tools unsupervised. It may, at the instructor's discretion, be combined with a certification class.

Browse the catalog


Jewelry and Metal Craft Certification Classes[edit]

Certification classes provide an understanding of the shop's place within Tinkermill, teach safe practices and provide practical instruction with tools and techniques sufficient to qualify the student for independent use of the tools covered in the class.


Briefly, the certifications include:

Metals 100 Series: Orientation to the Jewelry and Metal Craft shop and the safe use of basic hand tools and powered bench tools in jewelry and metal craft fabrication.
Metals 200 Series:Safe use of Single-fuel Gas Torches. Covers basic torch operation as well as theory and practice. Includes understanding of what happens when metal is heated (annealed), and the process and concepts behind the hard soldering process. The student can progress to more advanced topics such as the use of dual fuels (oxygen with gas) to provide greater control over the temperature and type of flame needed for more advanced soldering and casting techniques.
Metals 300 Series: Technique based classes: Enameling, Casting, Fold Forming, Chase and Repousse, Raising, Cold Forging, Electro-Etching, Acid Etching, Stone Setting, and Metal Clay.
Metals 400 Series: Safe use of the Kiln including how to use the pre-programmed heat profiles for e.g.; annealing, enameling, PMC (precious metal clay), investment burnout (for lost wax casting), and advanced classes on programming the controller for custom use.
Metals 500 Series: Lapidary classes, including certification for safe use of the equipment, technique and project based classes.

More links:

Teaching[edit]

Teaching is sharing and inspiring others to learn and share. Here are a few ways this can be accomplished:

  • Think, Pair, Share
  • Mentorships
  • Projects
  • Techniques
  • Open studio
  • Certification instructor

Contact the shop captain to learn more, or visit Teaching Classes