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Post by drocknut on Feb 22, 2015 17:52:12 GMT -5
When I was in Quartzsite a week or so ago I decided to take a silversmithing class. Actually orrum said I should so I figured why not. The first project was a ring. I was given a "ring kit" with all the materials needed to make one sterling silver ring excluding the cab. $3 shop fee, $10 kit and this is the result: Montana agate in sterling silver I was frustrated by the rope around the bezel but decided that since I had time and there was an opening I'd take the pendant class too. Again they provided the kit and some instruction. $3 shop fee, $20 kit with this result: Montana agate in sterling silver This was my first time ever to do silversmithing. It was fun and I may do it again but will probably have to wait until next year in Quartzsite since I don't have my own equipment. I promised orrum I would post the pictures on here so there ya go. Sorry they aren't great pictures but it was hard to get a good one.
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Post by radio on Feb 22, 2015 17:59:53 GMT -5
awesome job! yep, the twist wire can be a royal PITA to get fitted snugly. I always file the back of the rope a bit flat so it fits closer to the bezel backing.
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Post by Pat on Feb 22, 2015 18:26:24 GMT -5
Excellent first try! Lots of soldering, sawing, and polishing. radio suggestion about filing back of the rope to fit flat is a good idea. I'm trying it next time.
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Post by snowmom on Feb 22, 2015 19:19:37 GMT -5
wonderful! I never would have guessed those were 'firsts'.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 22, 2015 19:51:53 GMT -5
GIT R DONE!!! Looks great!
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Post by radio on Feb 22, 2015 20:00:28 GMT -5
Excellent first try! Lots of soldering, sawing, and polishing. radio suggestion about filing back of the rope to fit flat is a good idea. I'm trying it next time. Another tip is to anneal the twist wire before forming it around the bezel. If you goof and get the wire just a tad too small to fit around the bezel, use a small half round file, or a grinding stone in the foredom or dremel to open up the inside of the twist just a bit, but do it evenly all the way around. Sometimes I will also file the top of the twist wire to give it the look of a diamond cut rope chain
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 22, 2015 20:20:15 GMT -5
Ya did great!!! Those are also some great tips, radio. I am going to keep them in mind for sure.
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Post by toiv0 on Feb 22, 2015 20:50:31 GMT -5
Nice work, hope you don't have to wait a whole year.
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Post by gr on Feb 22, 2015 23:10:31 GMT -5
Ya did good kiddo!
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Post by vegasjames on Feb 22, 2015 23:26:26 GMT -5
Great job, love the setting.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Feb 23, 2015 6:36:25 GMT -5
WOW. I really like those. The pendant came out great. Did you make that bail from scratch too or was that part of the kit? I really want to try this now. I'll have to search my area for possible classes.
Chuck
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Post by drocknut on Feb 23, 2015 14:51:11 GMT -5
Thanks all. I appreciate the tips. Wish I had known about filing the back of the rope butthen again the instructors there don't like to deviate from the norm for first timers at least. Chuck the bail was included but I formed it soldered it on and split it by cutting with jewelers saw.
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Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
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Post by Tom on Feb 23, 2015 16:21:22 GMT -5
You did a fantastic job for your first work at it, very nice for sure.
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flrocks
starting to shine!
Member since December 2013
Posts: 40
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Post by flrocks on Feb 23, 2015 20:50:27 GMT -5
Really nice projects, the next ones will be even better. You have a nice hand. If you would like to use bead in lieu of twist Rio Grande has a really nice half round bead wire with a flat bottom that is easy to solder. Looks really good.
Bennett
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Feb 24, 2015 0:36:11 GMT -5
Diane, Good to see you jump into the silversmithing ring. I did the same a couple years ago & am wrestling with the torch. Your first 2 pieces look good. You're on your way! Lynn
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Post by drocknut on Feb 25, 2015 11:49:30 GMT -5
Thanks Tom, Bennett, and Lynn. Probably won't be silversmithing again until next year.
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Post by radio on Feb 25, 2015 12:30:22 GMT -5
Thanks Tom, Bennett, and Lynn. Probably won't be silversmithing again until next year. You certainly have a knack for it if at all possible, try to get in some practice every chance you get as it is easy to forget exactly how we did something last time. If you have access to a torch, copper or brass is an excellent substitute for silver
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Post by drocknut on Feb 25, 2015 17:24:29 GMT -5
Thanks radio. I don't have access to a torch right now but thought about maybe getting a portable one although limited room and electricity in trailer.
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liz
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2014
Posts: 83
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Post by liz on Feb 25, 2015 18:12:11 GMT -5
You did a Great job on those!
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Post by radio on Feb 25, 2015 18:36:02 GMT -5
Thanks radio. I don't have access to a torch right now but thought about maybe getting a portable one although limited room and electricity in trailer. save your money on those small hand held torches. Most don't get hot enough to silver solder a piece of any size and will cause you to learn new cuss words:-) one of the Shark torches or similar styles that operate on disposable propane bottles will do and is what I learned on way back ancient times. Not much beats the Smith little torch, but they require a bottle of oxygen. the unfilled tank is about $80 at harbor freight and a regulator is about $30. Tank exchange for a full bottle is $14-$17 and will last a long time if you don't have a leak or leave the valve open. Total cost would be in the neighborhood of $250, so it's a hefty investment
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