Studio Essentials - Working in Precious Metal
Instructor: Mr. Michael David Sturlin
Level: Beginner to Intermediate Requirements: Jewelry I or Equivalent Program: Spring Status: Closed Length: 2 Days Tuition: $ 395 Materials: $ 0 Date: October 28, 2006 - October 29, 2006 Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: Metalwerx
With the rising price of precious metals it is becoming increasingly more important for studio artists to develop the ability to form the mill products they need in their own studio. Being able to produce sheet, wire, and tubing is an essential skill for goldsmiths and the knowledge of fabricating these items in house allows the artist to make better and more cost efficient use of their precious materials.
The focus of this workshopis on alloying, amalgamating, and forming mill products from scratchin house. We will learn how to calculate materials, how to pour ingots, and to anneal and form precious metal stock in the desired size and shape efficiently and with confidence.
We will be producing many varieties of sheet, wire, and tubing and will work with the torch, ingot molds, rolling mill, drawplates, and draw bench. Students are encouraged to bring their own precious metal to work with; during the workshop each participant can make whatever forms of metal will be appropriate for use on their own studio projects after the class.
This workshop will include use of the torch, ingot molds, rolling mill, drawplates, draw bench, and will cover:
- alloying and amalgamating precious metals
- pouring ingots for sheet and wire
Materials & Tools
- Ruler
- Dividers
- Machinist's Square
- Jeweler's saw frame w/ #0, #2/0 and #4/0 blades
- Hand files
- Needle files
- Eye protection
- Magnification
- Writing materials
- Bag lunch is a good idea, but not required as we can also order in.
Option 1:
Students should bring 1/2 - 1 ounce of 18kt yellow gold or 18kt palladium white gold, and the corresponding hard solder. Contact Daniel Ballard of Precious Metals West for a special for Metalwerx students!
Students may also bring 24kt pure gold to be alloyed in the class if so desired. (Gold alloyed in the class will be limited to 18kt yellow gold alloys)
The focus of this workshop is on alloying, amalgamating, and forming gold mill products. We will be making many varieties of sheet, wire, and tubing from our material.
We will be working exclusively with 18 karat gold. Please do not bring nickel white gold alloys, 14kt gold alloys, 950 palladium alloys, or silver.
Precious Metals West will give 50% off on insured shipping, plus no minimum on any gold or white gold casting grain, just for Metalwerx students. Solders needed for this class will also sold at a substantial discount. Visa or MC is accepted.
Precious Metals West: 1-800-999-7528
608 South Hill Street #407 Los Angeles, CA 90014
Ask for Daniel Ballard
Option 2:
For those students not yet ready to invest in gold, precious metal will be provided to learn with during the class.
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Charles Lewton-Brain has earned many titles and wears many hats: inventor of foldforming, master goldsmith, educator, author, photographer, community activist (i.e., Ganoksin), and more. In addition, he is the long-time head of the Jewellery/Metals Program at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, Canada. But ask him what he most likes to do... Read more>>
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