Forged Argentium silver bracelets by Cynthia Eid

Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Basic Metalsmithing Skills
Program: Fall
Status: Wait List
Length: 3 Days
Tuition: $ 450
Materials: TBA
Date: February 19, 2010 - February 21, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Learn to use a hammer to transform a straight piece of wire into jewelry of elegant fluidity. Forging is one of the oldest and most useful traditional metalsmithing techniques. Forging makes metal strong and flexible, making it an ideal method for making jewelry. Combining the design possibilities of forging with the advantages of Argentium Silver students can create elegant, unique, strong jewelry that is highly tarnish-resistant, fire scale free, and can be hardened in a toaster oven or kiln! The workshop will alternate demonstrations of forging or Argentium Silver techniques, with hands-on work-time for participants.

Through forging, metal is stretched or compressed, changing its form. Participants will learn how to hammer comfortably and with control. Even people forging for the first time can hammer for hours, without pain. Hammers of moderate weight will be used, appropriate to the 14 to 8 gauge wire provided for the workshop. Note that the forging and hammering principles taught in the workshop are the same for larger metalwork and heavier hammers.

The first day will begin with a demonstration of basic forging techniques, and annealing Argentium Sterling. After participants have had a chance to make some samples in Argentium Silver, fusing will be demonstrated on some AS forged forms. After more hands-on time and further demos, AS soldering will be demonstrated, allowing participants to solder together AS forged pieces, or add findings, such as posts, bails or ear wires.

Cynthia Eid has been working with Argentium Silver since 1999, and is the author of the technical guide to Argentium Sterling for Rio Grande, and articles about AS, published by the SNAG-Society of North American Goldsmiths, and Art Jewelry magazine.

This class is appropriate for students with basic metalsmithing skills as well as professionals.

Materials & Tools

METAL:

Instructor will provide a basic kit of Argentium Sterling Silver wire (1 foot each of 10, 12, 18, and 20 gauge, and 2 feet of 14 gauge) and AS wire solders. The cost is hoped to be under $75, but depends on the price of silver. This fee is payable to the instructor at the workshop by check or cash.

Participants may bring additional wire to use as well, if they know that they tend to be prolific, or like to work large.

SOLDERING SUPPLIES:

It is advisable to use separate boards for soldering and fusing Argentium Sterling, to avoid contamination from other metals, which could affect tarnish resistance. The instructor prefers Solderite boards for soldering and fusing onto sheet, and Silquar boards for fusing wires together. These will be available for purchase at the workshop.

HAMMERS:

Students should bring any hammers that they have-- especially forging, planishing, and forming hammers. A basic hammer selection includes several hammers of varying weights, that have a flat face on one side. Ideally, this face is very slightly domed, with rounded edges. (How to adjust the faces of hammers will be taught during the workshop.)In general, hammers for this workshop should weigh between 6 and 16 oz

Below are examples of appropriate hammers (Allcraft catalog #s):

• 078-05 ¾ pound ball peen hammer or 37.329 crosspeen/flat hammer
• 078-1003 ½ pound ball peen hammer
• 077-01 6 oz planishing hammer with one flat face, and one slightly domed face
• Fretz planishing hammers #101 and #1

Other useful hammers for forging include hammers with a cross-peen face, such as:

• 078-02 a 1lb.forming/forging hammer with broad, domed cross-peen faces
• the Betty Longhi shell forming hammers
• 078-08 a 7 oz. cross-peen hammer with rounded corners
• Fretz wide raising hammers, such as #102, 209, and #2

Please note: Hammers will also be available for purchase at the workshop.

HAMMERING SURFACES:

It is suggested that participant bring his or her own bench block (4" x 4" x 1" is good) in order to have a smooth working surface. Metalwerx has a bench block for each participant to forge on. However, many people have used these, and the surface conditions vary.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS:

• Hand tools such as: wire cutter, files, saw frame, saw blades, sandpaper, sanding sticks, pliers...
• Paper and pencil, fine-tipped permanent marker, and ruler
• Sharpie---this is very helpful for judging annealing temperature
• Many people like hearing protection to wear during hammering, such as earplugs.
• Students should always wear closed toed shoes in the studio, and have a way to fasten long hair.

SUGGESTED ITEMS---these are things that some people might wish to bring

SUGGESTION:If you fly to a workshop, check your tools, and put in a note of explanation.