Top - Earrings by Jayne Redman Bottom - Work in Progress

Level: Intermediate and above
Requirements: Jewelry I or Equivalent
Program: Winter
Status: Wait List
Length: 3 Days
Tuition: $ 450
Materials: TBA
Date: March 12, 2010 - March 14, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

One-piece blanking dies allow you to easily cut out precise duplicate shapes from silver, gold and other non-ferrous sheet metals. Jayne Redman has been using this method for her own production jewelry for 15 years and has developed ways of creating dies and blanking multiples using basic shop tools.

In this workshop you will learn how to develop patterns for this process and the method of sawing dies from flat stock tool steel. You will be amazed at how quickly you can go from original idea to duplicated shape as you make and use your own blanking dies during class. We will be exploring the process of working in multiples rather than focusing on creating a finished piece.

Basic metalsmithing skills such as sawing and filing are required.

If you'd like to see more of Jayne's work, please visit her website Jayne Redman Jewelry

Materials & Tools

There is an estimated materials fee of $100 payable at the class. It includes:

• 18" tool steel sheet ($37). Please note: This tool steel is meant for cutting out 22 ga or thinner metal sheet. If you have special requirements/questions, please contact us.
• Rotational bench pin ($50). (Required for class, but if you can bring your own, please let us know)
• magnetic protractor (~$10 - 15)

Student Should Bring:

• Saw blades: at least 3 dozen 3/0. (it's easy to break them during this process, come prepared!)
• Drill bits: (suggested 3/64", or what your saw blade will fit through. There are some available to share in the studio.
• Metal: 22 gauge or thinner - scrap copper and/or brass to test dies. Some will be available at the class. If students wish to work in silver, please bring 22 gauge or thinner.
• 5" or 6" saw frame: (Metalwerx has some available for use during class as well)
• files
• rubber cement
• paper and drawing materials including heavy file folder type paper
• your favorite hand tools

Optional:

• Darway Rotational Bench pin - Please let us know if you plan to bring your own. It is part of the materials kit if you don't already have one
• We will be using Susan Kingsley's book, Hydraulic Die Forming for Jewelers and Silversmiths, as a reference.