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HOT CHAINS! Fused Link Argentium Chains

Learn about Argentium fusion with wire to make a selection of chains from delicate to big and bold.

This three-session weekly class will focus on efficient techniques for working with Argentium fusion to make chain links. Learn to fuse, form links, and fabricate chains that are fused shut rather than soldered. Paulette will cover chain design, fabrication, fusion, and clean up through live demonstrations and presentations. A Variety of gauges and chain styles will be covered, with the end goal of making an 18” length fused Argentium chain necklace.

For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page. 

Please read the Materials & Tools tab! 

Meet the instructor

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Paulette Werger is a metalsmith and teacher who works in Lebanon, NH. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is owner of Metalpeople East, a jewelry and hollow ware studio. She has taught metalsmithing at the University of WI, Montana State University, and at craft schools throughout the country.

 

Materials & Tools

The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.

Metal/raw materials (note the 14g wire below is optional for big and bold chain): 

  • 36" min. x Argentium® round wire - 22g dead soft (Rio Grande)
  • 36" min. x Argentium® round wire - 20g dead soft (Rio Grande)
  • 36" min. x Argentium® round wire - 18g dead soft (Rio Grande)
  • 36" min. x Argentium® round wire - 16g dead soft (Rio Grande)
  • 36" min. x Argentium® round wire - 14g dead soft (Rio Grande)

Soldering setup:

  • 1 x fireproof torch area - steel baking sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon)
  • 1 x 6"x6" Solderite™ pad (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x torch - Smith mini or Silversmith (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
  • 1 x #0 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x Ronda's Purple Flux (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x pickle - for non-ferrous metals (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x crock pot or tempered glass container with lid (Amazon)
  • 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
  • 1 x small brush - for flux

Hand tools:

Other/miscellaneous items: 

  • 4" wooden dowels - 1/4", 1/2", 5/8", 1" diameter
  • hard work surface
  • fan and open window - or ventilation system
  • safety glasses 
  • pencil, Sharpie, notebook
  • rags/towels
 

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