Metalsmithing Class No.2

We're back!

This post won't be as long, I promise.

Last night was the second out of four nights in the Intro to Metalsmithing course I'm taking. It was our first class soldering, which had a few of the students a little bit nervous. Using fire and propane etc is a bit nerve-racking. I have soldered before, and have watched countless videos about it, so I felt relatively comfortable.

Argentum Jewellery School & Supply

But, although I was not afraid to use the torches, I was still nervous to 'get it right.' The last time I soldered, I found it extremely difficult to get the joint tight and the bits of solder sitting in the right spot, before I've even turned on the torch. My instructor, Erin, walked me through her technique, and I was blown away by how much smarter it was than what I had learned previously. This, people, is why it's so valuable to spend time learning from real pros, in real life. Her technique is very smart, but at the same time, it takes some getting used-to, and maybe makes soldering itself not as clear and obvious of a process. With the beginner technique, you can very clearly see the process and how/why you're doing things. With Erin's technique everything goes so quickly I can see people who have never soldered before going "what just happened??" In any case, I'm excited to practice this method going forward, in addition to other techniques I've learned.

After sawing out 5-8mm wide bands of silver, filing the edges straight, and aligning the joint perfectly, we soldered them into rings. I wasn't 100% happy with my joint, but after filing and sanding, it looks pretty good.

No visible seam! Still needs to be polished.

This ring isn't quite finished but it fits me really well. I think I will put a hammered texture on it, and add a stone (we are learning to bezel set stones next week). I really like the low profile of the thin cut sheet versus using a half round ring wire. It sits so close to my finger!

I messed up the sizing a bit because I took too much off the end after cutting in an effort to straighten and create a tight joint. Oh well. Learning process.

I really could have spent another couple hours sitting there bringing this ring to a more finished state. But it's not meant to be completed, it was just an exercise in trying out soldering and forming a round ring. Success! I still would like to take it a bit further.

Next week! Bezel setting and more soldering! Huzzah!

Are there any metalsmiths out there in the Steemiverse? I would love to connect!