Metalsmith Society Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tips

Here is a wax carving tip from @madneeco - I’m using big tapered bottle cork bung/stopper as support while carving wax models. Cork won’t scratch the models and is dense enough to give support while working. The one I got (70mm) fit’s perfectly into... more

You can texture with any 6mm stamp using this awesome Multi Function Hammer from our friends at @impressart this affordable ($33) Comment “send me the link” and I’ll DM the info to this hammer which comes with a sprinkle pattern texture stamp, a non... more

Here is a soldering tip for those little jump rings from @embercanyon - “Rather than messing around with tiny solder pieces and tiny jump rings that constantly move around, fly off your pieces, or just generally don’t do what you want them to do - try... more

Here is a #diytool and tip for setting fragile stones like opals from @lucywalkerjewellery - ““Bezel setting fragile stones doesn’t need to be scary but we do need to work mindfully. Here I’m setting an opal doublet with a home-made brass bezel... more

Love these safety tips from @basecampjewelry you can also comment “send me the blog” and I will DM my blog article on studio safety while pregnant. The thing is all humans should use these safety tips! One thing I want to note, flashback arrestors are... more

Here is a tip for using a milgrain tool from @jo_mako - “For the best results milgrain needs to be applied to a fine edge, slowly applying pressure while pushing forward. If you slip off softly run the wheel back over the done section until the wheel... more

Love this chain storage tip from @dangbravegirl - “This is what I've used for years to store my sterling chain. Cut dowels/scrap rods to fit inside tote, mine is a standard 14x14x3 and accommodates spools from Rio... which I labeled with reorder... more

You need a welder first and foremost! But what about all the other accessories?? @sunstonepj makes a starter pack that has everything in this video plus silver chain to practice! It retails for $200 they also sell bulk chain you can use for permanent... more

Let’s talk for a second about magnetic clasps from @stullerinc, I believe there is value in having the ability to provide this option to customer’s who struggle with getting a necklace or bracelet on or off due to mobility, arthritis or any other... more

Some excellent wax carving tips from @makihandmadeart - “I always found small wax models difficult to pick up and hold without breaking them. So I came up with the idea of sticking the model on a brass disc - I just used superglue to attach it. This... more

Here is a soldering tip from @maggiethebear - Here’s a trick for picking up and placing chips of solder. I like to use a tiny paint brush that’s damp with water to position pieces of solder in hard to reach areas. The paintbrush applies the chips... more

Here is a brilliant organizing tip for all those flex shaft bits from @ritualremains - "Small parts organizers like these are your biggest friend to find what you need fast. Jewelry making has an infinite amount of small parts that need to be... more

Comment “custom stamp” to get a link sent straight to your DM! Have you been looking for a custom stamp with your logo on it? Or maybe a custom design element to set your work apart? You can find these awesome stamps at @impressart They are also... more

I want to hear from you!!! Introduce yourself, or tell me what your favorite tip has been..or what you’d like to see in the future! Which tool do you want to see more of? Visit tips.metalsmithsociety.com to search for tips we have shared.

Here is a wax carving tip from @madneeco - scratch lines in your wax so you can file symmetrically! Really cool to watch this video and see the wax reach it’s final shape 😍 #waxcarving #lostwaxcarving

Tips for adding decorative wire around a bezel that I put together awhile back featuring a gorgeous stone from @turquoise_moose they have been huge supporters of Metalsmith Society and they are even giving away a bundle of stones worth $400 to one of... more

How to curve the bottom of a bezel to fit a ring from @martindenoch shared many years ago but still a question I’m frequently asked - “You can use your doming punch for other things that intended!” Love this technique! By creating a bezel that is a... more

Here is a soldering tip shared back in 2018 from @kkbmetalstudio - “Use copper pennies (prior to 1982) when you need to hold things in place or as a lift, while soldering! I keep a stack of them around and pickle them when they get gross!” Love this!!... more

Amazing hinge tip from @elmharris shared back in 2018 - “I use graphite pencil leads to keep the hinge knuckles in place and to keep the inside of the knuckles “dirty” so solder doesn’t flow inside. I also paint a little rouge or white out (the green... more

Here is a patina tip from @thenomadicpine - ““Patina is one of my favourite ways to make my landscapes come to life. It’s great for adding depth, accents, and making elements like twisted wire pop! I use Jax Silver Blackener and a fine-tip... more