Belegarth

these items are likely found on ebay and other such sites cheaper..I'm using a site I know and I trust to deliver quality. its why I referenced the site so much through out.

this was my response to some one who wanted to make a crown/coronet type deal to wear during court and such.

as I said this is my response...I'm going to work on a better run through later but this will get ya started.
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A) Do you want to solder metal together?
Yes, your going to need to dump some money into the equipment I can tell you the info about what you'll need.
No, then I have a few suggestions on how to accomplish some pretty pimp stuff.

B) At the Bare * minimum you'll need these tools.
1) Jewelers Saw...you can I'm sure find them other places and perhaps cheaper..I just happen to know and have ordered this model (I've upgraded since)

The thing I've found as personal experience is that you DONT want a huge gap between the blade and the spine of the saw..but you dont want it small either, the idea is to move the piece not the saw.

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... and+Frames

2) Bench Pin and Holder: The concept is you put the metal on top of the pin and then saw into the V shape on the pin. The holder here functions as an anvil, you dont need to slam something you generally are going to be tapping the metal unless your dapping it.

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... ccessories

here is just the bench pin..easy enough to fabricate if you are so inclined. Id make a side template and then write down how wide the bench pin is if you go that route.

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... ccessories

3) Saw Blades: You like anyone who has ever done metal working for jewelry are going to have a LOVE / DIE IN A FIRE YOU NAZI SCUM relationship with saw blades, I recommend buying 2 or 3 packages..2 is more then enough but typically but 3 will be good for the long haul.

the more teeth per inch the better

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... and+Frames

4) Stick Bur: I call it blade lube..it gives you an easier go when cutting..might sound silly but trust me it works great.

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... ccessories

5) Metals..you dont need something insane..the thicker the metal the more heavy duty your saw blade needs to be but also you run the risk of needing to anneal your metal to soften it up to allow for an easier time cutting it..but this requires heat, torches and other tools

dont buy metal from home depot or lowes..also, I'd look into Aluminum or copper, brass.

I'd use not much bigger then 16-14 gauge to be honest..12 and you might need to anneal.

6) Sandpaper 200, 400 and 600 grain..wet dry

7) file for the edges and one side perhaps rounded for round cuts

Sharpies work pretty well for putting the pattern on

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If you have more money here's some toys I highly recommend

Flex Shaft

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... and+Rotary

Dapping Pins

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... al+Forming

Dapping Punches

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... al+Forming

Disc Cutter

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... al+Forming

Dapping Cube

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/Pro ... al+Forming

My name is Awesome Thread, can I get stickied?

Eff yes you can, awesome thread.

I consider this the bible (until I find better) for the basics on metal working


This is 14 gauge brass silver soldered 2 pieces that have been pressed and dished (the lines on the tough are ROUGH AS -S-H-I-T-...working on sanding them down)

I cut a circle in 3 pieces of wood 1.5" deep and then wood glued em over night, put the metal (brass) in top with a bit of sand and then used a hydraulic press several times adding more and more sand until the desired depth was achieved then after dished I had to cut the design out from the top (it would have bent all out of shape and not held the sand if I pre-cut it obviously) did the hard silver soldering on the sides.

this piece needs some SERIOUS sanding on the design and all over..then a clear coat acryllic to be applied so it doesnt tarnish like it has.



Fresh from the pickle bath an angle joint solder (hard silver)


Enclosed Joint with like less then 5 minutes of sanding


this is a pheonix I started and havent finished..I tried to create texture on the flames, going to tube rivet this together (EEEFFF YOU TUBE RIVETS!!)

Heya,

I wanted to update this a bit and add this as some reasonable priced tools that are legit.

Micro flame torch
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Proxxo ... 226?pos=20

lets you add tips as well as normal flame.

or this one (this is the one I own)
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Blazer ... 230?pos=18

I'm working on a piece of chain mail (necklace) that I plan on soldering each link.

i'm so getting in to this! thanks for the info Jcollins