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