Jewelry Making For Beginners by Janet Evans

Author:Janet Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Speedy Publishing LLC

Chapter 5- Jewelry Making Techniques- How to Make Metal Jewelry

Making metal jewelry is a wonderful hobby. Not only does it result in beautiful projects that can be given as gifts or worn by the creator but it is an excellent way to hone fine motor skills, pass the time, and build a unique skill. In order to become a successful metal jewelry maker the first step is to assemble a basic tool kit with all the necessary materials (see chapter three). From there, it is important to understand the basic techniques. After that, there are plenty of projects to try which result in one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.

Assemble a Basic Tool Kit

There are four components to a metal jewelry making kit. The first component is pliers. It is important to obtain a set of jewelry pliers which usually contains four sizes because regular pliers that might be found in a tool kit have teeth that will damage the jewelry. However, jeweler’s pliers are built with a smooth surface to easily bend the wires. The next component is a saw. A saw frame can be bought for under twenty dollars but different sized blades are needed. There are many different sized blades but a beginner will likely only need to obtain sizes 5/0 and 1.

Each blade costs fewer than five dollars and lasts for a very long time. Next, it is necessary to have surface on which to cut. A jeweler’s bench is ideal but for a beginner it is not necessary. Simply work with a surface that can be damaged such as a wooden workshop bench or try laying down a protective mat. Finally, files are needed to make metal jewelry. A beginner will need just a needle file but it helpful to have a hand file as well. All of these components can be found at a craft store.

How to Use the Saw

To begin using the saw it is important to make sure the blade is inserted into the frame correctly. Be sure that it is tight by pressing firmly on the handle to attach the blade. Unfortunately, it is fairly common for beginners to break the blades of their saws so be sure to use the following tips in order to reduce breakage. First, when using a jewelry saw most people prefer to saw with the blades pointing down but some would rather have them point up so try both ways to see which is more comfortable.

It is also important to add lubrication to the blade either using wax or a product from a craft store that is specifically designed for saw lubrication. Also, always use long strokes that hold the blade evenly rather than short, quick strokes. This will make the cut clean and reduce the amount of filing that has to be done. Finally, keep the blade straight rather than at an angle.

Tips for Filing Metal Jewelry

Those who make metal jewelry have to use files when filing wire to the correct length, smoothing out metal surfaces, and other various tasks.

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