Learn silversmithing: BASIC POLISHING TOOLS. Silversmithing for beginners

[@PhoenixCreationsKaTyJs]

It’s great to see your progress from these earlier videos to your videos of today 😊😊😊😊

[@kerrylindsay6871]

I'm a complete beginner and have been watching some of your videos - they're amazing, you're so positive and friendly and your videos are really informative - thank you, I will definitely be watching more :-)

[@casekendrick2367]

instaBlaster...

[@candaceb.8978]

Thank you for being so generous.

[@nariwarihuicab5634]

Thank you very much for sharing. Greetings from the Mexican Caribbean

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching :))

[@busrayardim]

I am a beginner and watching all your videos currently, I am afraid I will start seeing you in my dreams soon ! 😂 😅❤

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

hahaha, oh no! That would be too much! 😂 Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying my videos (even those old ones hahaha, it's hard for me to watch them now lol)

[@paulinelevesque]

I love your editing :) It is so funny and smart. Could you do a step by step tutorial on polishing? I always have the feeling I do so many steps and I still don't get a shiny enough surface.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

thank you so much Pauline! Of course, this is a good idea :) I struggled with polishing too. I can tell you now, that the key is sanding. Proper cleaning and sanding, to make sure the surface is even, and all deep scratches are removed. Once you have what looks like satin finish, you can mowe onto next stages of pre-polishing and polishing.

[@eljay0110]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing what is pre polishing and polishing?

[@ahmedelansari1120]

I am so happy to flow you from Morocco,

[@kendahettinger9809]

Make sure you tie your hair back too. I accidentally got my hair caught in a rotary tool. Very painful. Thanks for the informative videos!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Yes! That's a very important one 😀 Thank you for watching!

[@rebelzenart1406]

That's beautiful Erin!.. well done!

[@alexandramarberry1023]

An expert on everything polish and everything Polish 😄

[@kathybradbury]

One tool I highly recommend is a micro motor in leu of a flexshaft. It does the same thing, but is easier to manipulate because you don’t have to worry about keeping the cable straight.

[@liliana.6053]

Are they powerful enough for the job too?

[@kathybradbury]

@@liliana.6053 it would depend on the maker. I’d suggest doing an internet search asking that very question, as doubtless people in forums have discussed the subject in depth. I have a micro motor (an EBay purchase, Marathon 2) I don’t know if the dedicated jewelers’ (Foredom or Swiss brands) handpeices are comparable with it, but I use the ones commonly offered on EBay for about $40-and it works for sanding, grinding and polishing.

[@hanisefizal5511]

Great video for me to start learning about silversmith & jewellery making :D

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

amazing to hear that! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@collaborativeclockworks]

It's nice to see that you love what you're doing :) it's inspiring really.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

thank you so much! That's very sweet xx

[@flyingcheff]

Always so great!

[@stephanpoulsdelaford2991]

Hi I'm new to this and be honest I couldn't ask for a beautiful up lifting person as yourself bless I look forwards to picking your my Nd on silversmithing as time goes by thank you for your lightening videohugs x

[@stevecoster322]

Hiya, again. A small point or two on the tumbler;- Use flat cola the first time with no jewellery it stops the black from the drum. The shot in the drum burnishes the jewellery so no scratch removing but it does work harden.

[@user-iv2xo3dn5o]

فكرة رائعة

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

شكرا

[@felixcat9736]

You can get a...Dremel Flexible shaft attachment for your Dremel 3000 making it much easier to handle for a length of time or hard to reach places.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

totally! I've gotten one later on and before I upgraded to Foredom. Flex shaft was a life saver haha :)

[@coralfoliage8]

ur videos are so helpful!! thank u thank u ☺️

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

You're so welcome! ❤️

[@jdeinteriordesign5332]

Hi ! just in case ... regarding the rotary tool, now you can buy an extension, so this extended cord is much lighter. Thanks for those wonderful videos. Teri

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi Teri, you're right! I've had the flex shaft for the Dremel, it was a great addition and a life saver. Definitely worth the money!

[@stevecoster322]

Hiya dear lady and thank you for a great video. With the drum use battery top up water from Halfords or similar, no minerals or sediment in it so cleaner drum and jewellery. If you want a matt finish on a chain work it with a brass brush and fairy liquid and water, just hold the chain in your open hand and scrub away.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

nice, good advice, thanks Steve :))

[@dawnstmichell7356]

I appreciate your videos

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

And I appreciate you watching, thank you! 🙏

[@fashionablyadorned2737]

the tumbler will also work harden your wire if you do any wire wrapping.. That's where I've started and now I'm slowing starting to get into smithing. I LOVE my tumbler! I just made some lave bead diffuser bar necklaces and FYI the lava beads oxidized my shot and the necklace but I experimented and threw in a couple more things and I think I've gotten it all out.. I'll know soon enough ;)

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi! Thank you so much for your comment, yes, that's absolutely right about work hardening. I'm actually pretty excited for that as some of my pieces are too soft and could really use some tumbling :) Did you put Lava beads into the tumbler? Good luck with your work! Btw, lovely channel, keep working!:)

[@fashionablyadorned2737]

yes I put the lava beads into my tumbler once I finished the necklace, I like to make my own eye and hook clasps so the tumbler is easiest for hardening that stuff. Im thinking I might just buy new shot and then just swapping it out and I can oxidize and harden at once or harden and shine with my other shot.. I have a loratone tumbler and it was well worth the money!

[@jasonsgems3369]

If you tumble your shot with some classic coke it will remove the oxide. Make sure to wash off the sugars before you dry the shot and barrel.

[@evelinesouren-vanhorne4571]

How do you know, how long you have to tumble?? Is it something you have to try out or is there some sorte of gideline?

[@backstreetbaabe]

Love your videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you Anna!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@WanezaLitaiff]

Thank you!

[@butterkeksgangster6685]

You‘re doing this so well! Thanks so much for the help

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

you are so very welcome :) thank you

[@cruisinnc]

I'm not sure when this video was made, but hopefully you've discovered that Dremel makes a flex shaft attachment which might ease your hand pain!? Great videos. I just subscribed!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

That's so true, that's an older video and the flex shaft was a discovery of a lifetime hahaha 😁 Everyone should get one if they use a pendant motor or a rotary tool, it's a life saver. Thank you! ❤️

[@megangreen2370]

Thank you for such informative and gorgeous videos. I have a tumbler question if you don't mind- Can you tumble finished jewelry with stones? Would it loosen the stone setting?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! :) You can tumble jewellery with stones, however you have to be very careful as what stones you are putting in there! Some are very soft and will be left with scratches unfortunately. I once tumbled Labradorite and it had some scratches left. Nothing happened to Rose Quartz and Amazonite but It may be because I didn't keep them inside for long. None of these stones got loosened up though. Generally avoid tumbling jewellery with stones or protect the stone with protective tape for example (the very same that you would use on your fingers!). I hope that helps! xx

[@michaelhudson8700]

Way late, but the tumbler will also work harden your piece, just saying. Good vid even for those with experience

[@farmerandy82]

Hi, great video with lots of info, I quickly checked on Amazon and I see you can get a flex shaft for your model Dremel, search for the Dremel 225-01 Flex shaft, your hands will thank you if you decide to invest in one. Greetings from sunny South Africa!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you Andy! And thanks for checking that for me, I really need to get it asap. I wish we had warm, sunny weather here too :) Enjoy the Sun and have a great day!

[@TakeMeAWeigh]

Thanks for this. I'm building a list of tools. I knew about the Dremel, but had no idea about the flex shaft. You are awesome!

[@Rafa.Z]

I was going to write that too

[@kristinperdue6392]

Would you say that Fordham is the best flex shaft or are there other, less expensive flex shafts you might recommend?

[@maurissae765]

Thank you so much for your videos. They have been amazingly helpful learning how to Silversmith at home. When you are polishing do you use any wax for on your rotary tools?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi! So happy to hear that Maurissa, thanks so much for watching! :) Hmm, I'm not really using anything to be honest. Only with mops, I use LUXI polishing compounds. Other than that, no wax

[@jasonsgems3369]

I'd second the getting of the flex shaft and a stand for the Dremel. If you wanted you can future proof yourself a little and get one that takes Foredom style keyed shaft handpieces - of course you'd have to get a handpiece as well.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi Jason, thanks you so much for your comment! I already got Dremel's flex shaft and now I'm checking if it's a good fit. I didn't like how it worked in the beginning but I decided to give it some more time. If it still works poorly, I will much consider your advice! As for the stand, I got the cheap one from Amazon and that was a HUGE mistake - don't do that guys! Just go and get something tall and sturdy :)

[@jasonsgems3369]

Tell me about it, I had to tape it up to stop it sliding down all the time. It's now been retired and replaced. Cousins have a coupe that might be worth looking at www.cousinsuk.com/category/foredom-pendant-drill-hangers-clamps

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Mine doesn't even slide down but it instantly started bending, terrible. And it's not even the right height, no idea what I was thinking ordering it. This one from cousins looks good! Also, thanks for sharing the site too!

[@jasonlowery1369]

Other useful sites (UK based) Bellore Rashbel www.rashbel.co.uk/jewellery-findings - Manchester Minerals www.manchesterminerals.co.uk/ - HS Walsh & Sons www.hswalsh.com/ - Kernowcraft www.kernowcraft.com/ - Palmer Metals www.palmermetals.co.uk/

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

that is so awesome! Thanks :)) I knew some but others are new. This is very helpful as I'm planning to make a video about good and trusted sites for supplies, so big thanks for your help!

[@deana8481]

Can you make a vid about the rotary tool bits and how to begin using those?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Hi! I've got one actually, check it out 😍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoerZ6udpsaXfKM I will make some more in the future, so stay tuned :))

[@deana8481]

Stardust Mine Jewellery Yay!! You're the best!!💗

[@nancymendez5014]

Hi! Do you use jeweler's rouge?

[@alicerosa6766]

I have just subscribed to your channel. You are so cute and you have a sweet personality, I like the way you explained the projects . Thank you so much🤗.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much Alice, really appreciate it! You are so sweet my girl!

[@kimpetri6750]

I learned the hard way about polishing chain too! Never again will I do that! 🤕

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

oooh no, that must've been awful! Hope you didn't get hurt ❤️ Thank you for watching

[@bogdanmihai308]

Hi, I really like your videos, I think I watched them 2-3 times each :) Can you tell me where you bought the polish discs? The yellow, blue and green ones? Thank you in advance.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thanks so much for your comment! :) I'm super happy you like my videos. I found these at Cooksongold, Cousins UK sell them too

[@JayDub_143]

I just love your videos... I wanted to ask you, have you ever used the pro polish pads? They were a true game changer for me. Especially for the chain.. 😬😁💗

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thanks so much for watching! 💗 Oooh, I haven't used them! Can you share the link? I'd love to try them out 😀

[@JayDub_143]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing www.riogrande.com/product/ProPolishPolishingPads/337020?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyPbzBRDsARIsAFh15JaEU9UH_I61lEMvtH93mYuoXn7HY3xA8CZDCk_Q-mgTASa2hlaCITUaAjWQEALw_wcB these are the ones on RIO they are truly brilliant. Let me know what ya think.

[@Ellofez]

May I ask what was your first language ? But English was not your doing great ! I Grew up speaking Spanish and Italiano my parents let use learn English at school . Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us . Can't thank you enough! Happy creating !

[@rebelzenart1406]

You're so cute and enthusiastic 😃

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

thank you dear! ♥😚

[@butterkeksgangster6685]

What would you recommend for beginners? Is a file and sand paper enough?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Files, sand papers and buffing sticks (+polishing papers) can give you a pretty good results :) Not the best, but enough in the beginning stage :)

[@wirayadabutram7889]

❤️❤️

[@busrayardim]

One quick Quention, can we use the attachments of foredom on dremel ?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I think so, yes! I use the same attachments, they have a standard shanks, so you might need to check if the handpiece you have matches those shanks :)

[@Bonnie-sd7et]

But where's youuuuuur mug from!! I'm trying to figure out how to get jewellery making supplies in Hong Kong. Maybe Rio Grande is the best option for me, hmm.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Got it as a gift from my friends over 8 years ago :) Yes, Rio might be the best choice, it's a great supplier. Good luck! :)

[@ems3531]

When tumbling do I put in the piece with the gemstone in it or will it break?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

some stones are hard enough and will be ok, like quartz, but most of the time they might get damaged when used with steel shot. It's best to tumble before setting the stones, but if you have to put in the pieces with stones in them, you can protect the stones with the tape, so wrap them nicely and it should be ok :)

[@ems3531]

Stardust Mine Jewellery thank you! I’m just starting so super excited

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

@@ems3531 wow, have fun girl! I'm sure you'll love it :))

[@ems3531]

Stardust Mine Jewellery thank you!!

[@Nionearth]

what do you think about the tumbler with sand?

[@insantonua]

Sooo, almost a year later.. was the tumbler worth the money?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

YES! With the dainty jewellery I make it's very important to work harden the rings and studs etc. and this tumbler helps a lot. And polishes jewellery as well!

[@insantonua]

wait the tumbling process work hardens the items?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Yes, it does :) "The hardening depth [of the metal] will depend on how powerful your tumbler is and how long you run it for" as someone said on the forum. I always tumble my silver dainty rings for few hours, otherwise the band would change shape easily

[@TheAmber52]

Excellent informative information given but I found the music in the the back ground too distracting.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I agree, these were my first videos and I was still learning how to make them. The cringe I feel seeing them now is massive haha I plan on remaking them into newer, better versions :)

[@mohsinali660]

Hi great video i like your videos you have very beautiful eyes love you teacher

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Aww, that's so sweet, thank you! :) So glad you enjoy my videos

[@mohsinali660]

Thank

[@mykerivers8334]

love girl. i think your great. i hate the music... i have to find a broad like her lol broad lol

[@mykerivers8334]

honestly. i could not watch it. the music kills it. sorry.