Silversmithing(tips I wish I knew when I started)

[@teristeinborn4872]

When your silver sticks to the surface of your soldering board just use your torch and gently pass the flame over the piece until it comes off. Also, if you want a round bottom on your round spheres just take on your broken piece of charcoal block, and on the smooth side, bore out some round holes in different sizes. You can place the silver in these holes and once they’ve melted they’ll be completely round. Be sure to pay attention to the color of the silver when you are melting it. If you pull the torch away quickly you will have a perfectly smooth and rounded sphere. However, if you leave the torch on it too long (which a lot of people tend to do) the sphere is usually misshapen and will have to be remelted. Hope these tips help you out.

[@flyingcheff]

Sterling or fine? I find the opposite is true (slow reverse away from the melted ball) if using sterling. Fine is better quick. Is this your experience, too. The copper in sterling seems to cause flow disruption.

[@marian1576]

Excellent tip about soldering the jump ring on to the backplate!

[@kjirstenboucher9682]

Fabulous tips! Thank you so much for sharing.😊

[@ruthdederich3622]

Love your work. Very classy. Looks to be very worth the money. Nice stones that are very evocative. They all appear to be breezy summer days at the beach so good job all round!

[@mariannemartin5086]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Beautiful pieces❤

[@sacredsounds4234]

Beginner silver smith. Thank you for the tips. Nice work you have. Beautiful!

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

I so appreciate these tips as I am just starting out. Thank you much for sharing 😊

[@gretchenschaumann1808]

Thank you for this video. It is so informative and very inspiring. Your work is stunning and very classy looking. I am new to this and garnering information as well as courage to begin using the tools I have been collecting for years.

[@lilybowen1846]

Your pieces are beautiful! And great advice for a beginner silversmith thank you

[@gabrielbaca-ps9oo]

I thanked you earlier, but I had to come back and subscribed, soldering the jump ring to the backplate is a great idea, anxious to see what else you have. Plus you have beautiful work.

[@debraberg1763]

Thanks. I'm learning about charcoal soldering for the first time. You have helped me figure out what I need to add to my soldering station. Very nice twisted jump ring idea. Sturdy like it should be.

[@teristeinborn4872]

Awesome! It took me some time and many good people to help me on my journey too! I’m grateful to be able to pass on what has been shared with me…

[@BZakk]

The pieces that you made are BEAUTIFUL!

[@malcolmthompson9848]

If you wrap your charcoal blocks with bailing wire they wont fall apart. If you have a rolling mill you can run the solder wire through it to create paillons which are nice for when you only need a little bit of solder. I like your use of shot plats and pattern wire.

[@gretchenschaumann1808]

Thanks for the great addt’l tips.

[@teristeinborn4872]

I’ve been doing both for years. I also make sure to only cut as much solder as I need for the job then store the rest. When I need it again, I use 0000 steel wool to clean it before cutting it. Remember, solder tarnishes too and, if it’s dirty it won’t flow. I’ve had several jobs where the solder was the cause of my problem and I had to start over! Clean! Clean! Clean! YIKES 😱!

[@MarcoJetti]

7:30 That idea is a life saver! Thank you for the tip!

[@fredrossman1189]

Great work. I like your designs. Keep it up.

[@diana2866]

Great tips..thanks so much ..haven’t gotten started yet but writing down the tips.

[@maryfuhst9464]

I’d like to see how you use that heavy pattern wire and bend it around the pendant.

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..I do have a video on pattern wire and its uses..I may do one in the future showing how I bend it..thanks for watching.

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

really nice and great craftsmanship = thank you for your help .

[@The1SuperAtheist]

I'm slowly building me a small silversmith shop at home in my garage. I am a welder and auto mechanic by trade. I don't want to buy any tools and equipment I am not going to need or use often. I still don't know what exactly I want to create first. Most likely I will make my two daughters some type of jewelry. Maybe a few bangles or a few handmade silver rings.

[@milouschmidt]

Beautiful pendants. Congratulations for your great designs. Thanks for the great tips 👍🏻✨

[@trishahernandes7821]

Thank you for sharing. I find Silversmithing fascinating. I want to self teach myself too.

[@tinagoodrich4037]

Beautiful work. Good vid, thanks for the tips, really helpful

[@teristeinborn4872]

If you wrap your block with stainless steel binding wire they won’t break. I always wrap mine! Hope this helps!

[@lindawiedemann5014]

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing so many great tips! ❤

[@KatKing-rj1qj]

Hi Claam, Im just a beginner with the soldering etc. been working with silver metal clay for years. Just really got interested in the side of silversmithing, so your comments are very welcome. Will look for future videos by you, thanks so much.

[@baileebiee2120]

Thank you for sharing! Such beautiful craftsmanship 😍

[@windhammer1237]

Really great craftsmanship went into making those pendants.

[@SailorCrafty]

I love your pieces and stones!! I discovered larimar recently and I'm obsessed. Thank you for the tips!

[@LiveByTheSword]

I prefer wire solder as well! I can always hammer flat and/or cut it to small pieces if needed which I do at times.

[@sziszicke]

Thank you so much for this! I am very much a newbie still when it comes to silversmithing and I have been having trouble soldering the bezel to the sheet and the solder would just would not melt. I tried the strips of solder and also paste. I will try with solder wire next time! Thanks for the tip😊

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Not sure what kind of torch you are using..sounds like you need a hotter torch...good luck!

[@williamcaldwell9431]

Helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@markharger9473]

Awesome! Thanks for the tips!

[@kynland666]

❤ Thank you 🙏🏽 I am also a self taught smith and I really appreciate your input ❤

[@elsabe13]

Beautiful work - thank you for a great video!

[@giovanidiamonds]

Those pendants are beautiful!

[@sacredsounds4234]

I see most of your pattern wire is in 4 sections.I was trying to do 2 flat pieces this morning,and having a hard time getting them to match and snug up to the bezel.The stone is a little more tear dropped,but your work had inspired me to make some.Do you have any videos on you shaping and soldering the pattern wire?I started soldering the jump ring to the backing,but had to do it on it's own.I am determined to make one,may take me a few weeks_lol,but I will get it done.Thanks for taking the time to share your work.Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..the best advice I can give is practice..it takes a little time to learn how to bend and where to bend..start slow making gradual curves and hold it to your piece and you will be able to see where you need to bend...stay with it and you'll get it..I may do a video of my process...thanks

[@aumi.jewels]

I think you are doing a fabulous work❤️

[@annettejamieson4489]

Great video. Thank you for sharing such useful tips. Your work is beautiful. How do you get your flat pattern wire to bend sideways?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..I use half round pliers and slowly bend it..it can get a little out of shape sometimes and I just tap it flat with a mallet..just keep bending till you get the shape you want...thanks

[@BrokenRRT]

Inspiring and great info. Helps me out a bunch. You’re work is outstanding! What gauge are you using for back plate on these pieces?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

The smaller ones are 26g. ..the larger are 24g ..really large would be 22g...I find most are good with 26 or 24..use those the most...thanks

[@blyawakes]

Beautiful thanks for tips!

[@tlojewelrylove]

You've made some very beautiful pieces of jewelry. ❤❤❤ Like you, I prefer wire solder because I can cut my own pallions to whatever size I want or need but I'm def not skilled at holding a long piece of solder and soldering as I go like I've seen on a Durango Silver video. Anyway, again... beautiful work! Thanks for showing it off. 👍😃

[@flyingcheff]

And, often, a lot of silversmiths of the southwest persuasion use easy solder. Easy it is but an ugly mess when it finally oxidizes unevenly (zinc is the culprit), so the technique of soldering with a long piece of wire and feeding the heat, CAN be a mess later. I love to see minimal use of solder. It's more challenging but a far superior build.

[@tlojewelrylove]

​​@@flyingcheff I agree with you. I always use the bare minimum necessary to get a good solder not only because of appearance but because I don't want to clean more than what could've been avoided (laziness?😄). Also, I have used pallions of fine silver to do minor repairs such as cracks. The 1st time I ever tried it was because I accidentally cut a small slit in the ring shank I was making so I cut and hammered a few pallions, stuck them in the slit, torched it, and when I was completely done it was a perfect repair. I actually surprised myself because I was still relatively new at it and nobody told me to do it that way. Anyway, it's just a part time hobby for me but I do ❤ playing with fire and silver!😄 Also, I love watching good video tutorials like this one. There's always something to be learned. 👍😊

[@flyingcheff]

@tlojewelrylove wow! That's really interesting. I want to pick your brain on this 😃 ok, so you had a crack in a piece? Fine silver pallion (not solder) has the highest melting point of all , and you used it to repair a crack? Whoa! 😎 The main piece would have had to be fine silver (I think) also (not sterling). Fusing fine silver to fine silver would be what happened - and awesome if that was the case. 👏 Wow! If the main piece was sterling, the copper in the alloy would have lowered the melting point. That would be a challenge to close/fix a crack with a piece (pallion) of fine silver in sterling. Not impossible, but doable with focused heating and luck. How cool! Good on you. I always love to try and figure out the How's and Why's of all the groovy [jewelry] physics stuff! Thanks for dialoging and sharing! So grateful 🙏

[@kristibbradshaw]

Beautiful jewelry.

[@WizardKitty723]

Wrapping binding wire around your charcoal block before you use it will hold it together longer

[@aumi.jewels]

I use 26 gauge binding wire and I wrap it really tight around my Charcoal block and later the wire might start getting lose just go to your around the binding wire and give a tight wist to thighen the up again….

[@yolandacornejo9347]

Beautifully done!

[@Mmax389]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@jimsteers3329]

Thanks for the tips I am just starting out and it really helps. BTW what state are you in and do you ever have classes in person.

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..thanks for watching..We are in Florida..unfortunately I don't do anything in person as far as teaching..I just like to share knowledge and help others get information that may improve their skills.

[@gabrielbaca-ps9oo]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@shortjen107]

Thanks for the helpful video! Wish I had found this 6 months ago!! 😁

[@flyingcheff]

Clean and thoughtful fabrication, refreshing to see an absence of "rustic."

[@ypcomchic]

Harbor freight sells some small presses which might help you.

[@kathybradbury]

I love that picture stone! And the nautical shot plate! Where do you get those?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..the ocean picture stone is rare for good quality Etsy is where I get some..though its not cheap..and Buffalo Rutland makes the nautical shot plate..they have a variety..thanks

[@kathybradbury]

@@clamshellcreations3278 thanks!

[@kathybradbury]

@@clamshellcreations3278 your work is really beautiful.

[@lisalehmann988]

Thank you! Great tips!

[@sandywood8437]

Thankyou I'm fairly new great tip with jump ring.

[@sacredsounds4234]

Another question if you don't mind.Do you dip the whole piece into the tarnish,and then polish?Or paint on with brush?I know you said you use a green polish wheel.Are you using a polishing compound like zam before after?If you could break down the steps I would be greatful.Thanks for your help.

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Once a piece is completed..I use the polishing wheels ..I use 6 wheels starting with the white and gradually move to each one until the final green one..I don't oxidize until I use the blue wheel..then coat the piece with a small paint brush then back to the blue wheel to remove most of it..then the finer grit wheels from there ..I don't use any compound ..just the polishing wheels from Dedeco..they don't remove everything but I like my pieces to look handmade .

[@sacredsounds4234]

@@clamshellcreations3278 Okay got it.Thanks.They sure are nice.I will keep at it.I have made a few.Sure is hard to get the flat wire to snug up against the bezel.Everything moving around with the flux being heated.

[@marian1576]

lovely work!

[@ypcomchic]

Where do you sell your items? eBay?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

I have a website Clamshellcreations.com..I also use Etsy for some items as well...thanks

[@toniahampton207]

I love you work ethics.

[@DreidMusicalX]

I was wondering since I am new to silversmith. What is the best thickness for the backing of a bezzle to be? Something not too thick but not to thin either?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

I like using 24-26 gauge..thanks

[@winterwolf2012]

What was a journeyman silversmith? Did they place their mark on English silver?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Just like today there are different levels of skill...apprentice, journeyman, master..I can't speak to whether they marked their work..but would guess they did..thanks

[@winterwolf2012]

@@clamshellcreations3278 Thank, I should have asked if they placed their mark next to the head silversmith mark? Either they maid the item or took part in making the item. Talking about the 1800's

[@warmwomyn]

Thank you so much!

[@stevesarginson6020]

Wicked designs mate

[@lindseybryant4734]

How do you clean out the center of the jump ring after you solder it to the backplate?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

I use a drill bit smaller than the jump ring then file the inside of the hole.

[@rhaven50]

You do beautiful work

[@colescreations6680]

Great video. I for the life of me cannot figure out how to get my shot plates to work. Lol

[@clamshellcreations3278]

There are plenty of videos on how to use shot plates..I like to use a press..they are a must for jewelry making..thanks and good luck.

[@rcmoot]

No offense intended. Do you do your own cabs? In these times . Are you able to get a reasonable price for them? How are you marketing them? I'm asking those questions, cause I facet rough and buy some stones. Just finished my jewelers bench .

[@clamshellcreations3278]

None taken...I buy my cabs from different sources..cutting stones is more tools and time ..thanks

[@prodabpaul8736]

Where are you getting your pattern wire? Rio Grande?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Yes..I get most of it from Riogrande..Im sure there are other sources as well.

[@prodabpaul8736]

@@clamshellcreations3278 thank you very much sir for the video and advice 👍

[@trinitysweet1]

Great video. Thanks

[@Adehsn]

Where can i buy the block that have clamshells...

[@clamshellcreations3278]

The nautical shot plate came from Buffalo Rutland..they have many styles.

[@crowfoot7355]

Nice work great tips.

[@TheSilverSmithsBench1]

Posting this vid on my discord server. Others will come.

[@tishsmiddy71]

Lovely 🥰 ❤ thank you

[@woodcar111]

Thank you great video

[@annwaters9484]

where can one buy shot plates?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..there are lots of the out there ..Tucker tools,Buffalo Rutland, and my favorite Gemina they are out of England but make great pieces.

[@annwaters9484]

@@clamshellcreations3278 Thank you. I had never seen or heard about them before. That is Great information! Thank you!

[@jodytanner9283]

Thank you for the tips for a beginner. Also, has anyone tell you, you sound like John Goodman. 😊

[@mandymcclure717]

Ty very much.

[@Sanctuary.Studio.D1]

Thank you!

[@eleanorjentas798]

What are those metal plates called Shock plates?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..I'm guessing you mean shot plates.

[@sharonmartin7626]

Do you cut your own cabs?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hi..I don't..I buy them from multiple sources.

[@NikiLucky-cj5bd]

Good idea about the dies xo❤

[@brooke3312]

Do you have a website?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

I do...Clamshellcreations.com..thanks

[@NikiLucky-cj5bd]

Great recommendation

[@annh3599]

Thanks!

[@hawkercnc8261]

Thanks for shring

[@crabzilla12]

Where did you find your nautical shot plate?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Hey there..Buffalo Rutland makes the nautical shot plate..they have a great variety of them...thanks

[@crabzilla12]

@@clamshellcreations3278 awesome thank you so much. Love your stuff!

[@rcmoot]

Couldn't you save silver , and leave back open ?

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Absolutely..its really up to the maker..I myself prefer a solid back unless the stone is translucent.

[@allanthompson9695]

Amazing. Truly Beautiful pieces of Art Sir. Very interesting. Riveting for me in fact. Sub'd.

[@Frogmobile52]

A pinch of graphite powder and nothing will stick to the blocks

[@NehpetsRellek]

Clicked off the video, when you mentioned charcoal blocks for soldering, charcoal blocks will contaminated the flux and silver.

[@clamshellcreations3278]

Never had an issue...but thanks

[@johnjewell219]

👏👍😎🇦🇺

[@ScottSchell-f1l]

Sorry one more time I'm out of here AUM

[@oopsydaisy8995]

Continuously saying umm is annoying.

[@clamshellcreations3278]

I know...its harder than you think to stop..working on it.