Using a Shot Plate for Jewelry Making

Using a shot plate is an easy way to add decorative elements to your jewelry and use your silver scrap. Scroll down for a link to download my favorite tools and supplies.
In this video, you'll learn:
+ How to ball up silver scrap with a torch and soldering surface
+ How to use a jewelry shot plate
+ How to prepare elements made with a shot plate for your jewelry designs
The video does not include details on how to solder shot plate designs onto your jewelry.
Link to tools & supplies: 10gables.com/blogs/workshops/...

[@marilynsouthern1612]

Wow! An absolutely great video that everyone should watch! The tips are brilliant!❤

[@10Gables]

Thanks! 💕

[@cameraforchristmas]

Thanks for a great video! I have to run out and get a shot plate! Love the trick of thick double-stick tape for holding little things. Frickin’ genius! Some bits of trivia- sand paper labeled P320 is 320 grit, not 600.yes there are too many stoopid grading systems that need translation for abrasives, but that’s not one of them. Acrylic and plexiglass are the same thing, just 2 names.

[@10Gables]

Thanks for the tips!!!

[@lorraine8368]

Love this, have been wanting to try shot plates... you're funny "no I'm not, I lied" "but wait, there's more" LOL

[@10Gables]

Hahahahah!!! Just being totally real 😁 I can't wait to see hewr how your ahot plating goes. Wait, isn't that an Olympic event?!?!?

[@marian1576]

Thanks! Excellent tutorial. I knew nothing about shot plates and this will help me get into it.

[@10Gables]

You are welcome amd I hope you have fun!

[@pstmeoff]

May the Force be with you.

[@10Gables]

Hahahah! Truth 😀

[@carolbarbary5595]

Love your videos. Always learn a lot! Thx

[@10Gables]

Thank you, Carol

[@samuellaramsey5963]

Nice vid and info! Thank you 😊

[@10Gables]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Have fun with your shot plate!

[@Shukarr]

Thanks for this video. I have a shot plate with moon designs. I’ve tried but cannot get a small round ball to fit into and take the impression of the moon. Any advice?

[@10Gables]

Hi @Shukarr! One idea would be to take an old pair of pliers to pre-shape the molten ball of silver. Let it cool slightly, then squish the ball with your pliers while the lump of metal is still workable. There is a risk of removing the tenper from the steel plier tips, which is why I suggested using an old pair you don't use.

[@christinejones4521]

Great video! Loved the sanding block, sticky stuff technique! The force tool is out of stock at Buffalo Rutland. Can you tell me the dimensions of what you have and what metal you think it is?

[@10Gables]

Thanks! It is hardened tool steel and I don't have the measurements handy. I would recommend reaching out to Buffalo Rutland to see if you can place a pre-order :)

[@jasonsgems3369]

Great tutorial, thanks. Handy doodahs those shot plates. Neat trick with the nail set. Have you thought about using a doming punch instead of the force to hammer the shot in and spread it to fill the pattern? Might be able to use a smaller shot with less cleanup of flash. Would a drop of oil/lubricant help release the shot from the pattern afterwards and avoid them getting jammed? No wonder the cat was nervous - she's just been shot at with silver shrapnel.

[@10Gables]

Thanks! I have tried using domong pinches, but personally found them more challenging because they wanted to roll for me, but try it because it might work for you 😊 I have also used 3-in-1 oil for these and it works. I would presume any kind of oil used in the shop to keep metal from overheating and rusting would do just fine. I have been using Pepe Tools' new Blade Butter product for sawing and drilling lately, and ig may also work, but it could be challenging to clean out enough not to leave lumpy residue here and there. I'm not sure about the cat... don't have one, and it's been a few years since I made the video 🤣🤣

[@ritamontalvo6195]

Can I use copper?

[@10Gables]

Hi! You can use copper, but it does require more heat to melt. You will also have oxidation. Have fun!

[@lesleyrahner2145]

Hi Chris, I’m unable to find the material you used you placed on the hand held plexiglass when you sanded your small shot piece. What was it called & where can I find it! 🤔

[@10Gables]

Hello! It is called double-sided nano tape. You can search Amazon for several suppliers and lengths. I learned that trick from Tonya Davidson - she is great to follow for all kinds of goodies in the shop :)

[@lesleyrahner2145]

@@10Gables Thank you Chris!

[@Susanarylander]

@@10Gables thanks so much! i tried to use your supply list attached to this video but when i download it the links don't work. only way i could open was to download it. i will google nano tape. thanks and GREAT video!

[@patriciakendall6494]

Can we use WD40 in the shot plate? Thank you such a good video!

[@10Gables]

Hello Patricia and thanks for your kind words. I haven't tried to use it myself, but know of others who have had success. Have fun with your shot plate!

[@patriciakendall6494]

@@10Gables thank you! I’m a newbie, gathering supplies-my Tucker shot plate arrived yesterday and my pmc silver clay arrived today ...yippee

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Have not found shot plate Suggestions,

[@10Gables]

Hello! I included several in the download I provided (see video description for a link). Thanks!

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Guess I overlooked. Rio did not have. Had embossing plates.

[@10Gables]

Yep - Rio isn't on my list for this

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

@@10Gables what others. Am I looking in the wrong place?

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Where to find shot

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Looking for shot plate

[@10Gables]

I included several options in the downloadable document on my website