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Fundamentals in Metalsmithing and Designing with TextureMetal – sheet and wireBase metal - copper, brass, nickel silver, bronzeAlloys vary in copper, zinc, nickel, tin contentPrecious metal – Sterling silver, fine silver Temper – hard, half hard, dead soft. Hammering and manipulating increases hardness Gauge - metal thickness needed depends on projectAmerican Wire Gauge (AWG) and Brown & Sharp (B & S). Considerations – weight, stability of form, size of main piece, connectors, available cutting toolsTexture and Design – practicing with paper and ink helps develop a ‘feel’ for how the stamp rocks on the metal surface as it positioned.Paper and stamp pads - great for brainstorming and experimentingTexturing tools – chasing or brass hammer to strike decorative & letter stamps, grinding wheels and burs – aluminum oxide stone, diamond tipsFound objects – sand paper, steel wool, aluminum screen, flat scrapbooking embellishmentsToolsCutting Jeweler’s saw – inserting blade, selection of blade size, technique for useHand shears/snips/scissors – up to 20 gForming/texturing – tools for moving metalHammers – ball peen, cross peen, utility – hammers with a high polishNon-marring – rawhide, nylon, rubberTexturing vs planishing – textured surface vs polished surfaceDapping block/swage block, anticlastic forming stakePliersChain nose, flat nose, round nose, bail forming, Wrap ‘N Tap step barrelStamps – techniques/tips for accuracyHold perpendicular – with wooden swage block if that helpsStrike firmly one timeRealigning a mis-strike is possible, with great care. Feel for the ‘lock in place’Alignment for lettering – finding center lines on work piece and stampMasking tape on stamp shanksFinishingMost finishing should be done before final forming for ease of accessCoarse file => fine file => coarse sand paper => fine sand paper - 400, 600, 800, 1000Sand across scratch marksPolishing vs burnishingBrass burnishing wheel or fine brass brush Polishing compounds Jewelers rouge, wax based – effective, but messy –from coarse to fine:Tripoli, White Rouge, Green Stainless, Red rouge3M radial polishing bristle discs – easy to use, less airborne dust Polishing cloths embedded with fine gritCotton string – called thrumming – used for tight spacesInexpensive home solutions - baking soda, toothpaste, Brasso cleanerSealingBrass, copper, and sterling silver will tarnish over time when exposed to air. The oxidation of these metals can be prevented with the application of a protective sealant that creates a barrier to oxygen and salts contained in perspiration. Several products are available that will create a temporary or semi-permanent solution to the problem of ‘green skin’, but none is a permanent fix. Brass that is worn frequently while showering, doing dishes, etc. may experience less oxidation than jewelry that is worn only occasionally. Occasional polishing with products designed for brass or silver will keep your jewelry bright and clean. ResourcesWire Gauge Conversion Chart?Sizes listed are AWG (American Wire Gauge)Wire GaugeInchesMillimeters100.1022.56120.0812.05140.0641.63150.0571.45160.0511.30170.0451.14180.0401.02190.0360.914200.0320.813210.0290.737220.0250.635240.0200.508250.0180.455260.0160.406280.0130.320300.0100.254320.0080.203 ................
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