Jewelry: Soldering (six sessions)
Adult Class | FULL
We will begin the class with a discussion of soldering theory including flame size in relationship to the size of your project, areas of heat in your torch flame, types of solder and their use, the purpose of flux, the purpose of pickle, types of pickle, how flux determines the time frame of soldering and different soldering surfaces.
Following our discussion there will be demonstrations of various types of soldering set ups including various butt and sweat soldering examples and actual practice for the participants.
Finally, we will have some problem solving time for participants to ask questions and work on some current projects of their own or continue to practice some of the joints demonstrated during the workshop.
The soldering set ups will include:
1. Soldering a bezel setting, both the bezel wall and then the bezel wall to a bottom plate.
2. Soldering a butt joint for a ring.
3. Soldering a bail to the back of a pendant.
4. Soldering a bail to the edge of a pendant.
5. Soldering a post to the back of an earring.
6. Soldering 2 metal pieces edge to edge (butt joint).
7. Sweat soldering 1 layer of metal on top of another.
What you will learn:
1. Comprehensive understanding of how soldering techniques work including, soldering theory including flame size in relationship to the size of your project, areas of heat in your torch flame, types of solder and their use, the purpose of flux, the purpose of pickle, types of pickle, how flux determines the time frame of soldering and different soldering surfaces.
2. Hands on practice of various soldering setups.
3. Problem solving on students' current projects.
Please note: Class will not meet on Monday, January 19 and Monday, February 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents' Days.
Note that this classroom is accessible by stairs only; please contact Fleisher for more information.
To be ready for the class, each student should prepare a few examples of each soldering set up. For consistency's sake, please use 20 gauge for any set up requiring sheet metal or wire. For the bezel preparation, please use 26 gauge fine silver bezel wire 6mm (1/4 inch wide). Sheet and wire material can be brass, copper, bronze, nu-gold (non-precious metal) or sterling. The set ups we will be working with are intended to be practice pieces only.
• 6 inches of 20 gauge round wire (copper, brass, Nu-gold or sterling silver)
• 6 x 6 inch piece of 20 gauge brass, copper or nu-gold sheet.
• 1 foot each of hard, medium and easy wire silver solder.
• 4 inches 26 gauge 6mm fine silver bezel wire.
• 2 dozen 3/0 saw blade
Suggested Shopping Locations:
• T.B. Hagstoz – 709 Sansom Street, #1, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-922-1627
• Rio Grande Jewelry Supply – riogrande.com
Wendy Tonsits
Wendy Tonsits Jewelry creations are a synthesis of bold lines and striking relationships of form and colored gemstones. Creative influences can be found in the sculptural forms and colors in nature and her travels to Japan, Italy, Fiji and other parts of the globe. Wendy creates her small sculpture jewelry with traditional techniques which often reflect her love of carving from metal sheet or bars of sterling silver to achieve original organic shapes as well as hand constructing settings for uniquely cut faceted gems. The artist is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Art with a degree in jewelry and metalsmithing. She earned her Graduate Gemologist degree at the Gemological Institute of America in NYC and worked as a diamond specialist in the GIA Gem Trade Lab. For 12 years Tonsits owned and operated a community jewelry teaching studio in Atlanta, GA. Presently she maintains her private jewelry studio at the Bok Building in Philadelphia, PA and teaches jewelry classes at the Abington Art Center, Main Line Art Center and the Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia.