Just discovered you. I’m an established silversmith, but I can always pick up new tips watching how other people work. Thanks for making videos for RUclips.
Yay! Finally, something valuable to do with serrated bezel (laziest and ugliest way to set a stone is serrated bezel)! Cut it up and melt it, I like that. Great idea. 👏 I have great success with a mitre vise for making perfect 90° angles on shanks ready for backplate (the "balance" you refer to). Great channel!
Very pretty ! Last time I repaired someone's earrings with sawdust behind the stone, it was all moldy and smelly from getting wet. After that I refused to use anything that absorbs water. I will use silver scrap, plastic or anything like that.
Try backing the stone- stir up the epoxy on a surface like a piece of paper on a flat surface. Then set your stone down and give it a tiny push into the epoxy. Then when dried, saw it out with your saw. Then sad the edges and sand down the bottom to make it level and flat
Thank you for the video!!! Beautiful ring everything turned out so nice. You make it look so easy but I know it’s not.. such great information thank you so much what is the grate you’re working on called?? That looks so handy to get the heat under your project. Thank you again.
Hi Laura! That's great feedback. Once I get back into making videos, I'll have to remember to list supplies in case people would like to follow along :)
I enjoyed the video very much. I was wondering what type of solder you used for each step and which solder- easy, medium or hard, each time. I assume you used Hard at the beginning. Also, where did you place the solder in each step. Thank you.
Hi there! It's been a while since I made this video, but I typically use hard solder to close the bezel, and then medium solder for most everything else. I sometimes use easy for the ring shank, but even that can be done with medium
Thanks for watching Kelli! Right now I'm using an acetylene torch with just the ambient air. By the end of the year, I'd like to have a dual fuel, acetylene-oxygen set-up because I've heard they burn cleaner and I can get more heat out of a smaller flame
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 Nice! I've been learning metalsmithing at the University and the giant acetylane/oxy just seems so intimidating for home use. Especially when I still haven't quite figured out a proper ventilation set up for the winter months. Your solder technique is way different and looks more efficient than what I've been taught. Would love to see a video dedicated to just soldering
Kelli Boyle thanks for the suggestion! As I've been making these videos I've realized I need to maybe trim down the content to specific moments. The start to finish video for each piece can tend to be pretty long haha that's awesome that you're learning metalsmithing! I'd be interested to know what solder technique you all use. Do you use wire solder or solder flakes?
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 Actually, I loved that you did it start to finish, and I usually have very little patience for how-to videos. We use wire solder, but cut it into tiny, and I mean TINY pieces and place it first. It looks like you just stuck the end of the solder wire right where you needed it, which seems WAY more efficient.
Looks like you’re using a Turbo torch, I think. What tip are you using? I’ve never been happy with my torch setup, and it looks like you get amazing heat with yours.
Hi Robert. Sorry for the delayed response. The torch I'm using is a Uniweld. I picked up the kit from my local silver supplier when I was first getting started. I also purchased a couple different size torch tips aftermarket for bigger projects and for projects that require a smaller, more concentrated flame.
so cool! Out of curiosity, how long did it take to craft this ring? Really makes the consumer appreciate the work that goes into each individual piece of jewelry!
Thanks for watching, Lacy! So the more i make these rings, the quicker I am getting at making them. It's like building a muscle memory in a way. I'd say the process is generally about an hr to an hr and a half (if things go my way haha they don't always)
Hi Janet! I know I've been slacking a little with uploading new content. I'm using an acetylene tank with a uniweld torch attachment that I picked up from a local supplier here in Albuquerque. They're called Thunderbird Supply. Hope that helps!
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 thanks so much for responding and with the torch info!! I create in my home which is a tiny living cabin... My entire living/studio space is 12x24' 😁 so I have been so scared to upgrade from my refillable butane torch. 😳 the one your using looks pretty straight forward I just dont want to have to have 2 tanks around (one gas one oxygen)and I have always wondered if propane would be safer in my small space 😄... Looking forward to seeing new stuff when ya can though.. I know times are crazy for everyone right now.. But I came across your channel today, watched every video and I am hooked 😁
Is there a way to make rope real tight? Mine always looks kinda loose. I use a drill to twist it until I breaks but it still doesn’t look as tight as some peoples rope
Hey! So yes, there is a way to get tighter looking wire. I don't make a ton of rope wire anymore, but I imagine the principles are similar to making tighter twist wire. The key is, you have to anneal the wire after (or just before) you've work-hardened it to the point of breaking. Truthfully, I've had mixed results with the annealing process, likely because I'm not uniformly returning the wire to the same "dead-soft" hardness that is my goal. So, when I go to twist the wire some sections end up having a tighter twist than others. BUT some sections can get VERY tight. You'll want to watch it as you twist it with your drill to make sure you don't go too far. I hope that helps!
Hey! I understand that this could be confusing. The "sawdust" mentioned is a special sawdust that I buy from a local jewelry supplier. They probably carry it in their online store as well (www.thunderbirdsupply.com). I do not recommend using sawdust that you might have from other home improvement or woodworking projects.
Hey there! Are you adding the solder just by holding the whole piece against the seam instead of cutting little pieces of solder? If so my life just got a lot easier!
Hello! Yes, in this video I am holding the whole piece of solder instead of cutting it into tiny pieces. The one thing to be aware of when soldering like that is you can easily push what you're soldering out of place if you bump it before the solder reaches the melting point. Depending on the application, I do also cut solder into tiny pieces if I need something in a very specific spot. Hope that helps!
Hi Kathy! In this video I'm just using an acetylene torch fueled by the ambient air. I have since switched to an Little Smith Oxy/Acetylene. They make a multi-orifice tip that has worked really well for me when melting scrap! It might even be compatible with a propane set-up :)
Great informative video! One question: do you need to add beads on top of silver sheet used for the base of the bezel? Or can you just attach beads to the side of the bezel wire that wraps around the stone, without being on top of a silver sheet? Thanks
Hi Rachel! It's definitely possible to the beads just to the bezel. I don't know many people who do that. Some people don't like to have the solder of the beads flow up onto the bezel at all. The reasoning for this, I imagine, is the solder connections of the bead on the bezel inhibit the bezels ability to bend when you set the stone. Bending the bezel when you set the stone could also weaken those solder joints some, so I always prefer to solder the beads to the base sheet of silver. But you can always experiment and see what works best for you!
Awesome work! What would I search on rio grande to find the silver rope wire that you soldered around the bezel cup? I can’t seem to find the rope wire. Thank you 🙏.
Hi Robert! If you're buying the wire from Rio Grande you can search "twist wire" for some similar options. I actually make my own twist and rope wire at home. For twist wire, I generally use 18g sq wire. For a rope wire like this, I used 22g round wire that I double and then twist.
sawdust …. Noooooooooooooo. Use the thin cushiony packaging material that comes wrapped around monitors and things nowadays. It Won’t absorb moisture, cuts easily, and cushions.
Just discovered you. I’m an established silversmith, but I can always pick up new tips watching how other people work. Thanks for making videos for RUclips.
Yay! Finally, something valuable to do with serrated bezel (laziest and ugliest way to set a stone is serrated bezel)! Cut it up and melt it, I like that. Great idea. 👏 I have great success with a mitre vise for making perfect 90° angles on shanks ready for backplate (the "balance" you refer to). Great channel!
Very pretty ! Last time I repaired someone's earrings with sawdust behind the stone, it was all moldy and smelly from getting wet. After that I refused to use anything that absorbs water. I will use silver scrap, plastic or anything like that.
Try epoxy
Try backing the stone- stir up the epoxy on a surface like a piece of paper on a flat surface. Then set your stone down and give it a tiny push into the epoxy. Then when dried, saw it out with your saw. Then sad the edges and sand down the bottom to make it level and flat
good job. with my years of experience I still learn from the younger folks.
Just found you! Lovely to meet a brother in the Lord…I also lived in NM for a couple of years when I was young.
Hi Kathy! Glad you found my page. I hope to be putting up some more videos soon and I hope they're helpful. God bless!
Excellent video I am also starting to do silversmithing after 40 years of military I’ve always wanted to build beautiful pieces of art thank you
Lovely ring!!❤❤ Absolutely like ur idea of using the saw dust! Never seen before! 🫶 Hands down dude! 🎉🎉
I can hear Pablo in the background 😎
Very organized step by step instructions. Thank you.
Thank you for the video!!! Beautiful ring everything turned out so nice. You make it look so easy but I know it’s not.. such great information thank you so much what is the grate you’re working on called?? That looks so handy to get the heat under your project. Thank you again.
I like the watch cuff bracelet.
Excellent, excellent video. Great narrative, could understand your words, and you were very thorough in your explanations!
Loved this and thank you!❤
That was awesome. Thank you.
You make it look so easy -- lol. thanks for this video, it was very helpful. Keep them coming.
Very informative. I had never seen the sawdust used. Also I love attempting pieces it would be so helpful to list the supplies. Thank you again
Hi Laura! That's great feedback. Once I get back into making videos, I'll have to remember to list supplies in case people would like to follow along :)
Beautiful work !
What a great video. One day I'll be able to do that. Hopefully soon! AND *you* have shown me how. I appreciate that.
perfect way of working😍😍, I like your way of working, greetings from Indonesia😊🙏
good job
I enjoyed the video very much. I was wondering what type of solder you used for each step and which solder- easy, medium or hard, each time. I assume you used Hard at the beginning. Also, where did you place the solder in each step. Thank you.
Hi there! It's been a while since I made this video, but I typically use hard solder to close the bezel, and then medium solder for most everything else. I sometimes use easy for the ring shank, but even that can be done with medium
is there a particular type of glue for when youre using the sawdust?
Beautiful work 👏👏
Good video! Would be nice to be closer to your hands but your explanation really was clear as well. Thanks!!!
I am glad I found this video, I been looking for information on beads. TY!
❤❤❤
Great video! What's your torch setup?
Thanks for watching Kelli! Right now I'm using an acetylene torch with just the ambient air. By the end of the year, I'd like to have a dual fuel, acetylene-oxygen set-up because I've heard they burn cleaner and I can get more heat out of a smaller flame
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 Nice! I've been learning metalsmithing at the University and the giant acetylane/oxy just seems so intimidating for home use. Especially when I still haven't quite figured out a proper ventilation set up for the winter months. Your solder technique is way different and looks more efficient than what I've been taught. Would love to see a video dedicated to just soldering
Kelli Boyle thanks for the suggestion! As I've been making these videos I've realized I need to maybe trim down the content to specific moments. The start to finish video for each piece can tend to be pretty long haha that's awesome that you're learning metalsmithing! I'd be interested to know what solder technique you all use. Do you use wire solder or solder flakes?
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 Actually, I loved that you did it start to finish, and I usually have very little patience for how-to videos. We use wire solder, but cut it into tiny, and I mean TINY pieces and place it first. It looks like you just stuck the end of the solder wire right where you needed it, which seems WAY more efficient.
dID YOU USE FINE SILVER FOR THE BEZEL? Great video! I learned a lot. thank you
Hi Andrea! Sorry for the late response. Yes, I used 26g fine silver bezel wire for this bezel!
Why do you use glue as well as sawdust?
Do you flatten the base after stamping?
Looks like you’re using a Turbo torch, I think. What tip are you using? I’ve never been happy with my torch setup, and it looks like you get amazing heat with yours.
Hi Robert. Sorry for the delayed response. The torch I'm using is a Uniweld. I picked up the kit from my local silver supplier when I was first getting started. I also purchased a couple different size torch tips aftermarket for bigger projects and for projects that require a smaller, more concentrated flame.
so cool! Out of curiosity, how long did it take to craft this ring? Really makes the consumer appreciate the work that goes into each individual piece of jewelry!
Thanks for watching, Lacy! So the more i make these rings, the quicker I am getting at making them. It's like building a muscle memory in a way. I'd say the process is generally about an hr to an hr and a half (if things go my way haha they don't always)
The Bishop Silversmith Oh wow! I was thinking a few days! It turned out beautifully!
I am loving your tutorials!! I really hope you will be adding more soon. Also, can you tell me what type of torch you are using?
Hi Janet! I know I've been slacking a little with uploading new content. I'm using an acetylene tank with a uniweld torch attachment that I picked up from a local supplier here in Albuquerque. They're called Thunderbird Supply. Hope that helps!
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 thanks so much for responding and with the torch info!! I create in my home which is a tiny living cabin... My entire living/studio space is 12x24' 😁 so I have been so scared to upgrade from my refillable butane torch. 😳 the one your using looks pretty straight forward I just dont want to have to have 2 tanks around (one gas one oxygen)and I have always wondered if propane would be safer in my small space 😄... Looking forward to seeing new stuff when ya can though.. I know times are crazy for everyone right now.. But I came across your channel today, watched every video and I am hooked 😁
Is there a way to make rope real tight? Mine always looks kinda loose. I use a drill to twist it until I breaks but it still doesn’t look as tight as some peoples rope
Hey! So yes, there is a way to get tighter looking wire. I don't make a ton of rope wire anymore, but I imagine the principles are similar to making tighter twist wire.
The key is, you have to anneal the wire after (or just before) you've work-hardened it to the point of breaking. Truthfully, I've had mixed results with the annealing process, likely because I'm not uniformly returning the wire to the same "dead-soft" hardness that is my goal. So, when I go to twist the wire some sections end up having a tighter twist than others. BUT some sections can get VERY tight. You'll want to watch it as you twist it with your drill to make sure you don't go too far. I hope that helps!
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 yes I think that’s what I’m doing wrong, I’m not annealing. Thank you very much! I really appreciate your response👍🏼
You mention sawdust? Is that wood sawdust? Ive never read that before. Thanks, Bev J
Hey! I understand that this could be confusing. The "sawdust" mentioned is a special sawdust that I buy from a local jewelry supplier. They probably carry it in their online store as well (www.thunderbirdsupply.com). I do not recommend using sawdust that you might have from other home improvement or woodworking projects.
Hey there! Are you adding the solder just by holding the whole piece against the seam instead of cutting little pieces of solder? If so my life just got a lot easier!
Hello! Yes, in this video I am holding the whole piece of solder instead of cutting it into tiny pieces. The one thing to be aware of when soldering like that is you can easily push what you're soldering out of place if you bump it before the solder reaches the melting point. Depending on the application, I do also cut solder into tiny pieces if I need something in a very specific spot. Hope that helps!
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 Yes it definitely helps!
What kind of torch are you using? I use a Smith little with an oxygen concentrator and propane…but need more heat for melting scrap
Hi Kathy! In this video I'm just using an acetylene torch fueled by the ambient air. I have since switched to an Little Smith Oxy/Acetylene. They make a multi-orifice tip that has worked really well for me when melting scrap! It might even be compatible with a propane set-up :)
Great informative video! One question: do you need to add beads on top of silver sheet used for the base of the bezel? Or can you just attach beads to the side of the bezel wire that wraps around the stone, without being on top of a silver sheet? Thanks
Hi Rachel! It's definitely possible to the beads just to the bezel. I don't know many people who do that. Some people don't like to have the solder of the beads flow up onto the bezel at all. The reasoning for this, I imagine, is the solder connections of the bead on the bezel inhibit the bezels ability to bend when you set the stone. Bending the bezel when you set the stone could also weaken those solder joints some, so I always prefer to solder the beads to the base sheet of silver. But you can always experiment and see what works best for you!
Awesome work! What would I search on rio grande to find the silver rope wire that you soldered around the bezel cup? I can’t seem to find the rope wire. Thank you 🙏.
Hi Robert! If you're buying the wire from Rio Grande you can search "twist wire" for some similar options. I actually make my own twist and rope wire at home. For twist wire, I generally use 18g sq wire. For a rope wire like this, I used 22g round wire that I double and then twist.
@@thebishopsilversmith5396 thanks for the reply. That helps a lot.
sawdust …. Noooooooooooooo. Use the thin cushiony packaging material that comes wrapped around monitors and things nowadays. It Won’t absorb moisture, cuts easily, and cushions.