Tools are a super important part of being a Metalsmith. Without the right tools making jewelry can be exponentially more difficult, but there are so many tools out there. How do you know what are the right tools for you? Of course, much of it depends on what you are trying to do and accomplish. Below I've listed a set of tools that I think all beginners should start out with.
Getting familiar with these tools will take practice. To help, we offer workshops via our sister company, Alloy, where you will have the opportunity to create jewelry hands-on (you do not have to own tools to participate in classes).
I've broken my recommendations down into sections below so you can adjust depending on what techniques you want to focus on.
Basic Tools
Saw Frame (4" depth)
Saw Blades (2/0 size is a good general size, but you will want to adjust to the gauge of metal you are using)
Cut Lube or Beeswax
Flat Nose Pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Flush Cutting Snips
Needle Files #2 (various shapes - round, triangle, flat, barrette, etc)
Large Hand File #0 and #2 (flat and/or half-round)
Ring Clamp
Ring Mandrel
Metal Shears or scissors
Steel Block or anvil with a flat surface
Set of small Drill Bits that are compatible with your flex shaft/dremel
Workstation (Table, Bench, Plank of Wood… etc.)
Bench Pin
Steel Wool (superfine 00, 000, or 0000)
Rawhide or Neoprene Mallet
Dremel or Flex Shaft - I've never used a dremel, but I've heard they are usable...That said a flex shaft is a very handy precision tool to have.
Safety Glasses
Dust Mask
Sandpaper (180, 220, 320, 400, 500, 600 grits)
Soldering
If you are interested in soldering/torches, follow this link to another blog post that goes more in-depth about the subject.
Solder - hard, med, easy (sheet, wire, or chip. Any form is fine)
Copper Tongs
Sparex #2 or other type of pickling solution
Small Crock Pot to heat pickling solution
Tweezers
Soldering Pick
Flux - I recommend Grifflux #1 or Handy Flux
Third Hand
Tripod w screen (optional but super helpful)
Charcoal Block
Torch - I recommend the smith torch for larger applications (cuffs, large rings, etc). If you are going to stay pretty small the little torch will be all you need.)
Gas - Depends on the torch you select, but keep in mind you will need tanks of gas (acetylene, oxygen, and or propane). If you live in the Kansas City area, I recommend Hohenschild. I've been using them forever and they are easy to work with and very helpful.
Bezel Setting
Burnisher
Bezel Roller
Bezel - 28 ga Fine Silver Bezel (various heights and types)
Stamping
Stamps - Various Designs and Shapes made from Hardened Steel
Brass Mallet
I order a lot of my tools and supplies from Rio Grande. They have a huge selection, and everything is of good quality. Purchasing items from Amazon or Etsy is doable, but I haven't been overly impressed with the quality. Not to mention you often have to use separate sellers just to get everything you need. Otto Frei also has many good quality tools. In this other blog post, I go into more detail about my favorite vendors.
If convenience is your goal, I highly recommend our Beginners Tool Kit! We’ve sourced a majority of the above listed tools for you without a lot of unnecessary extras. If you plan to set up an at home studio, you will still need to buy a few things individually to get started (soldering set up, flex shaft, etc). Download the PDF of my recommended tools for full tool descriptions and images.
Hoped this helps get you started. Don't hesitate to comment below or email me with questions.
xo - Kelly