One of my goals for Modern Metalsmithing is to make metalsmithing more accessible and affordable for anyone looking to get started at home. Instead of metalsmithing being something big and scary that requires a torch or workshop, I want it to be something you can do at your kitchen counter at the end of a long day. (Think of it as sewing’s edgy older sister.)
Fortunately, you can get started with just a few simple tools. (These are the same tools that I recommend for my online class Foundations in Metalsmithing: Statement Earrings.) Best of all: they’re inexpensive and don’t take up a ton of space – meaning you can stash them in a box or drawer so they’re out of the way when you’re not using them!
- Safety Glasses: While metalsmithing at home can be really safe, it’s still important to protect your eyes from a stray saw blade or cut of metal. Any old safety glasses will do the trick, but I’m partial to this cute retro style.
- Bench Pin: A bench pin is home base for sawing, filing, and other basic metalsmithing skills. If you’ve purchased a saw frame in the past and tried to cut metal without a bench pin, you’re going to be surprised at how much easier it is with one. This clamp on version is totally portable (I’ve even used mine in a hotel room) but for proper posture, you’ll want to mount it at about chest height. (Meaning you’ll want to mount it to a counter height surface, but sit in a regular height chair.)
- Jeweler’s Saw: From cutting shapes out of sheet metal to making perfectly sliced jump rings, a jeweler’s saw is your best friend. Jeweler’s saws come in different depths – the deeper the saw the larger the metal you can cut – but a longer saw is actually harder to control. A 3″ depth is a good place to start. And don’t forget the saw blades! There are lots of different thicknesses, but for most beginning metalsmithing projects, a size 1 will do the job. (And don’t stress if you break a few, that’s part of the learning process. Pick up a few dozen to start so you’ve got some spares!)
- Hole Punch Pliers: If you want to cut shapes out of the center of your metal, you’ll need to drill a pilot hole first to thread your saw frame through. (No idea what any of that means? Be sure to check out my online statement earrings class to learn the basics of sawing and piercing!) While you can certainly use a rotary tool, flex shaft, or drill press to drill holes, nothing beats a pair of hole punch pliers for convenience and price. Just make sure you get a pair with a deep throat (so you can reach further into the metal) and only use them on thinner gauges.
- Files: After you’re done cutting out your metal, you’re going to want to smooth and debur the edges, and that’s where files comes in. Jeweler’s files comes in lots of shapes and sizes, but the best place to start is with a pack of needle files. You’ll get every shape you could possibly need, and they’re small enough to fit into even the most intricate piercings. Just make sure you buy files designed for the metals used in jewelry. (Not steel or wood!)
- Wire Cutters: Even if you’re doing lots of piercing of sheet metal, you’ll still want to pick up a good pair of wire cutters. They’re perfect for when you’re making ear wires, s-hooks, or bracelets out of wire. (Though I don’t recommend them for cutting jump rings – your jeweler’s saw will do a better job!) Wire cutters come in lots of different strengths – I recommend grabbing a pair from a hardware store or industrial supply company. They’ll hold up to thicker gauge wire better than a pair from a big box craft store.
- Pliers: Jeweler’s pliers come in lots of shapes and sizes, but you can get away with just two pairs when you’re getting started – a flat pair and a round pair. For your flat pliers, make sure you get a pair without serrated jaws (they will mangle your metal). These parallel pliers are my favorite, but a simple flat pair like this will work too. And you’ll also want to grab a round-nosed pair, perfect for when you’re making ear wires, s-hooks, or other loops and bends in metal.
- Rawhide Mallet: A rawhide mallet is great for basic metal forming and shaping because it wan’t mar or mark your metal. If you’re vegan, you can opt for a plastic mallet instead.
- Dowel Rods: An assortment of dowel rods come in handy for making jump rings, but in a pinch, you can use any small round thing you have at hand. (Knitting needles work great too!) You can pick up a few sizes at your local hardware store. (Pro tip: if you ask nicely, the store may cut them down to smaller sizes for you. But if not, just use your jeweler’s saw to cut them into more manageable pieces. I like mine to be about a foot in length.) And while you’re there, grab a few sections of PVC pipe too! You can use these to make larger jump rings or to bend and shape metal around. I find that a 2″ or 2 1/2″ diameter piece of PVC pipe is perfect for shaping bracelets around!
The best part is that, if you do a little shopping around, you can get all the tools you need to get started for under $100! And the projects you can make with these tools are pretty infinite. Plus, simply owning them will make you feel like a total badass! (And just wait until you use them to make your first piece of jewelry!)
Want some guidance on getting started with your new tools? Check out my online metalsmithing classes! Every class includes supply lists, projects, and hours of detailed video instruction – available on demand so you can learn in your own home and at your own pace!
