Click on the link below to download a printer friendly PDF version of your materials list.

Are there books you would suggest students read before taking this online workshop?

There are no recommended books.

What is the range of techniques you intend to cover?

piercing, texturing techniques, soldering, welding, direct casting, basic patination

Is there any additional information that could be useful to students before enrolling? 

Pewter is a contaminant in silver soldering and annealing processes for nonferrous metals. Prepare a specific area within your studio to execute pewter projects. You can use many of your general metalsmithing tools to work with pewter with the exception of fine files. Ideally, it is best to use tools dedicated to pewter work. Any tools or areas in your studio that may cross over into your general metalsmithing practice should be thoroughly cleaned after the completion of your pewter work. Pewter is a metal with some unique properties lending an immediacy and fun to working with the metal. I look forward to working with you in this introduction to the material.

What material should students have for the online workshop?

I would recommend having a work apron and the usual safety items normally utilized for metalworking, eye protection, hearing protection, etc. 

If students do not have access to an anvil or stake that can be used to bouge a fabricated cylinder, I would suggest procuring a large dowel or piece of pipe at least 1 " and up to 2”in diameter that could be held by a vice. PVC pipe is good as it is easiest to cut and drill if necessary. Metal pipe will work but is more difficult to cut or purchase smaller lengths.

I will demonstrate cuttlefish casting to create finials for the lid. We will also discuss the option of incorporating alternative materials into finials. Suitable materials for finials would be materials that are easy to cut and shape with a jewelers’ saw, files, and sandpaper. Some materials to consider could be, but are not limited to, wood, plastics, polymer clay, and bone.

Below is a list of materials, tools, and equipment needed for the workshop:

14 Gauge Sheet,​ ​6”x 12” 2 pieces

Contenti Item No. 235-062

Extra Low Temp Solder, 1 spool

Stellar Technical Item No. 97-125-20

Harris Stay Clean Flux, 1 bottle             

Rio Grande Item No. 503032

Flex Shaft or Multipurpose Tool for drilling, texturing, & buffing

Rio Grande Item No. 117534

8” Half Round Bastard File (or comparable), 1                           

Grainger Item No. 24N367        

Friedrich Dick Flat No. 2 Cut File, 1         

Rio Grande, Item No. 114700

Friedrich Dick ½ Round No. 2 Cut File, 1                      

Rio Grande Item No. 114708

Needle File Set 0 Cut, 1         

Rio Grande Item No. 114258

6” ½ Round Carbide File, 1 (optional)      

McMaster-Carr Item No. 81725A19

No. 2 Herkules Saw Blades, 1 gross

Rio Grande Item No. 110046GR

Utility Tweezers 

Rio Grande Item No. 115057

Wire Cutters

Rio Grande Item No. 111825

Metal or Aviation Shears                      

Rio Grande Item No. 111429

Rawhide Mallets 9 oz.              

Rio Grande Item No. 112218

Forging Hammer

Rio Grande Item No. 112530

Planishing Hammer                  

Rio Grande Item No. 112402

Pear-Shaped Plastic Mallet        

Rio Grande Item No. 112235

Wooden Concave Forming Block (sandbag will also work)

Contenti Item No. 190-364

Solderite Pad 12" x 12" x 1/2" 

Rio Grande Item No. 502052

Ring Mandrel

Contenti Item No. 320-604

3”Pipe, Dowel, or Blowhorn Stake 

Hardware Store

Dap Set

Rio Grande Item No. 112152

Mushroom or Ball Stake

Otto Frei Item No. 112.682

Smith Mini Torch

Rio Grande Item No. 500029

Mini torch Tip No.3

Rio Grande Item No. 500080

Smith No. 0 Torch Tip               

Rio Grande Item No. 500156

Smith No. 00 Torch Tip              

Rio Grande Item No. 500155

Annealing pan 7” with Pumice              

Rio Grande Item No. 502046

Cotter Pins 5/32” diameter x 1.5” long, 1 box   

McMaster-Carr Item No. 90520A112

Binding Wire Low-Carbon Steel .048” 1 Spool              

McMaster-Carr  Item No. 8870K12

Cuttle Fish Bone, 2                  

Petco, PetSmart, Gesswein, Amazon

Wax Carving Tools, 1 set                  

Contenti Item No. 170-227

0000 Steel Wool

Hardware or Grocery Store

Baking Soda, 1 small box

Grocery Store

Assorted Wet/Dry Sand Paper (120-400), at least 2 each

Hardware Store

Hermes Assorted Sanding Pads

Rio Grande Item No. 337398

Leather Working Gloves (no fabric at fingers)

Hardware Store

Jax Pewter Black, 1 bottle

Rio Grande Item No. 335295

Simichrome Polish, 1.75 oz. tube

Rio Grande Item No. 331126

Sunshine Cloth 1

Rio Grande Item No. 337030