The Mt Baker Rock and Gem Cub offers a Silversmithing Class held at Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham. The course description is below the images.
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Silversmithing classes are held on Wednesdays for 8 weeks at a cost of $120. Copper Alloy is provided.
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To enroll in the Silversmithing class:
Call Ward Lynch 360 966 3860 or Dennis Mulligan 360 770 1966
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BEGINNING SILVERSMITHING
Instructor:
Ward Lynch
&
Assistants
INTRODUCTION: In this class we will try to expose you to the various aspects of what is known as silversmithing as it has developed over the last thousand years. The methods of forming and joining metals have become more and more sophisticated as man has advanced thru the ages. As this has happened we tended to forget many good methods because we feel new are better. As we progress thru the seven weeks of this class we will present some of the old methods of forming and joining copper, silver, and maybe gold as we work using “modern” methods to perform these tasks. “New” makes the task get done faster, but understanding the “old way” can make the work better even though it takes longer.
Another thing that we can learn from the past is patience. Their methods took longer but it allowed them to contemplate the how and why of the task at hand. One of my mentors, an elderly Native American who started as my student but became a treasured mentor, had a saying that is worth considering as we travel thru the seven weeks. It is “It takes as long to do a job as it takes”
Contents of class:
1. Safety
a. Chemicals
1. Solder
2. Pickle bath
3. Flux
4. Liver of Sulfur
2. Tools
a. Torch
1. Acetylene
2. Propane
3. Gas + Oxygen
b. Cutting devices
1. Jewelers saw and blades
2. Shears, scissors, paper cutter
3. Torch
c. Shaping
1. Hammer
2. Chisels & Stamps
3. Dapping tools
d. Joining
1. Fitting
2. Soldering
e. Finishing
ITEMS to be completed in class:
As this is a beginners class two or three items could be required, however, this is not a college or school where grades are given, so each of you have a project you would like to accomplish . So, together with the instructor, you can design a ring, pendant or pin and set about making it. In the process you will learn to use the jewelers saw, fit, solder, and finish one or more items by the end of the class. The instructor’s task is to aid you to accomplish this.
The metal or metals used in the class will be: Copper, Brass, Bronze, or Silver. With Gold selling at $1126 an ounce it would not be a practical metal for a beginner. The metals and basic tools are provided for your use in this class. The items finished belong to you.
THIS IS YOUR CLASS HAVE A GOOD TIME!!
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