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ARGENTIUM 2: Applications in Sheet
Argentium 1, 2, and 3 is an in-depth, three-course series that is designed to introduce makers to the benefits of working with the silver alloy known as Argentium. Three separate class topics will focus on different techniques, tools, key attributes, and approaches using Argentium to develop confidence and mastery of this versatile material.
Argentium 2 – the second of the three-part series – will be a three-session virtual class that focuses on using Argentium in sheet metal format.
Focus will be placed on understanding approaches for fusion and soldering applications as well as order of operations for using sheet to create a series of band rings.
Session 1 will involve sheet to sheet fusion combined with soldering and sizing to create a band ring. Session 2 will teach wire to sheet fusion, designing, layout and forming for a tapered band ring. And Session 3 will center on adding texture and a soldered bezel to create a bezel set ring.
Meet the instructor
Paulette Werger is a metalsmith and teacher who works in Lebanon, NH. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is owner of Metalpeople East, a jewelry and hollow ware studio. She has taught metalsmithing at the University of WI, Montana State University, and at craft schools throughout the country.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
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1 x 3" x Argentium® sheet - 20g, dead soft (Rio Grande)
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1 x 3" x Argentium® sheet - 22g, dead soft (Rio Grande)
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12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 16g (Rio Grande)
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12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 14g (Rio Grande)
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6" wire or 1" sheet x Argentium® solder - medium (Rio Grande)
Basic Hand Tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round forming pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x ring clamp (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
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1 x calipers (Amazon)
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1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x planishing hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x ball peen hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x brass hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x ring mandrel (Rio Grande)
Basic Soldering/Torch Set-up:
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x Solderite™ pad / pan with pumice (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
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1 x 3rd arm (Rio Grande)
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1 x paste flux (Rio Grande)
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1 x Ronda's purple flux #504008 (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
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1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
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1 x small brush - for flux
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1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
Other/miscellaneous items:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window - or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook
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rags/towels