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Soldering Perfect Prong Settings

In this virtual course, students will learn how to fabricate their own prong settings, using a torch with two direct gases (oxygen/acetylene or oxygen/propane), and how to then prong-set their stones appropriately. Strong emphasis will be placed on torch temperature control, as well as flame placement. Students can expect to gain knowledge, strategies, and confidence to make both calibrated and free-form prong settings in this technical workshop.

For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page. 

Please read the Materials & Tools tab! 

Meet the instructor

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Joanna received her A.A.S. in Jewelry Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1997.  She has been a self-employed studio jeweler for 20 years, selling her work at craft & jewelry galleries and fine craft shows in the US. She has authored four books on making jewelry (all published by Lark Books), and her work been included in numerous publications, such as Metalsmith Magazine, Ornament Magazine, 20th Century Jewelers, and 500 Wedding Rings. She teaches jewelry making for metalsmithing groups, Craftsy.com, and craft schools, such as Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont, and Haystack Craft School.

 

Materials & Tools

$62 supply kit will be sent to the shipping address listed on your Metalwerx account by April 6th. If you register after this date, a kit can still be mailed to you, but may not arrive by the workshop start date. Please inform us if you reside outside of the US, as your shipping cost may differ and may need to be expedited.

Unless you already own most of the items on the list, the kit is highly recommended, as you cannot order the prepped items reflected below through other vendors. Kit includes the following items:

  • 1 x 6"x4" Kaiser Lee board - required for course objectives
  • 2ft x 16g straightened silver wire - cut to 8" lengths
  • 2ft x 18g straightened silver wire - cut to 8" lengths
  • 2ft x 20g straightened silver wire - cut to 8" lengths
  • 3ft x easy solder - drawn to 0.5mm - cut to 3" lengths
  • 3ft x hard solder - drawn to 0.5mm - cut to 3" lengths  
  • 1 x small jar of high temp black flux
  • 1 x shipping

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 (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find 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 strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.

Torch setup (dual-gas torch is needed for course objectives):

  • 1 x fireproof torch area - steel baking sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon)
  • 1 x torch - oxy/acetylene or oxy/propane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
  • 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x cross lock tweezers with wooden handle (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x pickle - for non-ferrous metals (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x crock pot or tempered glass container with lid (Amazon)
  • 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
  • 1 x small brush with natural bristles (Michaels)

Hand tools:​

Other/miscellaneous items (Joanna will answer stone questions in class and welcomes you to bring part of your collections, but listed below is a good standard size range.): 

  • stones - any shape - 3mm to 10mm work well (others can be discussed)
  • hard work surface
  • fan and open window - or ventilation system
  • safety glasses 
  • fine Sharpie
  • rags/towels
 

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