Sem 2 Metal Smithing &

3DF (Term 1)

Week 1

This week was an introduction to what metal smithing was. We were introduced to the price of gold and silverand we were also introduced to some of the intricate works that can be done in metal smithing. He showed us some Peranakan jewellery pieces and explained to us the significance behind their design and history.

Week 2

Our first task was to make pendants. We had to draw out our design and paste it on a brass sheet. We were then supposed to use the drill to create openings for the inner details

Afterwards, we had to use a Saw to cut out our design. We were instructed to saw in an anti-clockwise direction so it will be easier for right-handed us. We had to position our piece in the centre parting of the Bench Pin and saw it there.

After we had to finished cutting it, we had to file the edges smooth. We were to get the larger scratches using the rougher file and then smooth it over with the smoother file. After the filing, we had to go over the edges with the burnished knife. It causes the surface to shine and hardens the metal.

Week 3

This week I had to finish up filing my pendant and then I had to attach the metal loops to make it a pendant. After that I was to move on to my second pendant design.

After I finish filing, I had to bring it to the vent table to anneal and attached the loops on the pendant. First, we had to use a flat-nose plier to join them together. Then we had to file that joined end as well as the area we wish to join tangent. This way they could fuse together easily.

In order to attach the loops, additional material needs to join them together, Hence we have to heat up a small piece of solder as well to fuse them together

In order to ensure that the solder is able to flow into the gaps, flux needs to be added both to the solder and the actual piece. Afterwards, we had to hear up the solder, the ring and my pendant until they are red hot. This way the solder will be able to join the 2 pieces together.

Afterwards, we had to get a bigger ring and loop it through the ring and close it. Then we had to repeat the same process and close it with the solder

After fusing the last loop, I had to put it into the pickling solution to ensure that the surface of the metal that has been burned would come of smoothly

Afterwards, I moved on to my second design which I finished cutting and filling that day

Week 4

This week, I had to finish filing my first pendant. We also started learning about how to make rings. The first step to creating a ring is to cut a piece of wire using a cutter. Measure it to approximately your pinky finger.

Afterwards, we had to bring it to the vent table to heat up the metal wire. This process is called annealing and this process will cause the metal to be more flexible and malleable to work with.

In order to shape the wires, we have a rolling press that can roll out the wire to its desired shape. It can roll out a square shape, a flat rectangle shape and a half-round shape. In order to pull the wire through, first put your wire in the slot and turn the knob on top until you can't anymore. Then turn the knob back by 3-quarter turns before pulling your wire through with the turn crank in front.

After annealing the metal wires again, we can use a hand vice to twist the metal wires. We can decide how much to twist and where to twist them. Each different type of metal wire will twist to form a different look. the one on the right is what they look like in the order that I stated on the previous page. Additionally, he also showed us how to create an engraved ring using the press bench.

After anealling the metal wires again, we can choose to either put the wires into the press bench again to elongate them or we can use the draw bench. We can pull the wire through a drawplate with different shapes to elongate them

Additionally, we can use can hammer in metal stamp to add in letters on our ring band

I also added the 2 loops to my second pendant design

Week 5

This week, I started to experiment with the different wire types as last week I was still finishing up my pendant. I managed to make 3 bands that day to make the rings. In order to make them into rings, I had to measure their thickness using a vernier callipers and check the size chart for the length I should cut my band into.

First step is to cut off one end of the wire first , then measure the length that I want the ring to be and cut off the excess. Try to ensure that the place you cut has the same thickness on both end. Then file the edges of your band straight.

Next, I need to make the band into a circle. First anneal the metal band, Then bring it to a ring mandel and hammer it into the desired shape to close the ring. We have to ensure that the 2 ends are touching the other straight.

After that, we have to bring it to the vent table to solder them together. Put flux on both the ring and solder. Heat up both of them until the solder becomes a ball and the ring is red hot. then insert the solder between the gap of the ring and heat them both up until the solder enter the gap of the rings, Then cool it down and dry it off

After that, in order to make it into a proper circular ring, we can bring it to the automatic ring press which will make it into a proper ring. If the solder wasn't done properly, it will break. if it doesn't't, then you can put it into the pickling solution to get rid of the burns.

Week 6

This week, I had to finish up the last of my ring and pendant and then finish up the rings and pendants. The first thing I did was to remove the ring from the pickling solution and use the metal brush to clean it, Next is to file the rings smooth and vanish it.

After I finish filing and varnishing my rings, I will need to polish it which I need to get the technician to help me do so. After that I have to bring it to sink to wash it again with a toothbrush.

After that, I had to dip the rings into the lacquer to seal them. First, dip it into the lacquer and tap off the excess. After that, I will leave the lacquer to dry. And then I am done with my rings

Week 9

I was sick on Week 7's Thursday so I went back to finish filing my rings and pendants. Afterwards, I washed and lacquered them

Finished Rings & Pendants

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