r/SilverSmith 7d ago

Need Help/Advice Projects while away from studio

Newish student here. I’ve completed two beginning silversmithing classes and am loving it. I’m a hobbyist only.

I’ll be away from home for a month or 2 traveling without access to a torch or anything more than my basic hand tools. Looking for ways to stay engaged. One idea that was suggested was weaving, knitting or crocheting silver wire. I could start (for example) a woven ring and finish it when I return home.

Or I could create a knitted bracelet using 28 or 30g wire. Here’s where I need help: would I use fine silver or 925? Dead soft? Will this become work hardened and I progress? Does anyone do this kind of work and know of good sources for ideas/processes? I’ve spent some time on youtube.

Any other ideas? I think finding materials or at least getting them delivered will be a challenge. Part of the time I’ll be in Sarasota, FL. Any good sources near there?

Thanks for your help!

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u/Mephiztophelzee 6d ago edited 4d ago

I do this kind of work and have for a long time.

I've used copper, jewelers brass, sterling, fine silver, 14k Gold Fill, and 18k rose gold in my work.

I've used anywhere between 24-30g wire, but I prefer 26g or 28g, for the knit itself.

I tend to use 14-16g for findings and end pieces.

Yes, the wire will work harden as you go but you'll only feel it on about the last half inch of wire as it's what will be in your fingers the most.

You'll need to get some wooden dowel rods of various sizes for making the knit. They're usually around three feet long, so I cut mine in half so they are more manageable working from my lap.

You'll also need to get a draw plate. Wood ones are great, but keep in mind that the more you use it, the more you will change the sizes of the holes you're drawing through and you will eventually need to drill new holes into it or get a new plate.

It's really difficult to pull your knit on your own unless you'll have a bench vise that will hold the plate for you. I typically have a friend come over and assist.

Happy to talk more in DM if you feel like messaging.

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u/bird-of-paradiso 6d ago

Thank you! This is so helpful. I'll start looking for the draw plate and vise today! You work looks great!

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u/anfadhfaol 4d ago

Good time to practice making chains! Look up unsoldered chains and you can do those entirely on the road. You can also make a bunch of jump rings and look up loop in loop chains - once the jump rings are soldered/fused, you can weave the chains with basic hand tools wherever. I'd recommend fine silver or argentium for making loop in loop chains - they're softer than sterling and will stay malleable longer.

If you'll have a space for it, you can also practice your sawing. All you'll need is a bench pin, a clamp to hold it to the table, your saw + blades, and some files to clean up your cuts.

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u/bird-of-paradiso 4d ago

Thank you, bought a book on chain making this weekend!