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pure-enough
25-02-2012, 11:49 AM
Hello all

Was looking for a bit of advice. I am wanting to start making my own jewellery using PMC+ I think. I already have a kiln but just wondering if anyone could help me with what tools I need as a new starter. I am trying to get a shopping list together and want to get everything I need to start off then add to the kit as and when I need too. Any advice would be greatly received.

Thank you in advance :)

Goldsmith
25-02-2012, 12:31 PM
If you are a pure starter, then the starter kit from Cookson is a good start, see; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Workbench-Starter-Tool-Kit-prcode-999-095A
If you already have these basic tools then this set is also worth considering; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Starter-Bench-Packkit-prcode-999-096F

If you intend doing some saw piercing then consider starting with a Knew Concept saw frame with some Vallorbe saw blades, see;http://www.cooksongold.com/category_select.jsp?query=Knew+Concept+5%27%27+Saw +Frame+With+Quick+Release+Lever&queryFromSuggest=true

Good luck,
James

Kwant
25-02-2012, 01:06 PM
I came to jewellery making through PMC too and bought the starter kit from Cooksons, which included the torch as I did not have a kiln, albeit you have the kiln already for firing the clay I suspect you will need some kind of torch for the inevitable soldering jobs.

caroleallen
25-02-2012, 03:31 PM
Have you thought about maybe having a lesson and asking your tutor? Although some of the things you need for making silver jewellery can be used for PMC, most of the tools will be completely different i.e. texturing plates, cutters etc.

medusa
27-02-2012, 11:27 AM
I came to jewellery making through PMC too and bought the starter kit from Cooksons, which included the torch as I did not have a kiln, albeit you have the kiln already for firing the clay I suspect you will need some kind of torch for the inevitable soldering jobs.

same here, in terms of making my own stuff, though I just ended up using wax forming tools and a pencil. I was sad to see in an email that argentice have gone bust.

Julia Rai
27-02-2012, 02:39 PM
Hi,
There's a basic metal clay beginners tool list on this page about half way down - http://www.mcsj.co.uk/home-study-metal-clay-diploma/home-study-diploma.html - you really don't need lots of tools to start with. There are lots of wonderful tools you can buy once you know what you enjoy doing with metal clay but this list is a good starting point.
Best wishes,
Julia

pure-enough
27-02-2012, 04:03 PM
Thank you all for your positive response and great suggestions I am currently researching them all. :)

Melanie De Castro Pugh
02-03-2012, 06:31 PM
The most useful tool for clay is teflon sheet to work on! Nothing worse than spending ages making something only to find it stuck to the tile... I have a mug warmer for drying the clay, which is very handy for keeping a liver of sulphur solution warm too. And a coffee... But don't get the two mixed up!


Melanie

http://www.spinysharklythings.com

Patstone
03-03-2012, 07:03 AM
Is the mug warmer like a bottle warmer, it sounds a very good idea. I bought a bottle warmer to keep pickle warm but it wasnt very successful as the top was very narrow and I had difficulty getting the pieces out, but a mug warmer makes much more sense, where do I get one please.

Melanie De Castro Pugh
03-03-2012, 10:29 PM
Is the mug warmer like a bottle warmer, it sounds a very good idea. I bought a bottle warmer to keep pickle warm but it wasnt very successful as the top was very narrow and I had difficulty getting the pieces out, but a mug warmer makes much more sense, where do I get one please.

It's just a plastic square unit with a circular heating plate. I got mine off eBay for very little. You can get USB powered ones, but a mains one is better. Try a small slow cooker for pickle, I got one on Amazon for about seven quid.

medusa
04-03-2012, 08:08 PM
The most useful tool for clay is teflon sheet to work on! Nothing worse than spending ages making something only to find it stuck to the tile... I have a mug warmer for drying the clay, which is very handy for keeping a liver of sulphur solution warm too. And a coffee... But don't get the two mixed up!Melanie

http://www.spinysharklythings.com


this ^^^^

the teflon sheet I mean. I'm not sure I'd like liver of sulphur flavoured coffee....

Melanie De Castro Pugh
07-03-2012, 03:13 PM
Think I got the Teflon sheet from Cooksons, it was a pack of five small pieces.


Melanie

http://www.spinysharklythings.com

ps_bond
07-03-2012, 03:32 PM
Hmm. I have a small slab of PTFE as well as some thin sheet. I actually bought the thin sheet for washers & the like.

lorraineflee
07-03-2012, 05:34 PM
I use a Teflon non-stick cooking mat from, I think, Sainsburys.