Hello!

[Beadjoux]

Hi,

I live in Rothwell, Norethamptonshire. After around 10 years of making beaded jewellery (which I still do) and having aspirations to learn more, I am learning Jewellery making and Silversmithing. I've completed 2 terms of evening classes with Clare Layton at with Milton Keynes Arts Centre and am now completely addicted of course; I want to do this all day every day!

I've bought pretty much everything I need and have begun making things at home too. I made my first ever cabochon ring yesterday (it's not perfect, but not bad for a first attempt!), and my little butane hand torch struggled with the soldering, so I did some research and ordered a Sievert Pro 86 torch. I decided on this one because it uses propane only, and I didn't want to have oxygen tanks haning aroound. I know I could buy an oxygen concentrator, but it seems the butane-only torch is going to be more than sufficient for my needs at the moment.

If only I could afford to give up work so I can fill my days with silver!

[theresa]

Good luck to you. That's how I started too, except no luxury of evening classes.
You will find lots of advice here from very helpful and knowledgeable members.
I find YouTube an endless source of expertise too.
Happy silversmithing!

[joella]

Hi, I'm sure others will be along soon to say hello. I have found everyone here to be really helpful and supportive. I'm impressed you've ordered a Sievert torch, I am too scared to have a proper torch at home (cowardy custard), and make do with my little hand proxxon which has been great, until last week when for the 1st time it wasn't powerful enough to do what was needed. Luckily I go to a class once a week that has proper torches, so I was able to do what I needed there. I'm thinking of getting another hand torch to get more heat. I too have become completely obsessed with this silversmithing jewellery lark.

[Tabby66]

Welcome Beadjoux......you'll find lots of friendly advice around here

[Beadjoux]

Thank you Tabby! It does seem a very good forum ��

[CJ57]

Hi welcome from me too
I've never used anything but my sievert torch and it's just about met all my needs so far

[Beadjoux]

Hi Joella, yes, I have been using the class torches too, buy it's my last class tomorrow and I need to become self-sufficient. I use a spare room on the ground floor of our house as a workshop, and am planning to sit my propane tank outside the window, with my pipe coming in. Safety is paramount! I'll let you know how it goes ��

[Patstone]

I have a sievert type one as well but I use a butane/propane GoSystem 2350 hand held that plumbers use for the thicker stuff. You have to have a heatproof sheet under it as the flame is quite fierce, but it heats up thick silver really quick.

[Beadjoux]

Not seen one of those before Patstone. I will have to stick with a slower process until my skills are up to scratch!

[Patstone]

Think B &Q do them.