Using a deluxe tool kit to create more advanced precious metal clay pieces

View PDF | Print View
by: Adam Hunter
Total views: 19
Word Count: 441
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 Time: 7:18 PM
0 comments

When working with precious metal clay, you do not need a large working surface. A smooth surface measuring around 30 cm x 46 cm should be large enough for most projects. The smooth surface will make salvaging unused bits of clay easier.
You can purchase a specially designed cutting mat, but a smooth or glass ceramic kitchen work surface will be more than adequate.

Before working with clay or getting out any tools lightly coat the work surface with cooking oil or hand balm to prevent the clay from sticking. A small amount of cooking oil can also be applied to your hands to keep your hands free from clay.

The more tools you have in your jewellery making kit, the more advanced your precious metal clay pieces.
A basic kit will consist of a plastic rolling pin and perhaps a few craft knifes for cutting out pieces of clay. There are so many other tools on the market that you can bring any idea to life with precious metal clay.
A deluxe tool kit should include the following; paintbrushes and artist brushes in assorted sizes, wooden dowels in assorted diameters, craft knives, thickness slats or playing cards, clay shaping tools, dental tools, textured brass plates, drinking straws and clay shape cutters.

Tools needed for moulding clay
The main tools needed for moulding clay are carving tools and craft knives. A carving tool is used for filing dried Art Clay. This instrument can be used for creating fine detailed pieces. A craft knife is used for cutting and shaving precious metal clay. Many jewellery makers adapt other household objects as instruments. Tweezers can be used for picking up small parts as well as texturing the clay, whilst a spatula can be used for moulding shapes.

Tools needed for making rings
A ring gauge can be used to measure the size of the ring to fit an individual. A graduated ring mandrel can be used for verifying the size of the ring as well as correction of deformation and size of the ring once the piece has been fired. A plastic hammer can also correct deformations and resize a ring.

Tools needed for finishing
Once a piece of clay has been fired it needs to be finished. Stainless steel brushes can be used to cut and shave fired art clay. Curved surfaces can be finished using a sponge sanding pad because of the flexibility of the material.
To get a mirror finish on a piece of silver clay, use a small amount of Wenol polishing agent.

About the Author

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, charm beads and jewellery tools, precious metal clay and silver art clay - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.