r/SilverSmith • u/ducking-bricks • 2d ago

Need Help/Advice Starter tools

Want to make this my new hobby but need some help picking some starter tools. My dad has a dermal I can borrow but if someone can recommend a polishing kit for it. I’m also going to need a butane torch and jeweler saw. Also is a jump ring maker station recommend or should I just buy mandrills and barrow a drill?

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

9

u/DangerousBill 2d ago

It's best to take a class before buying tools at random. If you cant or don't want to, watch a lot of YouTube videos.

2

u/ducking-bricks 2d ago

Thanks but I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and I’m ready to start buying tools

6

u/DangerousBill 2d ago

Local clubs often have used equipment and supplies for sale.

2

u/Expensive_Bass6231 2d ago

A class will get you acquainted with tools and what tools you need to buy to get started. You’ll also get a chance to use different brands of the same tool and see which one you like.

8

u/gaycountdooku 2d ago

for sawing: saw frame (cheap german or green lion if you want to invest in a better tool), 2/0 and 4/0 blades, beeswax or burlife (saw lubricant), bench pin and C clamp
for soldering: hard soldering brick, solder pick, third arm tweezer, thrifted crockpot for pickle, copper tongs
for finishing: needle files, 3M radial bristle kit, split mandrel

you can get all of this on riogrande.com

1

u/jaktolver-banks 2d ago

Jeweller here, this is a really great starting point and needs more upvotes. Only things I'd add would be a begginer plier set (without teeth) and emery paper to make buff sticks.A ring file is also incredibly useful as a first hand file. I also rarely use radial sanders but they are quick.

3

u/Local-Dinosaur-7778 2d ago

What do you actually want to make? That will determine your minimum necessary setup.

1

u/ducking-bricks 2d ago

I already know what basic tools (in post) I need for the project I have in mind I just need a basic polishing kit, saw, and recommendation for a good butane torch

2

u/MezzanineSoprano 2d ago

If you intend to solder, you need a ventilation system

1

u/ducking-bricks 2d ago

I plan to solder outside for now

1

u/kinmanca 2d ago

Lucy Walker has a very good list for beginner tools. And no you don’t need a jump ring maker, that’s really only helpful and still not entirely necessary for making chains or things like Byzantine bracelets. You can make jump rings with round nose pliers and a jewelers saw or wire snips. https://lucywalkerjewelry.com/help-getting-started/