Learning to solder metals together is something that seems to frighten a lot of art jewelers. I suppose it’s the fear of the fire that’s at the heart of that. In any event, not being able to solder often prevents some very good art jewelers from moving ahead in their jewelry designs which now needn’t be the case. Joe Silvera’s new book, Soldering Made Simple, leads the way in helping all those art jewelers learn a powerful metalsmithing skill that can catapult their art jewelry work.
One of my favorite things about this book is that Joe shows you how to solder using small butane torches. Ladies and Gentlemen, you’ll be learning to solder with a small, very controllable flame which I hope alleviates some of your fear. This book is very direct and is broken down into two parts for simplicity. Solder bar 63 37 Part One naturally gives you all details about materials you’ll need. Soldering Techniques follows and allows you time to practice with your torch, light it, control it and all manner of issues of how to become comfortable with it. This information alone could be a book.
But wait, there’s so much more! Metalworking Techniques follows and concludes Part One teaching you additional, fun metalsmithing techniques: you’ll learn to hammer, file, drill and use a jeweler’s saw. You’ll also learn how to use a dapping block (for forming metal), make jump rings, polish metal and also patina (change the coloration) it.
This is just like Metalsmithing 101!!
Part Two is the nitty gritty of Soldering Made Simple and where you actually get to try your hand at twelve progressively more complex actual projects. You’ll not only get to learn how to solder seams but you’ll also learn how to solder earrings wires and deftly use a soldering tripod. You’ll also learn how to solder mixed metals in this section.
By the time you’ve completed the twelve projects in this jam packed book, Soldering Made Simple by Joe Silvera, the author feels confident that you’ll be confident in your newly acquired soldering skills.
I highly recommend this book as it is just jam packed with all the information you’ll need to get past any fear or trepidation you might have had in the past about soldering metals for jewelry making. Again, not only does Mr. Silvera teach you how to solder in all its various ways and levels, he also teaches you numerous metalsmithing basics about how to alter the metal after you’ve soldered it. In a sea of so-so how to jewelry books on the market, Soldering Made Simple: Easy Techniques For The Kitchen Table Jeweler stands head and shoulders above the rest.