[Jewelry making - Article 00542] - [Orchid] Newbie Questions

[Carrie Otterson]

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    Hello, I am teaching myself metalsmithing, mostly using books and
    videos, and there are a couple of questions I have that these sources
    don't quite address.  I am somewhat embarassed by the fundamental
    nature of the questions, but here goes.  I am working on a few
    different things and need input on the following: 

    1.  I am hand polishing and I have need to use some bobbing compound.
     Up to this point I have been able to get away with different grits of
    paper and then on to a rouge cloth.  I am going to use chamois on a
    stick for the bobbing compound and in the book Jewelry: The
    Fundamentals of Metalsmithing, Tim McCreight suggests using lighter
    fluid with the compound to let you rub it on the stick.  None of my
    other books address hand polishing.  I have some water-soluble
    compound and was wondering if the same suggestion would apply, or
    could I simply wet it with some water (is this obvious?) to apply it
    to the chamois?  (next on my list is a flex-shaft but as of now I'm
    using my hands). 

    2.  I am doing a bracelet and each of the sections is to have a
    different texture.  Would I be better off texturing the metal first
    and then cutting out the pattern or vice versa?  I have come across
    pro's and con's for either way and I was wondering what is the
    "correct" sequence? 

    3.  When doing a piece (a pierced piece, for example) that is not
    going to be further work hardened (no hammering, etc.) how can I
    harden the metal?  I am interested in techniques that don't require a
    torch (don't have one of those yet either)(are there any?).  Along
    this same line, I have come across "spring-hardened" sterling that the
    manufacturer recommends for etching, but was wondering whether it
    might be good for these kinds of pieces. 

    4.  Finally, I realize that this is probably a matter of preference,
    but when doing, say, a pendant or flat segments in a bracelet, what
    guages (or range of guages) metal do you prefer?  I started working
    something in 24 guage sheet, but to me it doesn't "feel" right.  It
    just seems to come across as cheap/not well-made.  Any thoughts? 

    I really appreciate this list and those of you that are so willing to
    share your time and experience!  TIA, 

Carrie Otterson

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