Cutting and Sawing

• A jeweler's saw, which is similar to a coping saw, is one of the most popular tools in a metalsmith's toolbox. It is used for cutting sheet metal, wire and tubing. Saw blades in various sizes allow for cutting sheet metal of different thicknesses. Heavy metal shears are used for cutting thick sheet metal, while snips can be used for cutting thin sheet metal and thin gauge wire. Specialty tools include tubing cutters and disc cutters. Tube cutters are used to securely grip hollow tubing while cutting it with a jeweler's saw. Disc cutters are used to cut circles or washer shapes out of metal.
  
  

Soldering

• Soldering is a method for creating enduring connections between two or more pieces of metal. Micro and jumbo torches, which are butane-powered, are most commonly used in jewelry making. When soldering, protect work surfaces with a soldering tripod, firebrick or a soldering block. The tripod raises the pieces being soldered off the work surface and allows you to heat the pieces from the underside. Firebrick and soldering blocks are usually made of magnesium, which is a soft and fireproof material.
  
  

Forming and Hammering

• Hammers, mallets, mandrels, dapping blocks and punches are used to manipulate the metal to create new shapes. Riveting hammers are used to insert rivets (small metal pins) to attach the metal pieces. The ball-peen hammer has two heads, one round and one flat. The rounded end creates texture on metal while the flat surface is used to stretch metal on a mandrel. Mallets are useful in shaping metal without marking it, which is impossible with a steel-head hammer. Dapping blocks and punches are used to dome metal discs. To do this, a metalsmith places the disc in the half-sphere of the dapping block and then sets the matching size punch on the metal. Using a heavy hammer to strike the top of the dapping punch will form the metal to the domed shape.
  
  

Cleaning and Polishing

• Electric rotary tumblers and ultrasonic cleaners are used to clean and polish metal pieces. When mixed with water, pumice powder cleans firescale, which is produced when the metal is heated for soldering. Electric polishing wheels have a number of attachments that are used for putting a high shine on metal. Polishing wheels range from the stainless steel wheel, which gives the metal surface a satin finish, to the lamb's wool buffing wheel, which gives metal a high sheen.