the bench
Sterling silver and the tools on your bench
What the metal is, and what each tool does to it.
Book your place at the bench ↗Tools and their jobs
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Handsaw | Cuts the silver strip to length |
| Mallet and mandrel | Shapes the strip into a ring |
| Torch | Solders the seam, handled by the tutor |
| Hand files | Smooth the ring and set its curve |
| Planishing hammer | Creates the texture you choose |
Sterling silver
Sterling is 92.5% silver by weight, with the remainder usually copper. That 925 minimum fineness is the grade both workshops work in.
The saw
A jeweller’s saw is on every silversmith’s tool list. In the class a handsaw cuts the marked strip, so a steady hand matters more than speed.
The mallet and the mandrel
Silver is hammered cold, at room temperature, and the mandrel gives the ring its round shape. Tapping works the metal and makes it harder as you go.
The torch
Modern silversmiths commonly use gas burning torches. In this class the tutor handles the soldering, which closes the seam.
The files
Hand files smooth the join and decide how the ring curves, which can change the look of the finished piece a great deal.
Texture and polish
A planishing hammer gives the surface its finish, and you choose among three textures. A final polish brings up the shine.