What do I need to get started in metal clay?
To get started in metal clay, you’ll need
just a few tools, some clay and a way to
fire it. We highly recommend that you begin
your explorations with fine silver clay because
silver is the easiest to work with and offers
the most flexibility in firing.
There is a small core of basic tools that
are needed for working with metal clay. You’ll
need a surface to work on, a roller, and
some forming and finishing tools.
We’ve created some basic tool kits that you
can purchase to save you the time and trouble
of figuring out what you want from the myriad
of choices. To learn more about the
kit you are interested in, click the kit
name.
Economy Starter Kit
This kit includes the most basic and least
expensive tools necessary for working with
metal clay. The Economy Starter Kit is designed
for those who want to spend the smallest
amount possible to get started working in
fine silver, silver alloy, bronze, copper
or gold clays. The kit includes basic clay
working tools, forming and finishing tools,
but does not include firing tools. Any type
of clay can be used with the Economy Starter
Kit. If you choose this kit, you’ll probably
also want to use the least expensive firing
method, which is a butane torch. We offer
an Economy Torch Firing Kit to round out
your tools for getting started on a shoestring.
Basic Starter Kit
This kit includes the basic tools, but instead
of the least expensive tools, we’ve included
some better quality tools (but not the most
expensive) where there is a choice. We’ve
also included some extras that will allow
you more design options and easier ways to
work. Any type of clay can be used with the
Basic Starter Kit. In addition to the Basic
Starter Kit, you’ll need to choose a firing
method.
Deluxe Starter Kit
This kit is for the serious jewelry student.
We’ve included everything you need to create
in any kind of metal clay from forming to
finishing….even the kiln! This kit will allow
you to create in any clay, but in order to
fire bronze or copper, you’ll need the Bronze
& Copper Firing Kit.
Firing
Silver clay can be fired with a hand held
torch, a small trinkit kiln, a tabletop jewelry
kiln and even on a gas stove top. Other metal
clays, such as copper, bronze and the new
silver alloy clay, PMC Pro, require a digital
jewelry kiln, a special firing container
and carbon firing media for proper sintering.
(Copper clay can be torch fired, but requires
quenching of the hot metal and an acid bath
to remove the oxidation from the surface
after firing, which is why we recommend fine
silver for beginners). We’ve created firing
kits to save you time in selecting the tools
you will need for firing the types of metal
clay you want to work with.
Economy Torch Firing Kit
This kit includes the very basic tools you
will need to fire fine silver, gold and copper
clays with a torch. This low-cost kit will
give you everything you need to create your
first projects. Even if you want to move
up to a digital jewelry kiln eventually,
you will want and need a torch in your toolbox.
A butane torch is inexpensive, easy to use
and will allow you to do some simple soldering
and metalsmithing tasks that will come in
handy as you gain skills in jewelry making.
The only thing you cannot fire with the torch
is bronze clay and PMC Pro silver alloy clay.
Kiln Firing Essentials Kit
This kit includes all the kiln furniture
and accessories you will want and need to
fire fine silver and gold clays. With the
addition of the Carbon Firing Kit you can
also fire PMC Pro, copper, bronze clays.
Carbon Firing Kit
This kit provides you with the tools and
materials you will need for carbon firing
PMC Pro silver alloy clay, and copper and
bronze clays. Fine silver clay can be fired
in carbon to protect heat sensitive stones.
|
|
|
|
|
|
