Construction methods ideas file

Smooth and flat: The piece can be cut from a flat sheet with a saw; it will be the same thickness throughout. The saw can also be used to cut any decorative patterns.

Curved: Sheet metal can be annealed (softened) and then curved or shaped by the use of different stakes and metal or wooden blocks.

Three dimensional: If the piece has some areas that will be thicker than others, it can be made using any casting technique or thicker sheet metal and wire.

Patterned surface: A patterned surface can be applied to the sheet metal before it is cut out or shaped, using a rolling mill, hammers, or punches.

Decorative surface: Wires or smaller pieces of metal can be applied to sheet metal, before cutting or after shaping.

Fittings and findings: The fittings and findings are the ear posts or clips, pin fittings, chain fastenings, jump rings, toggles, and so on. These are usually the last pieces to be added to any other type of construction.

Text 6 Ordering Metals

You can buy metals in many different shapes and sizes. These include sheets, tubes, rods, casting grains, and wire in all kinds of profiles. Metals are usually supplied by a metal dealer, who will need to know the exact dimensions of the material you are ordering. Most dealers will supply materials by mail, but it can be useful to go to a store to see all the options that are available.

Sheet metal can usually be supplied in whatever size is needed. Occasionally, with cheaper metals for example, you will only be able to buy a sheet of a fixed size. You should know the width, length, and thickness of the sheet metal you need before ordering. When you buy metals you will pay for the weight, expressed in troy ounces or grams. The price of metal fluctuates. Precious metals in particular are subject to price variations according to world markets. This often has a domino effect on the pricing of nonprecious metals as well.

Characteristics of sheet metal

Sheet metal thickness Characteristics

8-gauge (3 mm) Rather thick to cut out and not very easy to bend.

10-gauge (2.5 mm) Can be cut with a coarse saw blade.

12-gauge (2 mm) Useful size for a substantial piece. Use a coarse saw blade to cut.

13-gauge (1.75 mm) Similar to 12-gauge but a little easier to bend.

14-gauge (1.5 mm) Suitable for ring shanks. A size 00 saw blade will cut

16-gauge (1.25 mm) Suitable for most work. A size 00 saw blade will cut.

18-gauge (1 mm) Very useful size for ring shanks, shaping, and hammering.

20-gauge (0.75 mm) Useful for dapping, bezels, and smaller decorations.

24-gauge (0.5 mm) Useful for any smaller work.Ideal for bezels.

Testing techniques

Before embarking on a project in precious metal, first try making it in another medium to see how it will work out. It can be costly, and a waste of time, to go straight into metalwork. Make your "mock-up" exactly as you intend the finished piece to be. Any problems or unforeseen techniques will be revealed as the mock-up is being made.

Making a mock-up

Mock-ups can be made using materials such as paper, thick card, or modeling clay, as well as cheaper metals – copper, nickel silver, or lead. Try to choose materials that will behave in a similar way to the metal you intend to use. In this example, strips of paper and then copper shim are used to imitate the sheet metal of a finished piece.

Lead mock-ups

Lead is a very soft metal that is easily worked and therefore good for making mock-ups. But due to its very low melting point, lead should not be used anywhere near where precious metal is worked. If any tiny pieces of lead are left on precious metal when it is being heated, they will melt, leaving holes in the superior metal.

1.Cut a few strips of paper approximately 12 in (300 mm) long and 1/2 –1 in (12–25 mm) wide. Color or mark one side of each strip so that it is different from the other.

2. Try making twists in the strips and gluing or stapling the ends together to form a paper bracelet. Play around with ideas until you find something that you really like.

3. Decide which of the paper mock-ups you like and then cut a strip of copper shim to the same dimensions. Bend it up in the same way as the paper model.

4. You will find that the metal behaves in a different way from the paper. Use your hands to manipulate it to achieve the effect you want. If necessary, use a wooden mallet or metal hammer. Remember, whatever happens in the mock-up will happen when you work on the real thing