Tools You need to Get Started
Tools are a super important part of being a Metalsmith. Without the right tools, making jewelry can be exponentially more difficult. But there are so many tools out there, so it can be completely overwhelming to know which tools you need. Hot tip: it depends on what you are trying to do and accomplish. Below I've listed a set of tools that I think all beginners should start out with.
Getting familiar with these tools will take practice. To help, we offer workshops where you will have the opportunity to create jewelry hands-on (you do not have to own tools to participate in classes).
I've broken my recommendations down into sections below so you can adjust depending on what techniques you want to focus on. Click HERE to download a printable version of the checklists below.
Basic Tools
Saw Frame (4" depth) 110132
Saw Blades (2/0 size is a good general size, but you will want to adjust to the gauge of metal you are using - GUIDE) 110308GR | 110306GR | 110304GR
Cut Lube or Beeswax 117003
Flat Nose Pliers 111901
Needle Nose Pliers 111911
Round Nose Pliers 111913
Flush Cutting Snips 111105
Needle Files #2 (various shapes - round, triangle, flat, barrette, etc) 114257
Large Hand File #0 and #2 (flat and/or half-round) 114939 | 114940
Ring Clamp 148.125
Ring Mandrel 143.079
Metal Shears or scissors 114227
Steel Block or anvil with a flat surface 112570
Set of small Drill Bits that are compatible with your flex shaft/dremel 349410 | 349419 | 349428
Workstation (Table, Bench, Plank of Wood… etc.) 113449
Bench Pin 110010
Steel Wool (superfine 00, 000, or 0000)
Rawhide or Neoprene Mallet 112229
Dremel or Flex Shaft - I've never used a dremel, but I've heard they are usable...That said a flex shaft is a very handy precision tool to have. 117095
Safety Glasses
Sandpaper (180, 220, 400, 600 grits) 337760 | 337764 | 337765 | 337767
Soldering
If you are interested in soldering/torches, follow this link to another blog post that goes more in-depth about the subject.
Solder - easy, medium, hard (sheet, wire, or chip. Any form is fine) 101100 | 101100 | 101704
Copper Tongs 501017
Sparex #2 or other type of pickling solution Sparex_Pickle_2.5l
Small Crock Pot to heat pickling solution 501022
Tweezers 115080
Soldering Pick 503019
Flux - I recommend Grifflux #1 or Handy Flux 504084
Third Hand 502067
Tripod w screen (optional but super helpful) 502087
Charcoal Block 502027
Torch - I recommend the smith torch for larger applications (cuffs, large rings, etc). If you are going to stay pretty small the little torch will be all you need.) If the smith torches are out of your price range at the moment, butane torches have come a long way! In order to use them in multiple applications, you’ll need a couple sizes. The microtorch is good for soldering small elements like jump rings, earring posts/wires, and chain. For larger pieces like heavy rings, bezels to backplates, etc, you’ll need something like this Durston torch.
Gas - Depends on the torch you select, but keep in mind you will need tanks of gas (acetylene, oxygen, and or propane). If you live in the Kansas City area, I recommend Hohenschild. I've been using them forever and they are easy to work with and very helpful.
Bezel Setting
Burnisher 113036
Bezel Roller 113079
Bezel - 28 ga Fine Silver Bezel (various heights and types) 101003
Stamping
I order a lot of my tools and supplies from Rio Grande. They have a huge selection, and everything is of good quality. Purchasing items from Amazon or Etsy is doable, but I haven't been overly impressed with the quality. Not to mention you often have to use separate sellers just to get everything you need. Otto Frei also has many good quality tools. In this other blog post, I go into more detail about my favorite vendors.
If convenience is your goal, I highly recommend our Beginners Tool Kit and our Favorite Finishing Tools Kit! We’ve sourced a majority of the above listed tools for you without a lot of unnecessary extras. If you plan to set up an at home studio, you will still need to buy a few things individually to get started (soldering set up, flex shaft, etc). Download the PDF of my recommended tools for full tool descriptions and images.
We invite you to share your thoughts with us. Have a favorite tool that we didn’t mention? Tips for beginners? Join the conversation in the comments section below or on our social media channels. Your feedback and experiences enrich our community and help fellow metalsmiths on their creative journeys.
xo - Kelly
