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

  • Dust Mask 201669 | 201649

  • 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

  • Stamps - Various Designs and Shapes made from Hardened Steel

  • Brass Mallet 112137


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

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4 of Kelly’s Favorite Soldering Tools