References for Rockhounds Smithing

The Art of Engraving
by James B. Meek

The Art of Engraving brings to the reader - for the first time ever - a complete, authoritative, imaginative and detailed introduction to and training in the art of gun engraving. It is a supremely unique book, for not only does it sweep aside the mystery which has surrounded engraving throughout the centuries, but it factually, simply and in laymen's terms tells you how to engrave. Unlike so many so called "instruction manuals", the The Art of Engraving does not assume you know anything about engraving. You start at the beginning by learning how to draw scrolls and layouts, the cut practice plates until you are sure enough of your ability to actually proceed in designing a pattern, transferring it to a gun and cutting it into the steel. Whether you want to learn to engrave now... think you might like to in the future... or simply with to broaden you knowledge of the art to be able to better judge the work of others (as you will learn to tell the good from the bad - and know why), this is the book for you. Hundreds of examples of master engraver's work to show specific styles, handling of designs, use of different techniques and the effect they achieve. Over 1378 photos, drawings, designs, illustrations and layouts. Thoroughly cross-referenced index with over 600 entries makes locating a specific tool, design, or technique fast and easy. Includes a comprehensive listing of important and useful reference books of design, engraving and metal work. Hard cover, 8.5" x 11", 196 pages.

Cheap Thrills in the Tool Shop is a profusely illustrated text presenting a loose, eclectic collection of short cuts, tricks and alternative equipment options for smiths. It represents a compilation of what are usually termed 'bench tricks' but might be properly termed "vernacular western goldsmithing tools and techniques". Most of what is described are tools that arise from practice, methods that are distilled from innumerable anonymous goldsmiths and metalworkers. A chapter on shop machines covers the anvil, buffing machine, casting machine, drill press, flexible shaft, hydraulic press, pickle pot, rolling mill, rotary tumbler, rubber mold vulcanizer, vacuum casting and investing machine, vacuum cleaner, and wax injector. A chapter on miscellaneous small tools covers bezel and bracelet mandrels, chasing tools, copper scoop, dapping tools, engraver's ball, files, flexible shaft tools, hammers, jump rings, pliers, pocket knife, raising compass, ring clamp, scrapers, stakes, swages, and wax tools. A chapter on procedures and associated tools includes drawing wire, mold making, polishing and finishing tools, burnishers, scoring and bending, soldering and soldering tools, stonesetting and its tools, and tubing cutting. Includes an appendix of supplier addresses. Soft Cover, 8.5" x 11", 80 pages.

Craftspeople and teachers throughout North America have adopted The Complete Metalsmith as in indispensable resource. Now revised and expanded, this classic handbook gives fuller coverage to familiar techniques and adds many new procedures to its already encyclopedic breadth. The straightforward text and instructive, clear drawings bring even complicated techniques within everyone's reach. Covered are materials, surfaces, shaping, joining, casting, stones, mechanisms and tools. Extensive charts and tables, supplemented and updated in this edition, offer valuable information and resources. The wire binding makes this guide thoroughly practical for both studio and classroom use. Highly recommended. Soft cover, 7.5" x 9", 192 pages.

Craftspeople and teachers throughout North America have adopted The Complete Metalsmith as in indispensable resource. The professional edition of this classic handbook covers additional smithing and jewelry making topics and provides even more in-depth information. The straightforward text and instructive, clear drawings bring even complicated techniques within everyone's reach. The diagrams and drawings in the standard edition are rendered with black and white, the profession edition features color. Covered are materials, tools, shaping, surfaces, joining, color, finishing, casting, stones and stonesetting, chains and claps, findings and mechanisms. Extensive charts and tables offer valuable information and resources. The wire binding makes this guide thoroughly practical for both studio and classroom use. Highly recommended. Hard cover, 8" x 9", 299 pages.

Custom Knifemaking
10 Projects from a Master Craftsman
by Tim McCreight

Custom Knifemaking spans the gap between pre-cut and art knives with step-by-step illustrated instructions for creating beautiful and unique knives. Learn how to make these projects, or designs of your own: kitchen paring knife, full-tang all-purpose knife, partial-tang carving knife, through-tang skinner, wilderness knife, forged camp knife, kitchen chopper, one-blade pocket knife, lockback folding knife, and Damascus steel dagger. Additional chapters cover tools, materials, knife design, sheath making, and forge set-up. Highly recommended for anyone with an interesting in making custom knives or simply learning more about the process and knife design. Soft cover, 7" x 9", 222 pages.

Forming Using Metal Characteristics: Fold Forming presents a system of sheet metal forming that emphasizes forming using the metal's characteristics. Forms are derived from the natural plasticity, ductility and elasticity of the metal. Fold forming is extremely efficient and rapid. Simple tools: fingers, hands, hammers, mallets, anvil and rolling mills. There is a theoretical introduction and step by step recipes for working sheet metal. Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 45 pages

Take your goldsmithing and silver work to the next level as you use time-honored techniques in new and exciting ways. Hundreds of color photographs illustrate both the methods you'll use and a rich variety of beautiful pieces created by talented artists. Innovative projects serve as an introduction to some of the techniques and include lovely square rings; a stunning traditional Berber bracelet; and a unique coffee service. The chapter on gems alone - featuring the work of Bernd Munsteiner, who is considered to be the best gem cutter in the world - makes this sourcebook invaluable to jewelry makers. Contents include Introduction, Silversmithing, Methods and Procedures, Soldering Projects, Working with Wire, Stringing a Necklace, Working with Platinum, Kum Boo, Hand Engraving, Electroplating and Surface Finishes for Metals, Alternative Casting Techniques, Making Casting Patterns, Metal Stamping, Precious Stones, Cutting Precious Stones, Bernd Munsteiner, Master Gem Cutter, Four Concepts of Creativity, Image and Business, Photography and Jewelry. Step-by-step projects include Coffee Service, Square Rings, Prism, Earrings, Hinged Bracelet, Brooches, and North African Bracelet. Hard cover, 9" x 12", 160 pages.

Metal Corrugation is guaranteed to infuse and inspire you with the playful creativity this process has to offer. Using a variety of tools and techniques you will rapidly be taken beyond any traditional utilitarian appearance seen with corrugated material that is part of our everyday life. Discover how you can get those waves (and more) into you metal work. Several years in research make this book a must for personal expression in metalsmithing and a necessity in your personal library. Profusely illustrated with color photographs. Hard cover or Soft cover, 9" x 11.5", 137 pages.

Packed with outstanding demonstration photos, brilliant work from top contemporary artists, and instruction from a master teacher, this volume belongs in the library and studio of every practicing and aspiring metalsmith. The Metalsmith's Book of Boxes and Lockets introduces a variety of metalworking techniques for box construction, hinges and closing devices. Guided by detailed demonstration photos and McCreight's expert instruction, even novice metalworkers will be ready for the challenge of designing their own boxes. The challenge of designing original boxes is supported with every turn of the page. The projects presented are a feast for the eyes and rich source for the imagination. Highly recommended. Hard cover, 9" x 10.5", 141 pages.

Metals Technic presents twelve articles representing the research, creativity and generosity of a dozen metalsmiths. The information presented is a composite of years of research and teaching experience, presented in the hope of making your own experimentation more rewarding. Covered are Sterling Granulation, Niello, Anticlastic Raising, Nonconforming Dies, Cold Connections, Fold Forming, Toolmaking for Jewelers, Kum-Boo, Depletion Gilding on Tumbaga Alloys, Patination, The Instant Etch Process and Reticulation. Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 151 pages.

Create 40 beautiful, one-of-a-kind beads in shimmering silver, copper, gold and other metals. Comprehensive and profusely illustrated, Making Metal Beads is an exceptional reference presenting many innovative design ideas and inventive techniques that will expand your jewelry-making skills.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the tools involved and how to use them correctly. Master the basics of metalsmithing that you'll need to create the projects, then learn how to finish and string your beads, making them into stunning jewelry.

Some projects will teach you how to embellish store-bought beads with eye-catching decorative elements or transform their surface in unusual ways. For example, hammering a pointed stamping tool around a bead will leave a slight impression, while using a torch to heat the surface will produce a fine reticulated texture in just seconds. Sawing patterns of fine lines around a bead's outer edge is another way to produce a unique effect.

Other projects involve creating a bead from scratch. Try cutting and capping commercial tubing and enhancing the pieces with patterned, twisted or beaded wire; weaving tiny baskets; and fusing wire into cylindrical grids. Use a hydraulic press to push sheet metal into a dimensional form with softly flowing organic shapes or geometric contours. Or wrap patterned, textured, or hammered sheet metal into a shape that looks similar to a crescent dinner roll.

To further inspire you, many talented artists have contributed color photographs of their own exceptional designs. Your varied and distinctive projects will look exceptional strung alone or mixed with gem or glass beads.

The how-to in Making Metal Beads is organized into 8 chapters. The Basics presents the fundamentals of Sawing, Filing, Sanding, Drilling, Piercing, Forming, Soldering, Finishing, and Stringing. Transforming Commercial Beads covers Stamping & Chasing Round Beads, Cutting & Dimpling Beads, Reticulating Beads, Soldering Wires to Beads, Soldering Balls to Beads and Soldering Sheet Metal to Beads. Making Cold-Connected Beads shows you how to make The Tube-Riveted Double-Dome Bead, The Notched Interlock Bead, The Notched Center Connector Bead and The Woven Bead. Making Beads From Tubing provides how-to for making The Basic Tube Bead, Embellishing Tube Beads with Cold Techniques, The Wire-Wrapped Tube Bead, and The Reshaped Tube Bead.

Making Soldered Double-Dome Beads illustrates techniques for making The Double-Dome Bead with Centered Holes, The Double-Dome Bead with Holes through the Rim and Embellishing Double-Dome Beads. Making Fused Beads shows you how to make The Round or Saucer-Shaped Fused Bead and The Tubular Fused Bead. Making Beads With The Hydraulic Press provides how-to for making The Matrix Die-Formed Bead and The Pressed Tube Bead. Making More Metal Beads presents The Square Bead, The Crescent Roll Bead and the Eight-Dome Bead.

Appendices include Templates & Charts, Acknowledgements, Index, Contributing Artists, About the Author, and Notes on Suppliers. Readers will appreciate Making Metal Beads for its lavish color photographs and the ideas and inspirations provided by many gallery pages illustrating metal beads designed and created by skilled smiths and bead making artists.

This comprehensive book provides solid information about the process of mokume gane (wood grain metal). From its beginnings in ancient Japan to its current renaissance in the digital age, the author traces its history and applications. With the help of other prominent artists in the field, he provides detailed instructions for metalsmiths, jewelers, and knifemakers who want to produce their own quality mokume. Each technique is thoroughly covered, with tips from the finest makers in the world. The text is copiously illustrated with over 150 color photos and includes 25 pages of mokume gane art by accomplished masters. All the technical data is here too, with step-by-step instructions, information on metal compatibility, and firing temperatures. All this and more makes Mokume Gane A Comprehensive Study an essential reference for any metalworkers shop.

A Mokume Gane in the Small Shop how-to video by Steve Midgett is also available.

Patinas for Small Studios describes safer, easy patination methods for metals using easily obtainable and kitchen chemicals to produce blues, greens, browns, blacks, greys and reddish tones. Application methods and options for pattern and surface control are described, Soft Cover, 8.5" X 11", 34 pages.

From accomplished author Tim McCreight comes another helpful tool for working craftsmen. Practical Joining combines his three decades of teaching with up to date research on the wide range of joining techniques available to artists working on metal on a small scale.

Traditional techniques like rivets and brazing (silver soldering) are described here, as are modern adhesives and laser welding. In every case, straightforward explanations and clear illustrations will help beginners and advanced workers in the practice of their craft.

Practical Joining is organized into three major sections. Cold Connections covers Tabs, Staples, Bezels, Threaded Connections, Rivets and Other Cold Connections. Hot Connections covers Soft Soldering, Brazing, Brazing Torches, Brazing Surfaces, Brazing Equipment, Soldering Investment, Miscellaneous Supplies, Clean up After Soldering, Welding, Welding Equipment, and Modern Welding. Adhesives covers Natural Glues, Casein Glue, Polymers, Polyvinyl Acetate, Hot Melt Glues, Epoxies, Cyanoacrylates (Super Glues) and Ultraviolet Curing Adhesives. Appendices include Equivalent Numbers (Gauges, Millimeters, Inches and Drill #), Temperature Conversions, Suppliers and an Index.

Silversmithing and Art Metal explains with the aid of pictures and diagrams contemporary methods of hand forming silver, copper and related metals into useful and decorative objects. The information and techniques presented have been gathered, tried, and developed through many years of actual work as a craftsman. Covered are tools and equipment, the metals, metal working techniques, forming techniques, plate and tray construction, box construction, spoons, picture frames, and spouts, decorative processes, and silversmithing and art metal projects. Soft cover, 7.5" x 10.5", 176 pages.

The chapters in Silver-Smithing follow a logical sequence from the simplest to the most complicated techniques and procedures. General principles, materials, tools, and processes are covered first. Part One, Introduction to Silversmithing, includes chapters on General Principles of Metalwork, Properties of Metals, Tools and Equipment, and Custom Making Tools. Next, operations that may be applied in different ways to many different projects are described in their general application so that they may be combined in any way that your specific design requires. Part Two, Basic Treatments, includes chapters on Annealing, Soldering, Pickling, Using Abrasives, Polishing, and Chasing and Other Surface Treatments. Part Three, Basic Tools and Their Use includes chapters on Cutting Stock, Filing, Hammers, and Stakes, Anvil Heads, and the Snarling Iron. Part Four, General Procedures includes chapters on Working Positions, Design, Working Drawings and Templates, Sizing a Metal Blank, Stamping the Work, Regulating and Truing, Planishing and Bouging and Repairing Work in Progress. Part Five, Special Procedures, includes chapters on Curving Flat Wire for General Use, Making a Wire Rim for a Bowl, Making a Round Rim, Wiring an Irregular Rim, Thickening an Edge, Making a Base with Flat Wire, Making a Base by Raising with Crimping, Seaming, Casting, Taps and Dies, Making a Spout, Making Ferrules, Pinning a Handle, and Making Hinges. Finally, a series of projects are presented to show how the general procedures are put together in the process of working a pieced from start to finish. Part Six, Projects, includes chapters on Sinking a Bowl, Sinking a Plate and Tray, Making a Bowl by Raising with Crimping, Making a Bowl with Raising without Crimping, Raising a Creamer with Self-Spout, Constructing a Box, Forging Flatware, Forging a Punchbowl Ladle, and Stretching a Gravy Boat. An Appendix covers Metal Wire and Sheet Silver, Tools and Supplies and Weights and Measures and a Metalworking Glossary is provided Hard cover, 7" x 9.5", 460 pages.

Since the first publication of The Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing in East Germany in 1961, this book has sold over 100,000 copies in Germany and Russia and established itself as a dominant resource for jewelers, sculptors and others involved in small scale metalwork. Early chapters discuss materials with focus on the noble metals (gold, silver and platinum) and detailed coverage of jewelry alloys. Chapter 3 provides a comprehensive description of chemistry related issues for studio metalsmiths, and in Chapter 4 Dr. Brepohl offers instruction in the physics of material usage that is both rigorous and practical. In later chapters this valuable resource explains the mechanisms of soldering, eutectic bonding and electroplating. Studio artists will find the information on silversmithing, chainmaking and findings especially helpful. Closing chapters cover gems, stonesetting and jewelry repair. Chapters include: Metals, Other Materials, Studio Chemistry, Handling Metals, Handworking Skills, Silversmithing, Machine Tools, Joining Techniques, Finishing Techniques, Specialty Techniques, Plating Technology, Settings & Findings, and Repair Work. An appendix includes Alloy chart, Temperature Conversions, Relative Sizes, Conversion Formulas, Equivalent Numbers, Sawblade and Drill Bit Sizes, Fineness of Gold, Thickness of Copper sheet, Weight Conversion Calculations, Bibliography, Suppliers of Metals, Suppliers of Other Materials and a comprehensive Index. With the publication of this English-language edition a new and eager audience will have access to this practical volume. The detailed illustrations and data-rich tables insure that this edition of The Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing will, like its German forebears, again earn a central position in the literature of the field. Hard cover, 8" x 10", 536 pages.

Table of Contents

Bob Keller