11/16 Lathe Techniques for Wax Stone Settings

Saturday, November 16, 2024 
10:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT

Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse

Let’s transform your creative visions for stone setting into stunning pieces of jewelry! Imagine confidently approaching a lathe, your hands steady as you carve intricate designs into wax, the precursor to your next breathtaking creation. Lathe Techniques for Stone Settings in Wax is here to turn that dream into reality!

Navigating new equipment can be daunting, but what if you could do it with ease and assurance? Picture yourself, not only making stone settings in wax on the lathe but also letting your creativity flow unimpeded by technical uncertainties. We understand the hurdles of learning new skills—especially when it involves something as delicate as jewelry design. That's why our workshop is tailored to build your skills, knowledge, and most importantly, your confidence.

You'll start with the basics, under the guidance of experienced instructor Jennifer Stenhouse, who remembers what it was like to be in your shoes. Step by step, you'll learn mini-lathe techniques to shape and carve jewelry wax into components that will form the foundation of your unique jewelry pieces. Whether it's traditional or fantasy settings that you envision bringing to life, we provide the supportive environment and expert knowledge to make it happen. This workshop isn't just about learning a new skill—it's about unlocking a new realm of possibilities for your creativity and craftsmanship.

All Levels

All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page.

You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following the class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page on the first day of the month after your class.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

Supply List for Students

The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Students in the Rio for Schools program enjoy wholesale benefits for six months (instructor code = RFSLMF). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Recommended Tools:

• Mini lathe from Amazon
• Flexshaft rotary tool
• Speed Control Adapter from Amazon
• Flexshaft holder kit or Delrin block and vise
• Wax holder mandrel
• Sharp tools like a linoleum cutter, dental tools, X-acto knife and blades , or a few small pieces of brass, 18-24 gauge
• Wax file
• Diamond needle files
• Hot wax tool like a digital wax pen
• Carving wax tubes. There are several to choose from: gold, green, purple, or blue
• Sticky wax
• Vacuum for removing shredded wax and chips
• Mini brush and dustpan for removing shredded wax waste
• Round stones to set: Faceted, cabochons, CZ’s, or Rosecut. Any size will work, but I would try something larger, at least 4mm up to about 12mm.