Core Skills - Basics of Sawing
Core Skills - Basics of Sawing
We developed a set of classes you can take and access anytime you need them to build your core skills. With these foundations, you will be well prepared to create your own work. They are also the essential skills you need for many of our classes. By having them accessible at any time, you don't have to wait for a class to be offered again, they are always here ready to be viewed.
This is a pre-recorded one hour class, available at any time after purchase. Access does not expire.
Sawing (AKA piercing or fretwork,) is a basic and essential skill for metalsmiths and jewelry makers. There are many types of saws and blades, and logistics to consider to be able to saw like a pro! During this workshop, we will demonstrate and discuss all the important tools and practical skills that make sawing easier for more professional results. We will demonstrate the sawing skills in practice while working on a hands-on project with the students to produce a pendant design. A sawing template is available as an attachment. Students can choose one of the projects from the template provided or find a design of their own.
We will discuss the various saw blades, saw frames, loading saw frame, lubricants, bench pins holding tools, ergonomics, and proper body positioning.
Demos will include: Setting up to saw, piercing, posture, holding tools, saw stroke, and saw line clean up. We also address problem-solving. We will be discussing the best options for you so you can be an informed consumer. We recommend practicing on a 20g copper sheet with a design from the provided template.
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 Materials
- 20ga copper sheet (6" x 12") or 20ga copper sheet (12" x 12"). There are 10 2" x 2" choices on the template provided on a letter-size handout.
- Jeweler's saw frame and blades (size 2/0 - 5/0 blades)
- Rubber cement (recommended), full sheet sticker paper, or some other way of applying the template image to your metal
- Center punch
- Drill or rotary tool
- Drill bit 1mm or less in diameter recommended