Metalsmithing/Silversmithing Safety

[moothecow2k]

Hello all,

I'm a complete newbie interested in metalsmithery, particularly silversmithery.

However, due to my location and funds, I'm not able to take any formal classes or formal teaching.
I wish to know about safety issues with metalsmithery--specifically with any potential threats from flux fumes and such that I should be aware of, and any safety equipment I may need to purchase.

Many thanks in advance! :D

[Logan]

Hello moothecowk, I am a bit of a beginner myself. I have learned without any formal training as well. My teachers were 3 Mexican artisano’s who spoke no English, and I spoke very little Spanish. But we had a lot of fun, and I learned a lot.

As far as safety in soldering, the main key is to work in a well-ventilated area. A small fan blowing away from you is good. The silver solder I use doesn’t have any flux in it. So you have to place the liquid flux in place first. This flux doesn’t produce many fumes. The fumes you want to watch out for are when you place the hot item into the acid quench. These can be very harmful.

Tool cost? Well it could be expensive, but for a start up silver smith, you should be able to get all you need to start making cool jewelry for under $100. Let me know if you need help with this, or finding anything. Good luck and have fun...


Logan
logan@dlair.com
www.dlair.com

[Logan]

Hello moothecowk, I am a bit of a beginner myself. I have learned without any formal training as well. My teachers were 3 Mexican artisano’s who spoke no English, and I spoke very little Spanish. But we had a lot of fun, and I learned a lot.

As far as safety in soldering, the main key is to work in a well-ventilated area. A small fan blowing away from you is good. The silver solder I use doesn’t have any flux in it. So you have to place the liquid flux in place first. This flux doesn’t produce many fumes. The fumes you want to watch out for are when you place the hot item into the acid quench. These can be very harmful.

Tool cost? Well it could be expensive, but for a start up silver smith, you should be able to get all you need to start making cool jewelry for under $100. Let me know if you need help with this, or finding anything. Good luck and have fun...


Logan
logan@dlair.com
www.dlair.com