Videos

Torch Tips with Deanna Pastel

Tips, Tricks and How-To's on the basics of metal fabrication that you may not know.

Torch Tips with Deanna Pastel
Austin, TX- East Side Studio Tours I will be live with my work and the work of many of my friends and colleagues this November 13-14th and 20-21st, from 11-5pm. Downtown East Austin (details at the end of the video) A glimpse into our studio practices from local artists participating.
East 2021 Promo
A further in-depth look at what comes with the acetylene air torch from Rio; what your dials on the gauge mean, and what to look for when shopping for additional torch tips. Other important details include: checking for gas leaks, and how each component of the torch is connected to each other. Rio part #500105 Below is a link to the same torch found in the video. https://www.riogrande.com/product/smith-silversmith-acetylene-and-air-torch-kit-without-tank/500105
Additional Torch Tips - Setting Up Your Acetylene Air Torch
Why is my brass pink when it comes out of the pickle? Why won't oxides come off nickel? Simple science with a common household item added to your regular pickle will save you tons of time from sanding and bring your metal colors back to their natural state. In this video we are using Rio Kleen Nickel Pickle- for nickel, brass and bronze mixed with regular $0.99 hydrogen peroxide. https://www.riogrande.com/product/rio-kleen-pickle-for-nickel-brass-and-bronze/5010333gp An old recipe and my college dollars at work many years later! If you work in base metals- this is a must see!
Hyper Pickle
You may already be doing this in your practice, but had no idea what it was called! A few general tips that go along with the process of sweat soldering with emphasis on flux and solder proportion. Also you can do this with the stick method of soldering shown here in the video, but pallions will work equally as well.
Sweat Soldering
There's a trick or two to soldering granules, unlike being able to fuse them on gold or argentium. This tutorial shows you how to add solder to small and perfectly round granules and get them right side down onto your sheet. Here we're demonstrating silver to brass, but this technique can be done with any base metal or fine silver.
Soldering Granules
A basic paddle and scroll made out of 8 gauge copper wire stock. This is a simple technique for any beginning metalsmith looking to add some additional design to their work. *The key, is proper annealing to prevent tension cracks and keeping your stock square on the anvil or stake when tapering.* Questions? Ask away in the comments.
Basic Forging: Paddling & Scrolling
Some quick advice on your first potential at home torch- the Acetylene Air available through Rio Grande Jewelry Making Supplies. It's a great beginners torch that allows you to only have one tank, regulator and hose system for your work space. Simple to install and usually the torch of choice at most schools and workshop facilities. Acetylene Air Torch Kits can be purchased through Rio Grande at the link below: https://www.riogrande.com/.../smith-silversmith.../500105 Each kit comes with a 00 torch tip, and larger tips can be purchased additionally. Purchasing your tank locally at a welding supply shop will save you money on shipping. As anyone with soldering experience knows, you must have ventilation at your workspace. A great charcoal fume extractor can be purchased through Rio as well. A great addition to just having a window open with a fan unit. https://www.riogrande.com/.../benchtop-fume-extractor/500104
Acetylene Air - Your First Torch
Some quick tips on soldering your first pair of cufflinks. From basics, to absolute don'ts and some advice on shifting - this video will help get you through that first and scary solder job.
Soldering Cufflinks
Need to do a solder repair? Did your dental floss break? Just plain ol' wondering how to get that stone out of that bezel? Well, here is a few quick tips and tricks that work for me and my students.
How To Unset A Bezel
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