Course Description:
The simple design of this piece makes it an excellent project for anyone who wants to try working with silver. Students will learn many different techniques in the making of the cup. The finished piece will be about ½" H, which will make it a nice size to work with. Students with previous lathe experience will be able to hone their skills and learn new techniques. Students with no experience will learn the basic operation of the lathe and the other tools listed below. The body of the cup will be shaped and hollowed out on the lathe. Next, it will be mounted on the mill, using a rotary table to drill holes in the sides of the cup for the handles. This makes it easy to position the handles perfectly in place on the sides of the cup. It also makes it easy to solder. The handles will be cut out of silver using the jeweler’s saw. Patterns will be provided. The shape of the handle will be refined by using hand files and the flexshaft. Students will then solder the handles in place. The final step will be learning the finishing techniques using the flexshaft and the buffing machine. This class will be fun, informative and students should walk away with a nice sterling silver two-handled cup. Students will be amazed with what they can do.
Time: 24 hours. This class will be fun, easy and slow-paced. Students will have time to finish the piece in the time allotted. There will also be plenty of silver available for those who finish early want to make something else or just practice skills.
Power Tools: lathe, mill, flexshaft, torch, buffing machine
Skill Level: Beginner and intermediate. This class is designed for the person who has no experience and who wants to learn to operate the equipment necessary in machining and silversmithing. However, more intermediate students will enjoy using this class to refine their skills.
