36 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR: Pete Acquisto, Fellow
COURSE: Silversmithing and Machine Work
PROJECT: English Punch Ladle, Circa 1729–30
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This unique ladle, measuring only 14" long in full size, will make an excellent project for the lathe. Students will use the lathe and the flexshaft machine to turn the handle of the ladle out of ebony wood. The handle extension and the bowl of the ladle will be turned out of sterling silver. Students will also use the mill with the dividing head to position the handle and spout precisely in the proper positions. Sterling silver wire will be used to fashion the spout. This class will be fun and slow paced with a good introduction to the basic use of the lathe and some of its attachments. They will also learn basic soldering by first practicing on scrap silver and then soldering the handle extension and spout to the bowl of the ladle. These pieces will be perfect soldering applications for the beginner to learn to solder. The flexshaft machine will be used to polish the ladle to a high polish. Students will have a very beautiful piece to take home.
TIME:
36 hours. 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 and want to make something else or just practice their turning skills.
POWER TOOLS:
lathe, mill, flexshaft, buffing machine
SKILL LEVEL:
Beginner and intermediate. This class is designed for the person who wants to learn to operate the equipment necessary in machining and silversmithing. However, more intermediate students who have had silversmith or machine experience will find this class to be the perfect opportunity to learn new ways of working with silver while refining and perfecting existing skills.
MATERIALS FEE:
$100 to be collected at school