Making a Celtic knot silver chain necklace (with favourite pliers)
How to make a silver Celtic knot chain by using circlip pliers.
Making a tight Celtic knot is easy by using this tool.
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I managed to miss out a crucial bit of information in the video for making this chain and that is the small link wire diameter i used being 1.3 mm.
Also please consider subscribing to my channel to see my new videos and to give me a big fat smile … here's a link you can click …
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thanks … Nick
Ps
If you would like to see more of my creative stuff … here's another link to click…
• making silver and bron...
I thoroughly enjoy chain making, I find it very satisfying … if you would like to see more of my silver chain making videos here’s a playlist you can watch kzhead.info/channel/PLYHMxIHcYj0aPFwHAV7p4pkxeraaY6hGZ.html … cheers … Nick
thank you! I'm most definitely going to take a looksee
Thanks Nick. I haven't ever made chain. This looks intriguing and satisfying , and i will make one once i have finished my other projects that are waiting for elements so they can be completed.
This is the most beautiful chain I have ever seen! How many total hours to make? Do you sell your creations? Thanks for sharing ⭐️
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sorry Patty, comments are surfacing that I’ve not replied to. I could probably make one of these chains if I really went for it in a day. I don’t sell stuff, just make it for pleasure … cheers … Nick
Forget the chain. You’re a genius. Now I can make perfect teardrop earring shapes!
Thanks Elaine, surprising what can be made with cheap circlip pliers … have fun … Nick
I never realised how involved and time consuming making this type of jewellery can be. I have neither the skill or the patience to do so but I am full of admiration for anyone that does. The bracelet is beautiful!
Hi Dulcie … jewellery making can be a bit all consuming, the skills needed for this sort of thing are easily learnt however patience certainly is a virtue when it comes to chain making … cheers … Nick
I would love to buy something like this,all the work that went into handmaking it is enough to make me wanna proudly wear it
thanks for that K, I should make the effort to try and sell stuff … maybe one day when I have more time … all the best … Nick
SOME PEOPLE THAT DO VIDEOS ARE MINDLESS CHATTER BOXES AN ITS HARD TO FOCUS ON WHAT THEY ARE DOING... I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEOS THAT HAVE LITTLE OR NO CHATTER IN THEM... I CAN REALLY CONCENTRATE ON WHAT YOUR DOING AN LEARN FROM YOU EASILY THAT WAY.... TY TY TY
Nice to hear that Frances, being rather camera shy I hate having to do voice overs so avoid it if I can … cheers … Nick
You forgot your cap lock on? 😆
@@SebastienFortin07 I HAVE SIGHT PROBLEMS AN CAN SEE BETTER THIS WAY...
"WOW" That's all I can say. Thank you for sharing and give all the "sizes" to achieve this bracelet. 👌👌👌👌
thanks for that Gordo, i’ve learnt so much from KZhead videos … it’s now nice to have the ability to give a bit back … all the best … Nick
❤️❤️🙏❤️👍💓
Recently started making jewelry and still looking for the “one” thing that really defines me. I watch a lot of how to videos to learn and I have to say I love watching you make the Celtic knot. I could never make my own chains (not that patient) but yours is beautiful. Thanks for sharing so newbies like me can see how it’s done.
hi Shelley thanks for your lovely comment, suppose everybody is a newbie once. Over the years I’ve learnt a lot from the KZhead community, so it’s now nice to be able to give a bit back. Patience is a virtue when making chainmail. One thing I do have a lot of … probably learnt from my dad who encouraged us to join in with family 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzles when we were kids … all the best … Nick
Really lovely in its simplicity of style and construction.Many thanks for sharing
thanks William, surprisingly simple chain to make once you figured out the sizes of the links … cheers … Nick
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very good ideas, and nice way to cut the jump rings!
thanks for that Canela, life’s so much easier after working out this technique … cheers … Nick
Fantastic. The time alone from the creativity is what makes it special. I used to make rings and most people didn't understand the time that went into projects like this.
thanks Paul you’re so right with that, being a hobbyist I really enjoy making stuff like this and do it for the pure pleasure. I don’t think I could make something like this 10 times faster so it could be sold for a realistic price … maybe more practice needed … cheers … Nick
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Makers of things do understand the time to just learn the craft and the execution of finished pieces.
anything these days. Most recently couple people were like !!!~ $10 for a tshirt so expensive - it used to be $5, or $4 for a head of lettuce. No concept of what it takes to grow a head of lettuce let alone how weave linen on a loom.
I’ve never seen anything like this and throughly enjoyed it. So much patience and love for the craft. Worth it!
thanks for that Linda, this sort of design arises from hours of fun fiddling and twiddling with ideas in my creative space … Worth it … cheers … Nick
Очень красиво, необычное изделие🎉
Thanks for that Елизавета … N
Wow... I've been doing chainmail for years, but this is a whole different level. Amazing work. Congratulations. Well done!
Thanks for that Lawlesslady, surprising what can materialise when you have plenty of time to play around with ideas in a creative space. I tend to fiddle and doodle a lot with copper wire to come up with new designs … cheers … Nick
the visual exposition is so totally on-point. every action in every shot communicates something. even when you're annealing, you repeatedly show examples of what the silver looks like at the proper heat. straight up, i will be able to make this from memory when i get around to it.
thanks for your comments Jonas, nice to hear you enjoyed my vid. This has been the most popular of all of them, just need to figure out how to repeat it. Good luck with your attempt at this chain, repetitive annealing is key for it to work … N
I do alot of arts crafts, leather, paint , carving anything really . But this I dont have the patience. I actually was falling asleep ..was comfortable to watch . Takes way to long to see progress... good job man ....
hi Cody thanks for your comment, I do love the repetition and monotony of chain making … not sure if I could cope with a whole suit of chainmail … N
That's beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! … N
Gorgeous!
Thanks Mary … N
Nice work Nick,NOW drop forge a PENDANT that can SLIDE on your chain 🤘☢️🤘. Great work Bruv... Oh, just to let you know... Your work is MAD Genius!!! No-One who only LOOKS and never ATTEMPTS this kind of work has a CLUE how complicated it TRUELY is... Thank You.
Hi Ralph thanks for your comment and encouragement, I did go a bit mad attempting this … Nice suggestion, the view count has done so well with this vid i’ll have to try and do a part two … all the best … Nick
Stunning!
Thanks Gail … N
I appreciate that you enjoy these pliers so much, that you had to announce it in the title. I have similar loving relationships with some of my tools 😂👍
thanks for your comment Jack, it’s easy to have a loving relationships with tools … I hope they don’t get jealous of one another … N
@@Nickscreativestuff where do you get your pliers
It’s so pretty! Definitely daintier than the first - shows the progression of your skill!
thanks for that mellowenglishgal, the dainty stuff is definitely more of a challenge … cheers … Nick
Your videos are amazing. You show all the tricks with tools mm sizes of wire and rod used. ❤❤
Thanks Pravin, i’ve learnt so much from KZhead myself so it’s now nice to be able to give a bit back … N
Your tools are beautiful! Love those industrial looking pliers! fyi - make text smaller so we can see the screen better. It's hiding some tools. 0:57 - How clever!!! I love the way your mind works, ha ha ha! I think your DNA has genius genes. Q: Do you have to cool down silver after soldering, in cool water? Can you skip this step for silver? So much work on the links, wow! I'll never complain about high prices again. 100% worth it. You are buying an artist's work. Thank you so much for this lovely video!
thanks MJ, my favourite pliers being cheap and from the car mechanics industry instead of the posh jewellers. thanks for the tip about font size i’ll check that out and try and improve my ways. This chain is only possible with a lot of annealing. Quenching in water is part of that process but not necessary after soldering. I think my video made it look a bit long winded when really it’s a relatively quick chain to make with a bit of practice and batch processing the steps … all the best … Nick
Very nice and pretty. Also I like that there's not any music, it's just quiet and work sounds.
Thanks for that Anjairis, I don’t find it easy getting quality work sounds especially when half of it is filmed on the dinner table with household clatter going on all around. Music seems to be the easy option most of the time … N
Beautifully made! I'm nowhere near that, I'm still cold forging, but it was mesmerising watching your process
hi Helan thanks for that, I was going to do a cold forged link chain but went for this one instead. there was a lot of processes to make this and I had to cut a lot out to try and keep the video short … all the best … Nick
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What a beautiful piece of art! Thank you for showing us your process. You are very patient.
thanks for your comment Tari, patience is a virtue when chain making… all the best … Nick
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Took me awhile to figure it out. I changed the size to 18 gauge so it was easier, then after I made a few links I switched back to the 16 gauge. I love your tutorials and the fact you show the size for the wire and mandrel. Thanks so much
thanks for your comment Valerie, I test and practice a lot with copper first to find sizes and dimensions that I’m happy with before tentatively committing to silver. i’ve learnt so much from KZhead videos it’s now nice to be able to give a bit back … cheers … Nick
One of the things that I would most like to learn is welding and all kinds of welding and everything that goes with it.
hi love and peace, definitely have a go welding is very satisfying available at evening classes or even friendly welders who can show you and let you have a try … cheers … Nick
So soothing and relaxing to watch
Nice to hear that Young Be World, thanks for your comment … N
GORGEOUS!! Your techniques are super impressive to watch! I wish I knew someone who had all the tools and gadgets you do to attempt my own bracelets and necklaces!! You make it look easy ( and I know it's not) thanks for sharing your skills🤩
thanks for your comment Sherri, being a bit of a tool freak I’ve collected a lot of them over the years. I suppose practice makes perfect and an edited video makes it look quick and easy … all the best … Nick 👍😎👍
I make hand made necklaces and this give me an idea about chains. I have never worked with metal before.
thanks for the comment redheadweirdo, definitely have a go with metal … copper is a great place to start … soft to work, cheap, easy to source and similar to working with silver … good luck … Nick
@@Nickscreativestuff thank you. I'm trying to find those reverse open pliers you use. Did you make those metal sleeves as well?
they’re called circlip pliers, I make my own sleeves out of all sorts of bits and bobs that can be upcycled … cheers … Nick
Another great demo thanks, I'm going to have a go at this one in copper first then silver for my 4 granddaughters.
cheers Barry, I always practice and test a lot with copper first before committing to using my precious silver. The key to this one is lots of annealing … you’ll have your work cut out keeping 4 granddaughters happy … N
I've been wanting to dig in to making different chainmail link bracelets so thank you for this.
thanks for the comment Christa, I never learnt how to knit wool but I find weaving chainmail very relaxing and meditative … cheers … Nick
Wow! This is gorgeous and you did a fantastic job documenting your process! Thanks for sharing! I am blown away at all the steps and how did you even figure our how to make that work? If I were to spend alot on jewelry, it would be on this! How sturdy and lovely!
Thanks for your comment Tech4ever, filming is the hardest part of the process my phone camera seems to get in the way of working all the time. lots of hours spent tinkering and fiddling with ideas using copper wire first give me the confidence to try this sort of thing in silver … all the best … Nick
@@Nickscreativestuff , здравствуйте! Очень понравилось ваша уникальная работа ! Подскажите пожалуйста данные цепи, какой метал , пробу ,диаметр проволоки, общий вес и длину цепи. Хочу сделать браслет на запястье из золота 585° и необходимо уложится в 8 грам золота 585° Скажите данные для дальнейшего пересчёта в золото 585°
sorry comments are servicing that I’ve not replied to. this chain ended up weighing 30g and is 19inches long i’m sure it would look very nice and gold cheers Nick
Thanks you for your GREAT ART . THIS VIDEO BLOWING MY MIND !! ONE MORE TIME THANKS.👋👏💡
Nice one Jacob thanks for your comment … N 👍😎👍
i never thought of using oil, brilliant idea
I was surprised how much it helps when the knot starts to get tight … N
That is a lovely chain! Now I gotta try it! 😢
thanks for that Cassandra, I practice a lot with copper first and plenty of annealing needed with this one … N
I watched your video 3 Times! You’re so fascinating with your metal works. Thank you so much for sharing your craft!
Thanks views Neenah, this is my best ever video with nearly half a million views now. never know what’s gonna do well until it gets going … N
You are terrific, thank you we need more folks like you in this world!!!
thanks for your lovely comment Angelina, i’ve taken so much from KZhead over the years it’s now nice to be able to give a bit back … cheers … Nick
🙏🙏👍❤️
Parabéns que dom maravilhoso muito capricho
Thanks for that Dulce … N
Loved watching it but will never do it. Incredible artistry.
thanks for that Gale, glad it’s enjoyable to watch … N
Great video. Thank you very much!
Thanks Nick. I can’t wait to try this!
hi Annetta, it’s a very forgiving chain to make as long as you remember to be constantly annealing, and not to be too disheartened if you break a few links … good luck with it … Nick
I love this chain
thanks Maggie … it’s sometimes called a love knot chain … Nick
Beautiful piece of work !
thanks for that Sanjay … N
Simply beautiful!
thanks for that Rob, I find this to be a nice blokey chain to wear … cheers … Nick
👍❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍
This is lovely! Thanks for posting your process, now I have to dig out my supplies and start making jewelry again.
thanks for your comment kippertoo, nice to hear it makes you want to get back to it … have fun … Nick
Smart thinking on your tool modifications
Thanks Warrior 4Christ, one of my go to tools … very useful for all sorts of projects … N
Amazing! How does this man only have 10k subscribers?
thanks for the vote of confidence Mrs butterKup, i’m getting there slowly but surely, just have to keep up the pace with video production … cheers … Nick
GRAET TECHNIQUE! LOVE YOUR WORK!
thanks David, all good fun … N
Работа профессионала! Хотела бы себе такую цепочку
Hi Tina, being hobbyist I make this sort of thing for pleasure. I’m sure a local jeweller to you could easily produce this to your requirements … cheers … Nick
Hooooolllllyyyyyy shitttt!! Wow! Just... wow!! And here i am just looking into how to put an end cap onto a snake chain!😂 You're amazing! Well done!!
thanks for that koosamonkey, good luck with capping your snake chain … cheers … Nick
I’ll have to try this for my shop sometime. I’m sure this would make my resin pendants look that much cooler!
thanks for that chicken farmer, this would make a great chain for a chunky pendant … cheers … Nick
Beautiful work
Thanks Theresa … N
An absolute craftsmen ! That is a stunning piece. Thanks for sharing.😊
Thanks for that Grant, I do love arts and crafts and it’s a pleasure to be able to share … Nick
What a gorgeous piece of work!! Incredible!!!! So talented and patient! ❤️
thanks for that Kathy, it is said that “patience is a virtue” and “trees that grow slow bear the best fruit” … all true when chain making …. cheers … Nick
Whew, and I thought chainmaille took me a while to do. Dedicated to the art for sure and it shows. Beautiful work! 💙
hi Kera thanks for that, definitely do love making chains … what some people would find monotonous I find very relaxing. Doing it for the love of it definitely works … not so sure if it was for money … cheers … Nick
🙏👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
И без слов всё понятно . Молодец .
thanks for that Aleksandr … N
Absolutely beautiful__great craftsmanship! Thank you for sharing your artistry. 💖🙌😺
thanks for that Debra, I was amazed how well this video got seen … N
I am starting with pre-made settings. This is so far beyond my ability but I subscribed to try to get better. Thanks for being there for us learning!
thanks for your comment and sub Livvy, I started silversmithing late in life but it’s never too late to learn something new. KZhead has been a great teacher for me so it’s now nice to be able to give a bit back … cheers … Nick
I loved watching this process ❤️
thanks Angela, I love playing with this process … N
That is stunning! Thank you for the detailed tutorial.
thanks for that Susan, its nice to be able to share stuff … N
Fascinating!!! I had no idea what it took to make something like this. Now I understand why the price points are what they are. ❤
Thanks for that Roxanne, a lot of work can go into bespoke chains one of the reasons they are expensive. Some delicate chains can have very little weight of silver however the time and effort that can go into one can be immense … cheers … Nick.
Amazing. I really love how simple you make it seem.
thanks Mike, I suppose it gets easier after lots of practising with copper before committing to silver …cheers … Nick
Excellent work, never thought to stretch the knots like that. I usually make simple single link chains, this gives me new ideas. Thanks.
thanks for that Joseph, The trick to this is constant annealing and not to worry if you break a few … cheers … Nick
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I enjoyed watching you make the little parts.
thanks spicybean, lots of variations on a theme connecting these little parts … cheers … Nick
I've always wanted to try this out and after watching your video - moreso now. Thank you for posting this. 🥰
thanks for that Celtic Druidess, I learn a lot from trial and error. cheers. Nick
Absolutely fantastic! Such a beautiful craftsmanship. Patience and dedication.🙏
thanks for that Mamita, patience is a virtue when chain making …. cheers … Nick
I'm amazed
thanks Knopka … N
Beautiful!!!
Thank you Karla … N
This is absolutely gorgeous! 🥰 Thank you for sharing! 👍
thanks for that Katharina … N👍😎👍
awesome work, you make it look easy. But the tutorial was easy to follow, I gotta try this ;)
Thanks Chris, for me the key to this working is lots of annealing. Good luck with it … N
WOW 🤩 that’s stunning 😍 and a lot of work. I didn’t realise silver wire was such a pain to work with 😆
thanks for that Rachael, after working with silver for a while you get used to it’s constant need for annealing … cheers … Nick
Stunning.
cheers Allan … N
I didn’t realise you could tumble polish silver like that. This a very useful video thank you!
hi Jasmine, yes it’s a very easy way to polish stuff just throw it in and wait. The only problem being it can take a long time, minimum 4 hours. cheers … Nick
@@Nickscreativestuff I don’t mind the wait or the noise (I’m deaf lol) thanks for the info though. The finish is amazing! I need to try this! 😊
there is a few different mediums that can be used for polishing, I use a very small stainless steel shot, it’s great for getting into all the nooks and crannies of a fine chain. … N
@@Nickscreativestuff how would it fair for working with fine silver 99.99? Do you know? I love all things silver, working with different gauge wires etc eventually I want to get into casting rings, pendants and clasps etc. I too use a knitting needle for making links!! I love creating things. Looks like you have a real flare for it! I found how many times you stretched and annealed particularly interesting. Thank you for taking the time to answer me.
hi Jasmine, A tumble polisher works well for sterling silver, fine silver, golds, bronze, brass and copper although never to mix them in one tumble. The other thing not not to mix is heavy items with delicate items. Otherwise you can get a lot done in one go. i’ve not done much with fine silver but I find sterling work hardens very quickly and needs constant annealing. I to have true love for creativity and couldn’t imagine life without it … all the best … Nick
That is a handsome chain, well done.
thanks Mary, this is my attempt at making a blokey chain … cheers … Nick
You never disappoint Nick! You always amaze me! Beautiful!
thanks for that Tammie, Time was running over with this one so I edited out the disappointing bits when i was breaking links … cheers … Nick
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Great chain design, beautifully made !
thanks Filip, The result from lots of playing around with copper wire … cheers … Nick
Gran trabajo !!!!! Quedo hermosa!!!!!
thanks for that Patty … N
Спасибо, что делитесь! Получается очень красиво. Хорошая идея с узлом.
thanks for that E, endless variations on a theme with this knot … going to try a wrist chain next … cheers … Nick
@@Nickscreativestuff удачи вам, Ник. Я подписалась, интересно посмотреть на новые плетения.
thanks for your sub, I have had some luck with it I’m amazed that now over 10K … all the best … Nick
I love it. Thanks for sharing 🙏
thanks RL, Nice to be able to share … N
Pretty stuff! Thank you
I am sure Patience is part of it With a bit of Detail perfecting. I want to do this but I am not sure I can tolerate the detailing.
hi Tina, once you start on this it is a commitment to see it through. I practice a lot with copper first to make sure it is easily achievable. A lot of projects go by the wayside during the copper phase. cheers … Nick
absolutely stunning! thank you so much for sharing how you made this. i cant wait to try it myself!
thanks for that Heather, constant annealing is the trick to this this one … all the best … Nick
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Holy crap, I love it! You have some extremely valuable ideas. Thank you so much for sharing.
thanks for that Fallen, ideas to have value i’ve just started earning a little from someone of my videos … exciting to start having a small digital income … cheers … Nick
Outstanding crafting!
thanks for that Debi … N
Absolutely a beautiful work of art 🥰
Thank you so much Gypsy … 😀 … N
beautiful as always,nice job🌹🌹🌹
thanks for that DayKan … 👍😎👍 … N
Felicitaciones especial arte
thanks for that Irene … Nick
Precioso un gran trabajo
thanks for that Ali … N
that is gorgeous! and your instructions are so clear and easy to follow!
thanks Jane … good to hear that, being voiceless I do wonder sometimes … cheers … Nick
Beautiful chain!
thanks Nichole … N
A beautiful and well made chain! ❤️
thanks for that Louise … Nick
I would like to purchase one, exactly like this. I can show my other 1/2 of my heritage. ❤
hi suesan, I don’t make stuff to sell it’s just for the pure pleasure of creativity. However I’m sure a local jeweller to you would easily be able to make this chain … good luck with it … Nick
@Nickscreativestuff Thank you for the response. I prefer handmade, which is why I asked.
No harm in asking, a lot of High Street jewellers will take on commissions if you can show them what you want … N
AMAZING! Congratulations on such a beautiful creation! Thanks for sharing!
thanks for that Nyperi, it took a bit of trial and error to work it out … but got there eventually … cheers … Nick
Really enjoy your work looking for a bracelet like that wow brother outstanding 👍👍👍👍
thanks for that Ricky, i’m amazed how well this video has done … to cash in on its popularity I thought of making a bracelet chain in the same style … another video on the to do list … cheers … Nick
Me encantan tus videos, gracias por compartir tus excelentes ideas, te felicito por tener esas manos maravillosas
Nice to be able to share ideas … hands seem to always look dirty unfortunate consequence of filming so close up … cheers … Nick
That is a very cool design! I try to put the solder joint on the side of oval rings instead of at the bend; I seem to break fewer links that way.
thanks for that mark, The reason for me putting the joint at the end of the link is it helps hide any of my scruffy joints once the chains assembled … cheers … Nick
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Absolutely beautiful 😮
Nice one James, thanks for that … N
Hi Nick, just a little update as I've been making a fair bit of chain now, researching this one as I'm planning two today. my thumbs and fore fingers have some amount of hard skin on them. Very similar to how they go hard with playing guitar. Loving making jewellery and loving the channel pal.👍🏴
thanks for that John, Jewellery making can be quite demanding on hands mine tire quickly these days. chain making can be very addictive, end up getting through a lot of wire. I now save money by making my own from sterling silver casting grain. Bing hobbyist I’m always looking to economise somehow … cheers … Nick
@@Nickscreativestuff I find making the wire very satisfying. I smelt Sterling and 9999 fine and the sterling is way harder to work and I find it needs a lot more annealing. I bought a Smith little torch and that is so much better for smelting than mapp gas. I bought a Durston c165 as I knew I would get my money's worth out of it eventually. It's an expensive hobby to get into but all worth it I think, it's not the kind of work you can do with a claw hammer and a screwdriver. I'm just knocking up the links for these two right now. There's snow on the ground but the sun is blazing through the sun room window. Living in a house on its own in the Scottish Highlands up a hill and looking over the Murray Firth is not too bad an office. Keep up the good work pal 👍
I know what you mean about making wire a very gratifying process. Bit of a game changer having an oxygen and propane torch somewhat frustrating without. Nice to have a Durston has been on my wish list for many years. Nothing like a comfortable workspace with gorgeous views of nature to inspire … happy days … N
@@Nickscreativestuff Good on ya mate, till you do it you'll never know the joy. I came into this after a near death accident whilst working offshore in Denmark. I was building the biggest wind turbines in the world and was very severely crushed and almost lost a leg. After some time in hospital and a lot of healing I had to find something to do, I went from working in hundreds of tonnes of metal to mere kilos. I was a welder in the 90's doing mig,tig,stick, it's all the same apart from materials and melting points. 3 months and I'm producing stuff that people are stunned by, they don't realise it's a 35 year progression of working with metal. Trial and error, I melted two 18k jump rings I was soldering to go round a 2mm sterling bangle. A fidget bangle, my first commission from my mates wife when she saw my wife's one. The other 5 were fine. Still getting used to the heat from that no4 head with a 1/4 inch flame. I don't know where you live Nick but if you're ever up my way I'd be glad to host you to do some work together and talk about jewellery and other random stuff too..👍
Wow a scary demanding job. Nothing like a near death experience to encourage us to enjoy every moment and live life to the full. I had one in my first career as a tree surgeon made me change direction and only ever do what I truly love in life. I went on to be a metal worker and welder working for a friend in his artisan workshop. I now have my own mig, tig, plasma cutter and lathe to play with at home. I’ve not had the confidence to work with gold yet … would love to go abroad maybe one day and find some to play with … can’t bring myself to buy it the way I drop and lose stuff. Know what you mean about getting used to a Smiths Little Torch i blew a large hole through the side of a piece of 6mm silver tube completely ruining the project in my early days using it. Appreciate the idea of a visit, not possible at the moment with home commitments here in Bristol although thanks for the offer. Happy wholesome creating to you … all the best … Nick
Instantly enchanted by you chain and immediately decided I'd like to have a go - then I saw the amount of skill needed, the kit you use and decided it would be easier to buy one off a local craftsman at the jewellery quarter in Birmingham. Thanks for showing how it's done, it's a lovely watch.
hi Northern Light thanks for the comment, this chain is the outcome of lots of playing around with copper wire … A great place to start for chain making as copper is cheap and very similar to working with silver … all the best … Nick
Soldering and annealing are the only difficult parts as you have to do them repeatedly. However the rest is not daunting. Use Aluminum (all metal should be Dead Soft grade), keep the chain links round, so you don't have to solder each link. The reason for soldering is to remove the open end of each link because he has to stretch it into an oval shape. Without the oval shape or fancy twisties, you can easily make a chain. Make different link rounds, hammer or texture them, use small washers even. You will need two nose pliers and a hammer and a rod to make the coils. You can coil with drill or by hand. Try it with cheap aluminum first at 18 gauge or higher. 20 gauge is a bit too soft for chain links. Then switch to Dead Soft Copper. Do not buy Half Hard or Hard. Each aspect of jewelry making is a trade skill - annealing and melting, soldering and welding, hammering and hardening, deburring and polishing, working with wire of different metals, shapes, tempers, and gauges. When you were a baby, looking at an adult walking or running seemed an impossible task, but you accomplished the impossible, didn't you? One step at a time. Its not hard. Its easy.