Beginner Supplies List

There are many different ways to be creative when you are metalsmithing. The many and varied tools available can be quite daunting at first. To help out, the list below has been compiled by the Sisters of the Sisterhood of Metalsmiths. This is a simple list of beginner’s tools to cover basic situations for the Brand New Metalsmith.

For Sawing:

• Saw Frame
• Saw Blades – 2/0, 3/0, 4/0
• lubricant: beeswax or a household candle

For Forming:

• Bench Peg/Bench Pin
• Pliers
• Rawhide Hammer
• Metal Shears
• Mandrels: get creative, use pipes, tubing, pens and bottles

For Filing:

• 400, 800, 1200 grit sandpaper
• Emery Sticks: check out beauty supply stores for inexpensive nail files and buffers
• Files – (Large and Small)
• Needle Files

For Soldering:

• Torch & Gas – so many different options! (link here to torch article)
• Solder
• Solder Pick: a steel stick, a sharpened piece of coathanger works well (put a handle on it!)
• Pickle: recipe

For Bezel Setting:

• Bezel Pusher
• Bezel Rocker and Burnisher

Misc:

• Calipers
• Third Hand
• Magnifier

For Polishing:

• Flex Shaft or Rotary Tool
• Polishing Tool & Compound (Tripoli and Zam)