Tools

I want to drill small holes in metal, plastic, ceramic, etc so that I can add a link to make charms. I need to solder as well. I need info on the supplies/accessories needed (what I need for soldering and drill bits needed) Thank you so much!

For your serious jewelry making needs, you will want a torch for soldering, not an iron. You may want to take a class if you’re unfamiliar with using a torch. I would recommend the Smith acetylene/air torch
( http://www.contenti.com/products/soldering/114-400.html ) as a good soldering torch–it’s simple, you only need one fuel tank (and no oxygen), and it’s relatively inexpensive. You can buy a tank at your local welding supply shop.
For drilling, I would recommend a flexshaft. It’s kind of like a dremel, but about a billion times better. If you’re on a serious budget, you can use a dremel, but a flexshaft is much nicer. ( http://www.contenti.com/products/flexshafts/236-971.html )The link is to a cheapie–the ones made by Foredom are the best, but a cheap one will probably suit your needs. I would get a set of wire gauge drill bits ( http://www.contenti.com/products/drills/200-106.html ). The set the link is for contains sizes that will correspond to the most common wire gauges. If I remember right, the #68 is for 20g, so if you need to drill smaller, you’ll need a couple more bits.

2 Responses

1. Steven D Says:
   July 4th, 2010 at 9:26 pm

   Try this one:http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/ They might seem expensive but you only have to buy quality tools once.
   References :
   Glass engraver

2. spunk113 Says:
   July 4th, 2010 at 9:35 pm

   For your serious jewelry making needs, you will want a torch for soldering, not an iron. You may want to take a class if you’re unfamiliar with using a torch. I would recommend the Smith acetylene/air torch
   ( http://www.contenti.com/products/soldering/114-400.html ) as a good soldering torch–it’s simple, you only need one fuel tank (and no oxygen), and it’s relatively inexpensive. You can buy a tank at your local welding supply shop.
   For drilling, I would recommend a flexshaft. It’s kind of like a dremel, but about a billion times better. If you’re on a serious budget, you can use a dremel, but a flexshaft is much nicer. ( http://www.contenti.com/products/flexshafts/236-971.html )The link is to a cheapie–the ones made by Foredom are the best, but a cheap one will probably suit your needs. I would get a set of wire gauge drill bits ( http://www.contenti.com/products/drills/200-106.html ). The set the link is for contains sizes that will correspond to the most common wire gauges. If I remember right, the #68 is for 20g, so if you need to drill smaller, you’ll need a couple more bits.
   References :
   BFA jewelry and metalsmithing