Tap & Die Cold Connections w/ Wayne Werner
Using and Making your own little screws while making your life easy! This workshop is designed to refine skills while exploring new ones. Most metalsmiths know how to rivet, it’s a great way to connect two pieces of metal without heating anything up.
In this workshop we will be making our own small screws by using micro tap and die kits available at most jewelry tool suppliers. We will also be tapping into small holes adding
threads to accept screws. Students will be able to gain experience with the tap and die kit by performing a series of exercises. We will explore decorative nuts, threaded tubes, caps and the mysterious “SCRIVET”…the screw turned rivet! Work time will be available to create a simple piece of jewelry that can be held together by screws. Such as a framed photo or a two tone pendant.
The following are some good examples of projects, and when a tap and die kit is an
“ACE IN THE HOLE’ for metalsmiths.
…adding pinback findings to a piece of jewelry with lots of fragile solder seams.
…attaching thin sheets of gold over a base of silver.
…attaching an enameled piece onto another piece of metal where a rivet will not work.
…creating a piece that may need to be taken apart one day.
…adding hinges to panels to create a bracelet.
…repair jobs where flame cannot be used.
Instructor will supply drill bits, tap and die kits as well as bronze base metal and silver wire for making screws. Students should bring in some 18-20 gauge sheet in silver, bronze or copper.
Materials Fee: $10-20 (cash only please)
Materials Fee Includes: bronze and silver wire for making screws