The Metalsmithing & Jewelry studio is equipped to offer workshops in traditional metal techniques, precious metal clay, enameling, stone setting, casting, and small metal sculpture.
The metalsmithing studio is tucked into the woods just past the fiber and the flameworking studios when driving into Snow Farm. The maximum class size in this space is 8. Each student has their own bench space, under-bench storage drawer, and task light. Shared flex shafts are installed at the main work table with the teacher demonstration area located at one end.
Browse the gallery below to explore the Metalsmithing & Jewelry studio and view a floor plan.
Equipment & Supplies
The soldering stations were expanded and upgraded in 2017. Four stations, each with a fire-resistant adjustable height chair and ventilation draw, assures that in a class of eight everyone can solder without a long wait. Other equipment includes a vacuum casting machine, a rolling mill and texture plates, a wire mill, heavy duty guillotine shears, one Beverly shear, five flex shafts, two stationary drills, a large and a small anvil, seven railroad track anvils, a small belt sander, a double sided polishing station, a hydraulic press with multiple texture and cutting dies, multiple bench vices, a digital scale, and toaster ovens for polymer clay.
Kilns include one Paragon kiln for enameling, one Paragon kiln for PMC only, and one other large kiln. All of the kilns have digital controllers to ensure precise temperature control.
Each student is provided with their own tool kit which contains a jeweler’s saw, center punch, scribe, pliers, files, solder holders, and flush cutters. The studio is also equipped with a full array of communal hand tools includes saw frames and assorted blades, two dapping sets, a disc cutter with punch set, a variety of ring and bracelet mandrels, ring clamps, tube cutters, a miter vise/jig,and all manner of pliers, cutters, hammers, and sandpaper.
The studio is stocked with wire and sheet in copper and brass. Silver is stocked per instructor request depending on the class’s needs, but there is a small amount of silver wire and sheet for purchase if you need extra. We cannot guarantee that we will have specific sizes and gauges available, so it is recommended that if you expect to need extra silver for a project that you bring your own from home.
This studio has heating and a window air conditioning unit. All studios are supplied with hand sanitizer, KN95 masks, nitrile gloves and anti-bacterial wipes.
Physical Requirements
Working in the metalsmithing/jewelry studio generally requires average strength and mobility. Some classes, however, include repetitive hammering, forging, or forming, which require extended periods of standing and moderate to high level hand and full body strength. Jewelry and metalsmithing can also involve fine, detailed work, which requires long periods sitting and bending over a project. The physical demands in metalsmithing can vary from class to class. Students who are concerned about their ability to participate safely and comfortably in a particular class should contact us to discuss before registering.
Open Studio Guidelines
The metalsmithing studio is available 24 hours per day throughout a workshop. Instructors will outline safety guidelines for students who are staying to work, including any tools that should not be used without the instructor present. We suggest bringing a cell phone in case an emergency arises and you need to contact the on-site coordinator. Torches can only be used when the instructor or another student is present. Any students using a torch after the instructor leaves should be approved by the instructor as competent with safety and shut down, including proper bleeding of all gas lines before closing the studio at night. The polishing wheel should never be used without the instructor or another student present.
As is true in all Snow Farm studios, no consumption of drugs or alcohol is allowed in the studios, nor shall students work with studio equipment when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The last person in any studio is responsible for studio shutdown and turning off indoor lights and closing the doors for the night.
Student Gallery
