Just a note that if you buy W1 water hardening tool steel (drill
rod, either square or round, W1 is also called silver steel in
England and Australia) then it is dead soft, already annealed when
it is delivered. This means you do not need to anneal it before
forming or shaping the tool. In fact, heating and annealing (and
air cooling too fast) may end up harder than it was delivered....
Same applies to the O-1 (aka oil hardening) drill rod and flats…
It’s supplied in the annealed form also…
I think there’s an Air hardening type, also, but I am not familiar
with that…
On another note…you should always bear in mind that if you want
hardenable steel for tools, it has to be one of the higher carbon
varities…(e.g. W-1 or O-1, etc.)…
Lower carbon steel doesn’t harden well at all unless you case
harden, which is a whole another can of worms…
If ever I have the chance to attend a workshop I would be more than
happy. I remember though that you planned to publish a book on
chasing and repousse.When will that be? Could you inform me please?
If ever I have the chance to attend a workshop I would be more
than happy. I remember though that you planned to publish a book on
chasing and repousse.When will that be? Could you inform me
please?
I am still working on the book, thank you for asking. My intention is
to create the most comprehensive and detailed manual on chasing and
repousse.
Sadly, our little boy’s medical condition demands constant attention
and takes up a lot of time and energy. This has slowed me down
considerably, but I’m still doing my best to complete the book
In this final stage I have been looking into possibilities for
obtaining a grant which will allow me to dedicate several months to
writing only, and filming the video material.
Any from fellow Orchidians about available grants or
advise on grant applications will be helpful.
Valentin Yotkov
Valentin Yotkov Studio
Artisan Member of Society of American Silversmiths
68 Jay Street, Studio 501A
Brooklyn, New York, 11201
I am sad to hear that your son is ill; he’s a child and should be
happily whirling around. Besides my benchwork I’m working with
children, teaching in an alternative school, very rewarding occupation
because of my “pixies’” presence…
I will wait for the book. If I get any concerning a
possibility for your workshops to be held in Austria I’ll let you
know and I’d be glad to participate, of course…and show you
’beautiful Vienna’. Wishing you the very best for your work and the
care of your little boy,may he get well again…