Devin_Startup

Devin_Startup

Hello everyone, I was referred to Orchid by an Artist who is well known and hopefully wants to be a mentor to me someday. I first became interested in metals and gems after having imported jewelry from Peru some years ago. Eventually this motivated me to start smithing and,,well to tell you all the truth I work metal still like the old boys, with a torch and a hammer. I still don't have a mill. Obviously I manufacture my pieces by hand and I am looking for ways to make things work with what I have until I can obtain more tools for further creation. I would love some tips on drawing wire. What a pain!!! I take pride in saying that I start with the 999 silver and end up with a polished piece of 950 or 925. The stones I use are mostly brought from Peru. Eventually I want to obtain rock working equipment and cut my own cabs. Also, could some one tell me if they make their own gold solder and what formulas do they use? I like the Peruvian 18 k orange mixture. Could I use some Tin in my solder mixture? My torches are from Peru also. They run on gasoline and a foot bellows one gallon of gasoline lasts me four months. Heheheh I bet you are all thinking, this guy is real primitive. Lol :o) Greetings to all Sincerely Devin Startup