Thank you for this video comparing methods. However, you have not taken into account that most clay workers who advocate using the kiln over the torch, recommend a much longer firing process with a higher temperature, only using the 649⁰c when sterling silver wire is included in the clay work. They insist the resulting metal is more durable and can be worked like silver metal, at the bench, so a great way to produce component parts as well as complicated structures. A narrow length of decorated sheet can be hammered round to craft a U shape, at the size required, ready for a second firing with sculptured topping, for instance. The size remains true and the work is durable and strong, after work hardening, even when fine silver wire is used in the construction
Thanks for that info Vivien, Im new to this but am smelting then using a Durston and draw plates and have made some chains copying Dynamis and nicks creative stuff. I've made rings bangles all sorts really. I could see my stuff was soft and needed a way to herden them other than work hardening. I use sterling and 18k too. Very kind of you to spread your knowledge and thanks again.👍🏴
This was a great video. I have been using a torch for my silver clay, but lately I have made more pieces and think I might need a kiln to fire all of them at once. Very helpful video.
This soldering kits: www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Beginners-Jewellers-Soldering-Kit-With-Blow-Torch,-Borax,-Tweezers,--Soldering-Block,-And-Picklean-prcode-1VP-013 Plus silver clay here: www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/ We also sell kilns!
Hi! Just watched your videos and loved them thank you. I had created a piece a while ago now and torch fired it as per instructions however when I tested the piece’s durability I snapped it in half (it was a small pendant) there was no bend just a snap. I used PMC. I wonder is this because I didn’t fire it enough? I stopped working with it as I thought you could only kiln fire and not torch fire. Do yiu have any advice to help my understand what I could have done wrong? Is it only one particular PMC silver clay that you can torch fire? Thanks so much! Loving your videos x
Oh no! It sounds like the silver particles didn’t get hot enough to bond?! Pmc I’ve found the best to torch fire, use your blow torch to burn off the binder, gently bring the piece up to temperature and then keep it evenly hot for 3 minutes.
It looks like you’ve molded your clay with silicone molds. For a larger piece (say 2”x12”), would it hold its shape after de-molding and does the firing process warp the shape at all?
Just to clarify 2 inches by 12 inches? You would need a very large kiln to fire something this size. I'm sure there are artists who have used the clay in this capacity but our only experience is within making jewellery.
@@cooksongold Thanks! I’ve already ruled this out and I’m planning on doing cold casting with resin and metal fillers. This stuff seems good for jewelry.
Just this combo: www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Jewellers-Soldering-Blow-Torch,---Electronic-Ignition,-Max-1,300c---Includes-1x-300ml-Butane-prcode-1VP-054
Sian says: " Yes I think this will be fine. One thing I tend to do is either bend the mesh or use a bent one. www.cooksongold.com/Enamelling/Standard-Woven-Mesh-Rack-Stainless-Steel-Pre-Shaped-75x75mm-prcode-860-092 I tend to put the firing fork through the gap and then I can lift the mesh out of the kiln much easier and it feels steadier."
In terms of firing silver clay then it's best to read the instructions for firing. PMC ( a silver clay brand) states you can fire it with a blow torch, first burning the binder off and then keeping it hot for 3 minutes, you'll need to use your eyes to check it's not over heating and going to melt (the surface will look wet suddenly). For the kiln PMC and PMC flex instructions have different temp and times however a common one would be setting your kiln to 800 degrees c and firing for 30 mins.
This would really depend on what you are planning to fire and also the specifics of the location (in terms of ventilation and other people) Silver clay for example could produce some smoke. When you come to purchase you can contact us and one of our technician can talk you through what you will need: www.cooksongold.com/ We also sell extraction units : www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Fume-Extraction-Unit-prcode-998-AX10 www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/Prometheus-Kiln-PRO-7-PRG----------Programmable-With-Timer-prcode-855-1006#description
This might be a silly question but can you fire the jewellery in a traditional pottery kiln? I have a pottery kiln and only just discovered this craft and wondered whether it would work.
Sian says: "Not a silly question at all! In short yes, obviously if you have a huge kiln for large vessels it might not be cost effect to heat it up for such small items however as long as you can control and maintain the temperature you need to fire silver clay it should work. You may wish to purchase a wire mesh or brick specific for your silver clay work."
So that's an extraction unit that we sell. The room that we film in does not have a window and the pmc does smoke when you burn the binder off, we don't want to set the fire alarm off so we're being quite cautious.
Sian says: "I think I used the block from the silver clay kit: www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/Precious-Metal-Clay-PMC-Beginners--Tool-Set,-Blow-Torch-And-5.6g-PMC3-Silver-Clay-prcode-1VP-029&query=silver%20clay%20kit&channel=uk But you could any of the blocks that you would use for soldering silver such as: www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Durston-Vermiculite-Soldering------Block,-140mm-X-70mm-X-30mm-prcode-999-7264&query=soldering%20block&channel=uk "
Sian says: "Art clay silver and PMC will torch fire with a blowtorch. I've not had much success torch firing copper clay, I made a few rings and only one I felt had fully sintered."
Sian Says: "If the clay isn't fully dry then I think it would bubble and you would see little bumps form. Great question though and when we do some more silver clay videos I will try it out and film what happens!"
The silver clay in this video is 999 fine silver at the end of this process, you can also buy 925 silver clay. www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/
You didn't give clear instructions on keeping it glowing red for three minutes ect. Plus, cut them in half, you will find unhindered clay inside the blow torched one. I had too many failures with blow torching I bought a kiln. Even being careful and following better instructions.
Thanks Catherine hopefully our 'Getting started with silver clay' video covers all the instructions on torch firing clay. th-cam.com/video/yfWQPIAkxY8/w-d-xo.html So glad you were able to invest in a kiln and have had lots more success :)
Thank you for this video comparing methods. However, you have not taken into account that most clay workers who advocate using the kiln over the torch, recommend a much longer firing process with a higher temperature, only using the 649⁰c when sterling silver wire is included in the clay work. They insist the resulting metal is more durable and can be worked like silver metal, at the bench, so a great way to produce component parts as well as complicated structures. A narrow length of decorated sheet can be hammered round to craft a U shape, at the size required, ready for a second firing with sculptured topping, for instance. The size remains true and the work is durable and strong, after work hardening, even when fine silver wire is used in the construction
Thanks Viv, we really value your knowledge
Thanks for that info Vivien, Im new to this but am smelting then using a Durston and draw plates and have made some chains copying Dynamis and nicks creative stuff. I've made rings bangles all sorts really. I could see my stuff was soft and needed a way to herden them other than work hardening. I use sterling and 18k too. Very kind of you to spread your knowledge and thanks again.👍🏴
This was a great video. I have been using a torch for my silver clay, but lately I have made more pieces and think I might need a kiln to fire all of them at once. Very helpful video.
Glad it was helpful! A kiln could save you some time and you could also use other clays too!
@@cooksongold I just bought a kiln! I am so excited to try it out! ^_^
this was a very helpful video thank you!! Am beginning the journey of metal smith and am looking forward to creating
Glad it was helpful!
I see cookson and I see quality, the only people I deal with. Don't do clay but I watched anyway. 👍
Thanks for the watch! Great comment too!
Are you able to give some idea as to the weight of your examples. It’s not cheap but if the weight is known the budget becomes easier
These 2 videos show what you can make with 50g of silver clay
th-cam.com/users/shorts9ka_K_sJPBQ
th-cam.com/users/shorts1aZJhMk3O0k
Can I get the information on where and what items to buy? Very interested in getting the torch and the stone block.
This soldering kits:
www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Beginners-Jewellers-Soldering-Kit-With-Blow-Torch,-Borax,-Tweezers,--Soldering-Block,-And-Picklean-prcode-1VP-013
Plus silver clay here:
www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/
We also sell kilns!
Great tutorial thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi! Just watched your videos and loved them thank you. I had created a piece a while ago now and torch fired it as per instructions however when I tested the piece’s durability I snapped it in half (it was a small pendant) there was no bend just a snap. I used PMC. I wonder is this because I didn’t fire it enough? I stopped working with it as I thought you could only kiln fire and not torch fire. Do yiu have any advice to help my understand what I could have done wrong? Is it only one particular PMC silver clay that you can torch fire? Thanks so much! Loving your videos x
Oh no! It sounds like the silver particles didn’t get hot enough to bond?! Pmc I’ve found the best to torch fire, use your blow torch to burn off the binder, gently bring the piece up to temperature and then keep it evenly hot for 3 minutes.
And follow the directions for that brand of clay. They are all different (I suppose you know that).
It looks like you’ve molded your clay with silicone molds. For a larger piece (say 2”x12”), would it hold its shape after de-molding and does the firing process warp the shape at all?
Just to clarify 2 inches by 12 inches? You would need a very large kiln to fire something this size. I'm sure there are artists who have used the clay in this capacity but our only experience is within making jewellery.
@@cooksongold Thanks! I’ve already ruled this out and I’m planning on doing cold casting with resin and metal fillers. This stuff seems good for jewelry.
Another factor would be cost especially when just starting out. So far I'm having fun with PMC so when I can afford a kiln I will upgrade.
Yes, good point!
What kind of torch do you recommended?
www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Jewellers-Soldering-Hand-Torch-----Butane-Blow-Torch-prcode-999-955
Thank you, great info & presentation!
Glad it was helpful!
With the torch, is it just regular propane? Or is it MAAP gas?
Just this combo:
www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Jewellers-Soldering-Blow-Torch,---Electronic-Ignition,-Max-1,300c---Includes-1x-300ml-Butane-prcode-1VP-054
Hi! Are you using the metal mesh rack as a kiln shelf? I got one in my starter kit and was wondering if it’s safe to use as a shelf. Thanks so much :)
Sian says:
" Yes I think this will be fine. One thing I tend to do is either bend the mesh or use a bent one.
www.cooksongold.com/Enamelling/Standard-Woven-Mesh-Rack-Stainless-Steel-Pre-Shaped-75x75mm-prcode-860-092
I tend to put the firing fork through the gap and then I can lift the mesh out of the kiln much easier and it feels steadier."
Very nice video. Please tell me if the kiln or torch has to reach the melting point of the metal or its not necessary when being sintered ? Thanks
In terms of firing silver clay then it's best to read the instructions for firing. PMC ( a silver clay brand) states you can fire it with a blow torch, first burning the binder off and then keeping it hot for 3 minutes, you'll need to use your eyes to check it's not over heating and going to melt (the surface will look wet suddenly). For the kiln PMC and PMC flex instructions have different temp and times however a common one would be setting your kiln to 800 degrees c and firing for 30 mins.
Does the kiln need to be placed anywhere specifically? And does it need an extractor?
This would really depend on what you are planning to fire and also the specifics of the location (in terms of ventilation and other people) Silver clay for example could produce some smoke.
When you come to purchase you can contact us and one of our technician can talk you through what you will need:
www.cooksongold.com/
We also sell extraction units :
www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Fume-Extraction-Unit-prcode-998-AX10
www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/Prometheus-Kiln-PRO-7-PRG----------Programmable-With-Timer-prcode-855-1006#description
This might be a silly question but can you fire the jewellery in a traditional pottery kiln? I have a pottery kiln and only just discovered this craft and wondered whether it would work.
Sian says:
"Not a silly question at all! In short yes, obviously if you have a huge kiln for large vessels it might not be cost effect to heat it up for such small items however as long as you can control and maintain the temperature you need to fire silver clay it should work. You may wish to purchase a wire mesh or brick specific for your silver clay work."
What was the black tube like item u used during the torch version?
So that's an extraction unit that we sell. The room that we film in does not have a window and the pmc does smoke when you burn the binder off, we don't want to set the fire alarm off so we're being quite cautious.
@@cooksongold Thank you and I am excited I just bought a paragon SC3. Now I need to learn to use the PMC 3
Hi what was that hard block thing you used to torch the clay on ?
Sian says:
"I think I used the block from the silver clay kit:
www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/Precious-Metal-Clay-PMC-Beginners--Tool-Set,-Blow-Torch-And-5.6g-PMC3-Silver-Clay-prcode-1VP-029&query=silver%20clay%20kit&channel=uk
But you could any of the blocks that you would use for soldering silver such as:
www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Durston-Vermiculite-Soldering------Block,-140mm-X-70mm-X-30mm-prcode-999-7264&query=soldering%20block&channel=uk "
will a torch work on regular non precious metal clay?
Sian says:
"Art clay silver and PMC will torch fire with a blowtorch. I've not had much success torch firing copper clay, I made a few rings and only one I felt had fully sintered."
What happens if your piece is not completely dry when you torch it. Just curious.
Sian Says:
"If the clay isn't fully dry then I think it would bubble and you would see little bumps form. Great question though and when we do some more silver clay videos I will try it out and film what happens!"
@@cooksongold thank you. I’m not always patient enough to wait several days for something to dry. Lol I appreciate you getting back to me.
is this silver clay , 925 silver at end of process i am new to this
The silver clay in this video is 999 fine silver at the end of this process, you can also buy 925 silver clay.
www.cooksongold.com/Precious-Metal-Clay/
@@cooksongold thank you for your help and info
You didn't give clear instructions on keeping it glowing red for three minutes ect. Plus, cut them in half, you will find unhindered clay inside the blow torched one. I had too many failures with blow torching I bought a kiln. Even being careful and following better instructions.
Thanks Catherine hopefully our 'Getting started with silver clay' video covers all the instructions on torch firing clay. th-cam.com/video/yfWQPIAkxY8/w-d-xo.html
So glad you were able to invest in a kiln and have had lots more success :)