Im quite stunned that you would get online and offer people FREE tutorials, revealing what has taken decades for you to learn through painstaking trial and error.....and you offer that knowledge for FREE.....and STILL, people have the nerve to criticize your techniques, because they are maybe different from their own techniques...WOW Well, I LOVE what you're teaching me, and I'm very thankful for your excellent tutelage.
A 3rd generation Navajo artist. My grandfather was silversmith and he passed away when my father was young. But my father is a sculpture and so am I. But I very much appreciate you helping my gain a piece of my culture and legacy back. Can never say thanks enough for your knowledge. ahéé'ée shík'is (thank you my friend in navajo)
Hello Andrew, I am so happy I found your instruction videos before starting my jewelry making adventure. I am 70 years old so time is not on my side. Your instructions will save me time, material and lots of frustration. I am sure my greatest friend will be my magnifying glass lol. I hope to live long enough to make each of my family a piece of jewelry, since I have no children this will be something that will last far after I am gone from this earth.
Lana, I am one over the age of reason as well at more than 72. You can do it! I can make some things, but at our ages, not sure if I have the patience to finish them correctly.
Im 67 and so grateful for Andrews video and all the comments'. I feel like im too old to be starting this. My idea was to try to sell it. It takes years to become skilled at jewelry making. I probably dont have years as I nearly died 7 months ago from congestive heart failure. So to take some pressure off I decided to make as a hobby and if I can sell ,even better. Good luck to all you
Hi after spending 30 years as a steel fabricator, we used the same method as you to make steel rings, albeit on a much larger scale. Its so much quicker and less hassle. I naturally used the same technique when i started making jewellery, it was just logical. Carry on the good work and unfortunately there'll always be people out there who dont like being told they're wrong.
I can't believe it. Fifteen years ago I tooka silver class, and were taught the same old way. I was so embarrassed I could not file the ends straight to save my life. I left every class crying, my ring just kept breaking. Then, I tried a different way - ignoring my instructor's frown - I tried a flat fie BETWEEN the ends and finally got the ends to meet. It eventually cracked again when I had the bezel all done and the stone set. I had to leave before the classes were done for family reasons, and never found another class in all this tie but I was so discouraged I am not sure I would hae had the courage tohave the same frustrating failue in front of another class. And then, completely serendipitously, I stumbled upon this video. This saw idea - I can do that! Of course, I have everything but the metals, yet I am now excited again about the whole thing. Thank you so much, I hope everyone else is paying attention, and now I'm going to watch ALL the videos! Peace, from Abigail in NH
Don’t take any notice of the “negitive nellys”. We are lucky to have you help us Andrew, and we appreciate your helpful videos and time you take to educate us.
My great-great grandfather was a goldsmith from Denmark. He settled in Bergen in Norway, where I was born. I am 74 years old soon and have now started to take an interest in the goldsmith trade, which seems very fascinating. Fun to follow your films. Thank you very much.
Bless you! I am one of those wonky filers. I have been so insanely frustrated. Feeling so discouraged. Feeling like a failure. I'm enrolled in a jewelry school. About to finish the 2nd term. This will help me tremendously! Thank you SOOO very much for having this channel and sharing your wisdom!
Love this! I think this was the video that convinced me to subscribe to At The Bench. My instructor was horrified when I started using this method (doing it the "wrong" way), and pushed me to use the "traditional" method in class. I'm a newbie, frustrated, at making every mistake, not getting the edges to line up - though I really tried to get it right. I finally took the project home, and used the method you demo in this video - sawed through both ends in a single saw pass. The edges lined up - YES! - even though the cut was a bit wonky. I took the result back to class, showed it to my instructor; and after she told me it was really good, I told her how I did it. I also recommended your youtube channel to her and to the other students in my class.
I'm also a newbie to jewellery making but how lucky am I? Our instructor told us to WATCH Andrew Berry. I'm so greatful to Andrew and my teacher Deborah. A huge thank you Andrew.
Hi Andrew, I have come to this craft quite by accident. Three years ago I fell ill and was told I can no longer work, frankly at 58 there are not many telephone engineers still in the field, with the help of TH-cam I taught myself leather craft and wood carving whilst trying to find a way of making a living. I carved a couple of pendants from willow bark and went online for some tips on chains and jump rings and found a world of information about jewellry making and silversmithing. I have collected together a small tool kit, enhanced of course by my already large collection of adaptable tools, and I am now ready to begin. I came across your channel a couple of weeks ago and I have to say they are by far the best instructional videos I have seen on TH-cam to date. I will be attempting my first ring within the week, copper for practice, and I will be employing your method from the start so as to avoid bad habits developing. A big thank you for channel, I am learning loads and looking forward to putting it into practice. Jim.
I’m in the same boat. I was a Financial Manager and became disabled after an very bad fall. I’m even about the same age. My wife and I opened an Etsy store last year.
LOL me too - Im 58 and just not able to make stained glass anymore - cant stand up to work or lift any weight these days so have moved onto jewellery - I just love Andrews candor and info packed deliveries - and bloopers he has at the end of a lot of vids.
@@Bonnie-sd7et Without mentioning the 'c' word, progress is delayed, however, I am still practicing the craft and improving. Frirnds and family are benefiting greatly. Haha.
Andrew....my goodness...if I could give you a hug right now, golly would I!!!!! You haven't any idea the frustrating time I've suffered doing things the "old fashioned" way...even while reading the books and watching the tutorials I was thinking to myself "NO THIS ISNT WORKING" you literally have just saved me from almost giving up! It was getting THAT frustrating for me. Thank you SO MUCH. you HAVE made my life SO much better I am finally ENJOYING bezel setting....so so much. THANK YOU!
I am self taught, (but do come from a metalworking background) and your way of making rings is exactly what I've been doing. I have seen videos using the "original" way and just thought that seems like a long winded way of doing it. So seeing this I now know that I'm not doing it "wrong".
I'm just about to make an 18k gold wedding band for a friend and am so glad I watched this video beforehand because I would have done it the other way. Did a few practice runs with silver and it makes perfect sense and works beautifully. Thank you Andrew for your expertise and years of experience. I have learned a lot from your tutelage. Warm regards, with gratitude.
Dear Andrew, as a former second-level teacher for 41years, I have taken up jewellery making in the night school of my former school. I would like to compliment you on your superb teaching skills. The ability to explain processes and techniques, which are quite complex, in a very simple way, is absolutely wonderful. Congratulations! Many "teachers", who may be expert in their subject, never master the skill of explaining complex matters in a way that is accessible to those who are not already experts. You have that gift. Thank you for sharing with us. With kindest regards, Susie Hall
I too was taught the original way...and was laughing at your not quite getting it right because that's been the story of my life...Andrew Berry you are a freakin' genius! No fuss no muss just getting that second ring made! ❤️
This is brilliant, I did a silversmith course using the old method and it was a nightmare getting the ends to meet, so much so it stopped me trying to learn more, now I’m going to restart using this method. Thanks so much Andrew.
I've experienced the SAME thing. Ended up wasting SO MUCH money buying little tools to help file a perfectly straight edge and STILL being frustrated... that I just completely lost interest in going any further (AND, feeling like a complete failure)! I've come back to it recently... passion ABLAZE, lol... hopefully this helps avoid the frustration that caused me to walk away in the first place! Thank you so much Andrew for sharing all of the info that you do. It TRULY IS appreciated!
Andrew, thank you so very much for sharing your vast knowledge. I am starting out on my jewellery making journey at the age of 75 , I am so glad I have found you, your 10 best bench tool video has got me ordering and spending my children’s inheritance. Best tip . Ignore the negative,life is too short, there is always a jealous person ready to put you down. You are fabulous.
I am a retiree and my hobby is jewellery making and this video has made me so much more confident to make a ring as your way is so much easier thank you Andrew. Wendy
Don’t pay attention to those “pricks “ and their comments! Your videos and instructions are great : clear, very detailed and you show your way how you do it, whoever does it differently - they can make their own tutorials. I’m just finishing my beginners silversmith class and I like your way and technique much more then we were taught, but I’m not going to criticize what I’ve been taught , I just going to choose which technique I like and prefer better ! Please keep doing what you doing and teach us!
I love this method Andrew. It's so much like saw cut jump rings scaled up, no one would argue that one cut makes the best join there. I have used this to create a set of identical stacker rings, so quick and accurate. Thank you for all your videos, I've subscribed for some years now and have learned so much.
I am such an amateur. I have only been working with gold and silver for about 8 months as a hobby that I really appreciate and enjoy. I have worked with silver much more than gold due to the difference in cost and because I love the luster of silver. I am self taught and I find that doing a lot of research on different techniques and equipment saves time and money. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge as it has helped tremendously. Thank you.
I learned the ‘old’ method recently. Your way looks way easier and more accurate. I’m definitely going to try it for my next ring. Yay! No more wonky filed ends. Thanks 🙂
At first I thought you sounded a bit arrogant until I watched a few videos of yours, then I realized that you are actually just confident in what you are doing and in no way trying to be arrogant. I appreciate what you are doing and it has helped me tremendously in my ventures in the jewelry making business.
Thanks Andrew. It's so great that as a self taught silversmith that I can learn the right way and straight away by watching you. I'm just starting out and find these videos so valuable. Thank you so much. 🇦🇺
Today I got so frustrated because of the same reason that I wanted to quit making ring, then I watched the video in which you demonstrated the best way possible. I cannot thank you enough.
I was a jeweller until i had a baby. Today i gave my twenty seven year old baby a lesson on how to make a simple ring. We watched your video and it was so helpful. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR SKILLS
Love this method! I have always struggled with getting my joints flush. I avoid making rings for this very reason. Now I can start perfecting this method and begin making rings to sell! Thank you Andrew!
Ty for this video. i just started doing jewelry part time and this will save me so much time. very practical and genius way to make rings. it does not take a 30 year jewelry smith to realize this is infact the best way to make a ring. I have done it the old way for years and it is painfully anoying. Please dont stop making these incredible tutorials
Exactly what I needed. It was so frustrating with the old method, the size was never good! Can't wait to try this way, thank you Andrew! And thank you for all your videos in general, I learned more with you than in my old "famous" french paying school. Even in english I understand everything better with your courses!
I just watched this for the first time and was cracking up watching you demonstrate the 'old' way. I had just finished a ring yesterday messing about with all that filing trying to get the ends parallel; it took forever! Can't wait to try the 'new' and better way. Thanks!
Brilliant! Saves time and major frustration, I’ve watched a lot of tutorials and you’re the first one to show it this way! Can’t thank you enough! Great teacher 😀
BLESS YOUR HEART! I had just ordered my torch, brick, stand, etc. Yours was the FIRST video I watched on making rings, and I'm so excited about it now! It doesn't look so complicated and difficult with YOUR method versus the old way. THANK YOU!
OK, I'm sold. Especially seeing how easy it is to shape a wider ring. I make a lot of wide rings and, while I've never had a seam crack, I do have to fiddle a lot with them before soldering, to get the ends to join perfectly. This looks to be a great time saver, not to mention more neat and precise. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Thank you Andrew. I've been a member of his site for a few years and absolutely love it. I view it as buying a wonderful tool and use it all the time. He is a wonderful instructor and well worth every cent it cost to join!!
Andrew, You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! I'm ninety, have been making jewellery for 35 years and teaching for fifteen and have always taught rings by making the two ends straightened out. Your method is terrific, and I am determined to teach all my former students to come back and learn the correct way. And the accuracy of the fit is resolved by matching up the overlapping marks; how many times have my students ended up with too small a ring! BTW, I learned silversmithing in Hitchin, Herts. from a goldsmith who came up once a week from London, so I love hearing the English accent again! Thank you so much!
Oh.my.god. Andrew, this will save my hands!! I've been doing this for 5+ years. Thank you for this. Brilliant and so simple! No more D shape for me if I can help it!
Brilliant. A circle is smaller on the inside and larger on the outside so with the D method the outside of the circle moves farther than the inside as you reshape from straight into the circle. The joint on the outside has farther to move which logically causes stress on the ring. Your method creates so much less stress particularly on a thick shank. I am fairly new to working with silver. I was troubled by that D shape but did not know a better way. Thank you so much.
I'm not a jewelry maker, or not the way you are, just wire wrapping, beading and stuff, for my wife, friends, for fun. Thank you for the video, I've learned from it. If anyone tells you that the first method is better, it's an idiot, don't waste your time on them. This video was a clear proof even for someone like me ;)
I'm brand new beginner, in fact, I haven't even started yet, however I can't wait to try this method! Every single tutorial I have watched shows the first method, the old fashioned way. Great tutorial!
I’m on my journey to start silversmithing and I’m so glad I saw this video before I begin. Straight to the point and no nonsense! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with the rest of us!
I think your way is brilliant and cannot thank you enough for the priceless knowledge you graciously share with us!! As a beginner your way truly gave me the confidence to make my very first ring which came out perfectly thanks to your perfected method!!! I love your channel and again thank you so much!!!
Andrew, I am 74 years old, time is money, however time isn't on my side. I am a novice with silver and I am impressed with the way you approach your craft. Your technique to the cutting the silver band to size is very logical and practical. Like you have said, there dozens of ways to accomplish a task, but pay attention to those who have found a better way of accomplishing the same task. Enjoy your channel, will be watching more of your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge, a great gift.
THANK YOU ANDREW, YOUR VIDEO MAKE SO MUCH SENCE, I JUST RETIRED & WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO TO MAKE SOME MONEY, AND THIS IS GOING TO BE MY FIRST TIME, TO MAKE A RING I"M SO HAPPY I FOUND YOUR PAGE, AND I LEARN HOW TO MAKE IT THE QUICK & EASY WAY, JENNY MARTINEZ FROM THE ISLAND GUAM!!
Very informative film. Thank you Andrew. I am making rings your way because I watch your videos from many years ago. Is fast and reliable techniques. Thank you for your generosity to show for free so many useful things.
I can't belive people are actually using the D shape technique. I am a professional silver and gold smith for only 2 years now. (by this I mean it is my oly source of income and I am making my living out of this). I was thaught the old fashioned way and brief course (2 weeks) but as soon as I got my own workshop, I quicly figured out that the old way has some big flaws. Then I figure out the way you show by my own and I thought to my self "well, I bet all jewelers around the world uses this method, it's far better". Thanks Andrew for showing this, for there is no reason to struggle with the old way.
Thanks, i'm just learning by watching you and a few other ppl on youtube. gave me the confidence to buy tools and silver, to begin doing stuff for myself..
Thanks, Andrew! We were taught the original way on literally our first evening class, as the instructors had a long length of metal which they sawed to our specific requirements. It saved them metal and didn't force us noobs to wrestle a saw. Even with the forced wrangling to align the ends, we each had a soldered and polished ring by the second night - and we were all oohing and aahing over our accomplishments. ;) So I can see why the D-shape is taught to us hobbyists. I guess most of us don't revisit techniques we think we've learnt, even when we're swearing as we do them.
I've been taught the old fashion way too, and kept thinking there's got to be a better way to do this. After watching your method, halfway through the video, I'm already convinced. It may not be the best way for some people, but it suits me. Anything to help me save time and better my techniques I'm all for it. Brilliant and thank you Andrew!
What a wonderful channel. I've been making silver coin rings for a while, hammering and turning (a part of therapy). I stumbled into your casting with delft clay video with a desire to make sterling silver 20-sided dice and then saw this video. You've given me so many ideas just watching these two videos. I have so much to learn about all of this but you have inspired me with your confidence and professionalism. It's one thing to be skilled in a craft, but to hold the ability to inspire others to learn and create is truly an art. I have no formal education with metal work and have been looking for a teacher for answers. Thank you for making this available to me. I would love to see you make a 20-sided die. Before I ask for advice though, I will watch all of your videos. Thank you again!
I'm making my second ring ever your way, and had no problem meeting the ends. In class I needed a lot of help from the teacher. I can do this, and thanks for this easy way. Absolutely love it.
Thank you Andrew. After watching various methods of how to make a ring. FINALLY!! I know why my solders won't hold!! And why my rings are not the size desired either( of course). I just want beautifully crafted jewelry. You're going to get tired of me.😃😉😁🥰
Andrew Recently I have become interested in making jewelry and have made a few rings in cooper for practice without seeing this video and your method for making a ring. I have however seen the “old time” method of making a ring and personally thought it did not make any sense. The only thing that I could figure with the “old fashion” method of making rings is that when that method was developed saw blades were wider and cut a ragged kerf thus requiring the filing to fit method. That all said without seeing this video I have been sawing though my solder joint like you demonstrated because that is how I cut butt joints for wood and also aluminum, copper, and brass sheet work.
I remember being taught to make jewelry in high school (waaaaaay back). We were taught the old-fashioned way of course and I remember having the frustrations you modeled in this video. Many many years later, I went to work in IT and we had a theory about implementing new software. The saying was "cheaper, faster, better -- pick 2." Likely, if its better, it won't be cheaper or faster to implement, and so on. This saying followed me around and was applicable to many things. RARELY have I ever been able to apply all 3 of those conditions. I have finally seen something that is all 3 things -- cheaper, faster and better. Why the hell didn't they figure this out years ago? Nicely demonstrated, and thank you.
It just makes more sense to have the ring round before soldering. I was taught the wrong way and it really is the wrong way. Is a real struggle to make it round after soldering that ridiculous "oval" shape. This really is just common sense. Thanks Andrew!
@@marciabb7684 He solders his lying flat, so no third hand required. But it seems he uses a lot more solder than required, which does require a bit more clean-up.
Thank you for being so kind & sharing your knowledge. 🙏 I think one of the reasons folks tend to stubbornly stick by 'old fashioned way' is because we paid (dearly?) for the education (true for all fields). So if someone comes along with a better, more cost effective way for 'free'...we immediately go on the defensive😂😂. But again thank you Andrew!!
Thank you Andrew for presenting this technique in the last two films. I've done it with the classic "D" technique, and even as a novice wondered if there wasn't an easier, more efficient way. The idea of approaching it the same way one would approach sawing jumprings... makes better sense to me. Thanks again.
Hello, I think you are absolutely right! In a way the same method is used by making little rings (folding the silver wire around a pencil, then cut through all the rings in one time and you have little lose rings. You can start solding them inmediately because they were cut in the same angle). Haven't thought about making rings like this as well, but now I am. Thank you for your video! ❤
Thank you! I just started my jewelry making journey, and I've only taken a few classes. Since I'm stuck in the house during the covid 19 outbreak, I sourced some copper and brass, and I tried to make a few pieces. The ring drove me crazy. I'm going to try another ring tomorrow using your method. Thank you so much!
I tried and tried and could not get the hang of soldering...UNTIL I SAW YOUR VIDEOS! Thank you, Mr. Berry! Now soldering is something I look forward to! I love your logic, common-sense and thinking outside the box! It just takes somebody saying, "wait a minute, there MUST be a better way!" You were that somebody!
THE most useful thing I have learned EVER! I was just getting ready to make yet another ring, I have made many, but thought there may be a better way. Thank You.
This is genius. I've been struggling with learning how to make a good joint and solder it well, and I think this will help. Would this method also apply to making bezels? I would think so?
Thank you so much, I am very new to Metalsmithing. I recently tried making a couple of rings the old way and it was nothing but a trial of frustration. I could not get a flush end whatsoever to be able to get a solid soldering seam. I can't wait to try your way. Your generosity is very appreciated with teaching newbies this technique.
I'm fairly new to metalsmithing and I can even see the benefit to your way Andrew. One of the most difficult things for me so far has been to file straight edges. You are right about losing length as well which means incorrect size and more work/time. It really comes down to common sense and of course your 30 years of experience. A doctor friend of mine once told me that you're considered an expert after you've performed a task over 10,000 times. You're an expert, just saying, :o) and quite frankly I'm grateful to you for sharing your knowledge with the Artisan community. I have several ring orders I have to start this weekend and I'll be doing it your way! What do I have to lose---OH, yes....more precious metal and time if I keep doing the frustrating D thingy'. I think I might time myself doing it both ways too, just to see how it goes. Let the nay-sayers keep making the D thingy,' some people have to do everything the hard way. Thank you again for taking the time to make the videos and for sharing your invaluable knowledge and experience!
If you do it 10 0000 times without learning or improving the technique thats an old hand but not necessarily an expert.. AB is right and its just the kind of inherent efficiency you wouldv hoped generations of mastery would have evolved towards. In the end its down to an individual innovator to finesse the method. Long may they be heeded and sooner rewarded.
Your technique is logical. Unfortunately far too many people have no comprehension of logic, even less have common sense. I only wish both you and You Tube videos had been around thirty years ago. Far too many teaching any subject, refuse to change their methods or heaven forbid, be corrected. Even though it would benefit the students in the long run. Most times the battle is against ego.
Just last week my new jewelry instructor was shocked when she saw how I used the D method to make a ring! I couldn't understand her surprise, as I learned that method many years ago. She showed me your technique which she had learned at the Beijing Academy of Arts where she trained to be a jeweler. It makes much more sense.
I'm in a class right now and my next graded project is creating a ring. I am glad I watched this first. Brilliant method. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. :)
Only watched this last night. I only started making rings last week, in copper. Tried making a spinner ring, but the amount of filling I had to do, well....... so it came up very small! But re made it yesterday and cut the spinner part out as you suggested and didn’t need to do any filing. So great information for a beginner. Thank you.
You're a true pro. Real asset to the community. So many amateurs sharing bad habits and poor skill sets. I hope every beginner finds you and learns the right way.
OH MY GOD!!!! Thank you so much For this! I am very new to Jewelry making and the way you have shown us in the video makes life so much easier and time saving. I was worried that I would not be able to ever make a proper parallel cut. My hands shake like crazy due to an injury. This is such a big help. Please keep up the good work and keep sharing your knowledge.
Im quite stunned that you would get online and offer people FREE tutorials, revealing what has taken decades for you to learn through painstaking trial and error.....and you offer that knowledge for FREE.....and STILL, people have the nerve to criticize your techniques, because they are maybe different from their own techniques...WOW
Well, I LOVE what you're teaching me, and I'm very thankful for your excellent tutelage.
A 3rd generation Navajo artist. My grandfather was silversmith and he passed away when my father was young. But my father is a sculpture and so am I. But I very much appreciate you helping my gain a piece of my culture and legacy back. Can never say thanks enough for your knowledge.
ahéé'ée shík'is (thank you my friend in navajo)
Hello Andrew, I am so happy I found your instruction videos before starting my jewelry making adventure. I am 70 years old so time is not on my side. Your instructions will save me time, material and lots of frustration. I am sure my greatest friend will be my magnifying glass lol. I hope to live long enough to make each of my family a piece of jewelry, since I have no children this will be something that will last far after I am gone from this earth.
Im 64 and so appreciate him
Im 66 so me too
Lana, I am one over the age of reason as well at more than 72. You can do it! I can make some things, but at our ages, not sure if I have the patience to finish them correctly.
Im 67 and so grateful for Andrews video and all the comments'. I feel like im too old to be starting this. My idea was to try to sell it. It takes years to become skilled at jewelry making. I probably dont have years as I nearly died 7 months ago from congestive heart failure. So to take some pressure off I decided to make as a hobby and if I can sell ,even better. Good luck to all you
Hi after spending 30 years as a steel fabricator, we used the same method as you to make steel rings, albeit on a much larger scale. Its so much quicker and less hassle. I naturally used the same technique when i started making jewellery, it was just logical. Carry on the good work and unfortunately there'll always be people out there who dont like being told they're wrong.
I can't believe it. Fifteen years ago I tooka silver class, and were taught the same old way. I was so embarrassed I could not file the ends straight to save my life. I left every class crying, my ring just kept breaking. Then, I tried a different way - ignoring my instructor's frown - I tried a flat fie BETWEEN the ends and finally got the ends to meet. It eventually cracked again when I had the bezel all done and the stone set. I had to leave before the classes were done for family reasons, and never found another class in all this tie but I was so discouraged I am not sure I would hae had the courage tohave the same frustrating failue in front of another class. And then, completely serendipitously, I stumbled upon this video. This saw idea - I can do that!
Of course, I have everything but the metals, yet I am now excited again about the whole thing. Thank you so much, I hope everyone else is paying attention, and now I'm going to watch ALL the videos!
Peace, from Abigail in NH
Don’t take any notice of the “negitive nellys”. We are lucky to have you help us Andrew, and we appreciate your helpful videos and time you take to educate us.
Negative nelly that killed me
My great-great grandfather was a goldsmith from Denmark. He settled in Bergen in Norway, where I was born. I am 74 years old soon and have now started to take an interest in the goldsmith trade, which seems very fascinating. Fun to follow your films. Thank you very much.
Bless you! I am one of those wonky filers. I have been so insanely frustrated. Feeling so discouraged. Feeling like a failure. I'm enrolled in a jewelry school. About to finish the 2nd term. This will help me tremendously! Thank you SOOO very much for having this channel and sharing your wisdom!
Love this! I think this was the video that convinced me to subscribe to At The Bench. My instructor was horrified when I started using this method (doing it the "wrong" way), and pushed me to use the "traditional" method in class. I'm a newbie, frustrated, at making every mistake, not getting the edges to line up - though I really tried to get it right. I finally took the project home, and used the method you demo in this video - sawed through both ends in a single saw pass. The edges lined up - YES! - even though the cut was a bit wonky. I took the result back to class, showed it to my instructor; and after she told me it was really good, I told her how I did it. I also recommended your youtube channel to her and to the other students in my class.
I'm also a newbie to jewellery making but how lucky am I? Our instructor told us to WATCH Andrew Berry. I'm so greatful to Andrew and my teacher Deborah. A huge thank you Andrew.
Hi Andrew, I have come to this craft quite by accident. Three years ago I fell ill and was told I can no longer work, frankly at 58 there are not many telephone engineers still in the field, with the help of TH-cam I taught myself leather craft and wood carving whilst trying to find a way of making a living. I carved a couple of pendants from willow bark and went online for some tips on chains and jump rings and found a world of information about jewellry making and silversmithing. I have collected together a small tool kit, enhanced of course by my already large collection of adaptable tools, and I am now ready to begin. I came across your channel a couple of weeks ago and I have to say they are by far the best instructional videos I have seen on TH-cam to date. I will be attempting my first ring within the week, copper for practice, and I will be employing your method from the start so as to avoid bad habits developing. A big thank you for channel, I am learning loads and looking forward to putting it into practice. Jim.
i wish i knew how this fleshed out
Jim Benge You’re an inspiration! How’s it going...
I’m in the same boat. I was a Financial Manager and became disabled after an very bad fall. I’m even about the same age.
My wife and I opened an Etsy store last year.
LOL me too - Im 58 and just not able to make stained glass anymore - cant stand up to work or lift any weight these days so have moved onto jewellery - I just love Andrews candor and info packed deliveries - and bloopers he has at the end of a lot of vids.
@@Bonnie-sd7et Without mentioning the 'c' word, progress is delayed, however, I am still practicing the craft and improving. Frirnds and family are benefiting greatly. Haha.
Andrew....my goodness...if I could give you a hug right now, golly would I!!!!! You haven't any idea the frustrating time I've suffered doing things the "old fashioned" way...even while reading the books and watching the tutorials I was thinking to myself "NO THIS ISNT WORKING" you literally have just saved me from almost giving up! It was getting THAT frustrating for me. Thank you SO MUCH. you HAVE made my life SO much better I am finally ENJOYING bezel setting....so so much. THANK YOU!
I am self taught, (but do come from a metalworking background) and your way of making rings is exactly what I've been doing. I have seen videos using the "original" way and just thought that seems like a long winded way of doing it. So seeing this I now know that I'm not doing it "wrong".
I am so glad I found this video because I am a beginner and I have not yet learned any other way. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I'm just about to make an 18k gold wedding band for a friend and am so glad I watched this video beforehand because I would have done it the other way. Did a few practice runs with silver and it makes perfect sense and works beautifully. Thank you Andrew for your expertise and years of experience. I have learned a lot from your tutelage. Warm regards, with gratitude.
Thank you for this wonderful video on how to make rings. Will try it out tomorrow and I am sure your method will work better than the old way.
Dear Andrew, as a former second-level teacher for 41years, I have taken up jewellery making in the night school of my former school. I would like to compliment you on your superb teaching skills. The ability to explain processes and techniques, which are quite complex, in a very simple way, is absolutely wonderful. Congratulations! Many "teachers", who may be expert in their subject, never master the skill of explaining complex matters in a way that is accessible to those who are not already experts. You have that gift. Thank you for sharing with us.
With kindest regards,
Susie Hall
You are the Man!!! !....
I too was taught the original way...and was laughing at your not quite getting it right because that's been the story of my life...Andrew Berry you are a freakin' genius! No fuss no muss just getting that second ring made! ❤️
I am in awe haha.
Nice video! Got a LKD&SBSCRBLD from me
This is brilliant, I did a silversmith course using the old method and it was a nightmare getting the ends to meet, so much so it stopped me trying to learn more, now I’m going to restart using this method. Thanks so much Andrew.
I've experienced the SAME thing. Ended up wasting SO MUCH money buying little tools to help file a perfectly straight edge and STILL being frustrated... that I just completely lost interest in going any further (AND, feeling like a complete failure)! I've come back to it recently... passion ABLAZE, lol... hopefully this helps avoid the frustration that caused me to walk away in the first place! Thank you so much Andrew for sharing all of the info that you do. It TRULY IS appreciated!
Andrew, thank you so very much for sharing your vast knowledge. I am starting out on my jewellery making journey at the age of 75 , I am so glad I have found you, your 10 best bench tool video has got me ordering and spending my children’s inheritance.
Best tip . Ignore the negative,life is too short, there is always a jealous person ready to put you down.
You are fabulous.
I am a retiree and my hobby is jewellery making and this video has made me so much more confident to make a ring as your way is so much easier thank you Andrew. Wendy
KIA ORA from New Zealand and thank you! Your method makes a lot of sense, no fluffing, or frustration and I really appreciate your tutorials.
I saw this method taught by an Instructor from Rio Grande. Great minds must think alike. Love your work Andrew!
Don’t pay attention to those “pricks “ and their comments! Your videos and instructions are great : clear, very detailed and you show your way how you do it, whoever does it differently - they can make their own tutorials. I’m just finishing my beginners silversmith class and I like your way and technique much more then we were taught, but I’m not going to criticize what I’ve been taught , I just going to choose which technique I like and prefer better ! Please keep doing what you doing and teach us!
I love this method Andrew. It's so much like saw cut jump rings scaled up, no one would argue that one cut makes the best join there. I have used this to create a set of identical stacker rings, so quick and accurate. Thank you for all your videos, I've subscribed for some years now and have learned so much.
I am such an amateur. I have only been working with gold and silver for about 8 months as a hobby that I really appreciate and enjoy. I have worked with silver much more than gold due to the difference in cost and because I love the luster of silver. I am self taught and I find that doing a lot of research on different techniques and equipment saves time and money. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge as it has helped tremendously. Thank you.
I learned the ‘old’ method recently. Your way looks way easier and more accurate. I’m definitely going to try it for my next ring. Yay! No more wonky filed ends. Thanks 🙂
At first I thought you sounded a bit arrogant until I watched a few videos of yours, then I realized that you are actually just confident in what you are doing and in no way trying to be arrogant. I appreciate what you are doing and it has helped me tremendously in my ventures in the jewelry making business.
Thanks Andrew. It's so great that as a self taught silversmith that I can learn the right way and straight away by watching you.
I'm just starting out and find these videos so valuable.
Thank you so much.
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Today I got so frustrated because of the same reason that I wanted to quit making ring, then I watched the video in which you demonstrated the best way possible. I cannot thank you enough.
Andrew, thank you! I’m altering career paths in my forties and this is so helpful for a beginner.
I was a jeweller until i had a baby. Today i gave my twenty seven year old baby a lesson on how to make a simple ring. We watched your video and it was so helpful. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR SKILLS
Love this method! I have always struggled with getting my joints flush. I avoid making rings for this very reason. Now I can start perfecting this method and begin making rings to sell! Thank you Andrew!
Ty for this video. i just started doing jewelry part time and this will save me so much time. very practical and genius way to make rings. it does not take a 30 year jewelry smith to realize this is infact the best way to make a ring. I have done it the old way for years and it is painfully anoying. Please dont stop making these incredible tutorials
Exactly what I needed. It was so frustrating with the old method, the size was never good! Can't wait to try this way, thank you Andrew! And thank you for all your videos in general, I learned more with you than in my old "famous" french paying school. Even in english I understand everything better with your courses!
I just watched this for the first time and was cracking up watching you demonstrate the 'old' way. I had just finished a ring yesterday messing about with all that filing trying to get the ends parallel; it took forever! Can't wait to try the 'new' and better way. Thanks!
Brilliant! Saves time and major frustration, I’ve watched a lot of tutorials and you’re the first one to show it this way! Can’t thank you enough! Great teacher 😀
BLESS YOUR HEART! I had just ordered my torch, brick, stand, etc. Yours was the FIRST video I watched on making rings, and I'm so excited about it now! It doesn't look so complicated and difficult with YOUR method versus the old way. THANK YOU!
OK, I'm sold. Especially seeing how easy it is to shape a wider ring. I make a lot of wide rings and, while I've never had a seam crack, I do have to fiddle a lot with them before soldering, to get the ends to join perfectly. This looks to be a great time saver, not to mention more neat and precise. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Thank you Andrew. I've been a member of his site for a few years and absolutely love it. I view it as buying a wonderful tool and use it all the time. He is a wonderful instructor and well worth every cent it cost to join!!
Andrew, You CAN teach an old dog new tricks! I'm ninety, have been making jewellery for 35 years and teaching for fifteen and have always taught rings by making the two ends straightened out. Your method is terrific, and I am determined to teach all my former students to come back and learn the correct way. And the accuracy of the fit is resolved by matching up the overlapping marks; how many times have my students ended up with too small a ring! BTW, I learned silversmithing in Hitchin, Herts. from a goldsmith who came up once a week from London, so I love hearing the English accent again! Thank you so much!
Oh.my.god. Andrew, this will save my hands!! I've been doing this for 5+ years. Thank you for this. Brilliant and so simple! No more D shape for me if I can help it!
By far your method is MUCH better, there is no argument about it. Saves you time and hassle and keeps the ring the right size.
Brilliant. A circle is smaller on the inside and larger on the outside so with the D method the outside of the circle moves farther than the inside as you reshape from straight into the circle. The joint on the outside has farther to move which logically causes stress on the ring. Your method creates so much less stress particularly on a thick shank. I am fairly new to working with silver. I was troubled by that D shape but did not know a better way. Thank you so much.
I'm not a jewelry maker, or not the way you are, just wire wrapping, beading and stuff, for my wife, friends, for fun. Thank you for the video, I've learned from it. If anyone tells you that the first method is better, it's an idiot, don't waste your time on them. This video was a clear proof even for someone like me ;)
That was absolutely fabulous. I’m looking forward to trying this next time I make a ring. Thank you very much.
I'm brand new beginner, in fact, I haven't even started yet, however I can't wait to try this method! Every single tutorial I have watched shows the first method, the old fashioned way. Great tutorial!
This is brilliant, thank you. I have been so frustrated with the file-the-ends and saw-it-through method. It takes forever.
27 and starting a company. Your videos help out a lot. Thank you 🙏🏾
Love it. Almost like an engineer meets an artist.
Exactly. Well taught @AndrewBerry
I’m on my journey to start silversmithing and I’m so glad I saw this video before I begin. Straight to the point and no nonsense! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with the rest of us!
I think your way is brilliant and cannot thank you enough for the priceless knowledge you graciously share with us!! As a beginner your way truly gave me the confidence to make my very first ring which came out perfectly thanks to your perfected method!!! I love your channel and again thank you so much!!!
Andrew, I am 74 years old, time is money, however time isn't on my side. I am a novice with silver and I am impressed with the way you approach your craft. Your technique to the cutting the silver band to size is very logical and practical. Like you have said, there dozens of ways to accomplish a task, but pay attention to those who have found a better way of accomplishing the same task. Enjoy your channel, will be watching more of your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge, a great gift.
THANK YOU ANDREW, YOUR VIDEO MAKE SO MUCH SENCE, I JUST RETIRED & WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO TO MAKE SOME MONEY, AND THIS IS GOING TO BE MY FIRST TIME, TO MAKE A RING I"M SO HAPPY I FOUND YOUR PAGE, AND I LEARN HOW TO MAKE IT THE QUICK & EASY WAY, JENNY MARTINEZ FROM THE ISLAND GUAM!!
Love the way you teach this is the only way I make my rings now. Haters are going to hate keep it up because you are brilliant!!!
Very informative film. Thank you Andrew. I am making rings your way because I watch your videos from many years ago. Is fast and reliable techniques. Thank you for your generosity to show for free so many useful things.
I can't belive people are actually using the D shape technique.
I am a professional silver and gold smith for only 2 years now. (by this I mean it is my oly source of income and I am making my living out of this).
I was thaught the old fashioned way and brief course (2 weeks) but as soon as I got my own workshop, I quicly figured out that the old way has some big flaws.
Then I figure out the way you show by my own and I thought to my self "well, I bet all jewelers around the world uses this method, it's far better".
Thanks Andrew for showing this, for there is no reason to struggle with the old way.
This is fabulous. It will be called the AB method in my next class of new & old students on 9/12/2017. Thanks.
That is SO right on. I hate wasting time or cutting off excess, unnecessarily!! Beauty! Thanks!🙏🏼
That's how I've been making rings for a few years now. Less waste especially using gold. Nice one Andrew
Thanks, i'm just learning by watching you and a few other ppl on youtube. gave me the confidence to buy tools and silver, to begin doing stuff for myself..
Thanks, Andrew!
We were taught the original way on literally our first evening class, as the instructors had a long length of metal which they sawed to our specific requirements. It saved them metal and didn't force us noobs to wrestle a saw. Even with the forced wrangling to align the ends, we each had a soldered and polished ring by the second night - and we were all oohing and aahing over our accomplishments. ;) So I can see why the D-shape is taught to us hobbyists. I guess most of us don't revisit techniques we think we've learnt, even when we're swearing as we do them.
I've been taught the old fashion way too, and kept thinking there's got to be a better way to do this. After watching your method, halfway through the video, I'm already convinced. It may not be the best way for some people, but it suits me. Anything to help me save time and better my techniques I'm all for it. Brilliant and thank you Andrew!
What a wonderful channel. I've been making silver coin rings for a while, hammering and turning (a part of therapy). I stumbled into your casting with delft clay video with a desire to make sterling silver 20-sided dice and then saw this video. You've given me so many ideas just watching these two videos. I have so much to learn about all of this but you have inspired me with your confidence and professionalism. It's one thing to be skilled in a craft, but to hold the ability to inspire others to learn and create is truly an art. I have no formal education with metal work and have been looking for a teacher for answers. Thank you for making this available to me. I would love to see you make a 20-sided die. Before I ask for advice though, I will watch all of your videos. Thank you again!
I'm making my second ring ever your way, and had no problem meeting the ends. In class I needed a lot of help from the teacher. I can do this, and thanks for this easy way. Absolutely love it.
Andrew (!!) You are plain old CORRECT!! Right on! And thank you times a zillion! One more metal making myth, BUSTED!
I’m new to jewellery making and I am so glad I have found you. This is genius. Thank you for taking time to pass on your knowledge.
Oh for goodness sake - so simple and it's a no brainer! I can't believe this isn't taught as the "norm"! Thank you Andrew.
Thank you Andrew. After watching various methods of how to make a ring. FINALLY!!
I know why my solders won't hold!! And why my rings are not the size desired either( of course).
I just want beautifully crafted jewelry. You're going to get tired of me.😃😉😁🥰
This method makes total sense! Thank you Andrew!
I am an American and have been watching you off and on. Always try your way and find it is easy.
Same way I make jump rings, always works perfectly!
I've been watching you for the last 6 years and learn something each time I watch. Your the best!
Andrew Recently I have become interested in making jewelry and have made a few rings in cooper for practice without seeing this video and your method for making a ring. I have however seen the “old time” method of making a ring and personally thought it did not make any sense. The only thing that I could figure with the “old fashion” method of making rings is that when that method was developed saw blades were wider and cut a ragged kerf thus requiring the filing to fit method. That all said without seeing this video I have been sawing though my solder joint like you demonstrated because that is how I cut butt joints for wood and also aluminum, copper, and brass sheet work.
I remember being taught to make jewelry in high school (waaaaaay back). We were taught the old-fashioned way of course and I remember having the frustrations you modeled in this video. Many many years later, I went to work in IT and we had a theory about implementing new software. The saying was "cheaper, faster, better -- pick 2." Likely, if its better, it won't be cheaper or faster to implement, and so on. This saying followed me around and was applicable to many things. RARELY have I ever been able to apply all 3 of those conditions. I have finally seen something that is all 3 things -- cheaper, faster and better. Why the hell didn't they figure this out years ago? Nicely demonstrated, and thank you.
It just makes more sense to have the ring round before soldering. I was taught the wrong way and it really is the wrong way. Is a real struggle to make it round after soldering that ridiculous "oval" shape. This really is just common sense. Thanks Andrew!
The “D” shape does allow the ring to stand without a third hand to solder.
@@marciabb7684 He solders his lying flat, so no third hand required. But it seems he uses a lot more solder than required, which does require a bit more clean-up.
Thank you for being so kind & sharing your knowledge. 🙏
I think one of the reasons folks tend to stubbornly stick by 'old fashioned way' is because we paid (dearly?) for the education (true for all fields). So if someone comes along with a better, more cost effective way for 'free'...we immediately go on the defensive😂😂.
But again thank you Andrew!!
Love it, thank you. I never could get mine without filing, and most of the time it would be off anyway.
As a total newbie, I'm so glad I found your videos first! Everything you explained made perfect sense. Thank you!
Thank you Andrew for presenting this technique in the last two films.
I've done it with the classic "D" technique, and even as a novice wondered if there wasn't an easier, more efficient way. The idea of approaching it the same way one would approach sawing jumprings... makes better sense to me.
Thanks again.
It is obviously the way to go! Why would anyone have a problem with doing something better and quicker? Thanks for the knowledge!
Hello, I think you are absolutely right! In a way the same method is used by making little rings (folding the silver wire around a pencil, then cut through all the rings in one time and you have little lose rings. You can start solding them inmediately because they were cut in the same angle). Haven't thought about making rings like this as well, but now I am. Thank you for your video! ❤
Thank you! I just started my jewelry making journey, and I've only taken a few classes. Since I'm stuck in the house during the covid 19 outbreak, I sourced some copper and brass, and I tried to make a few pieces. The ring drove me crazy. I'm going to try another ring tomorrow using your method. Thank you so much!
I tried and tried and could not get the hang of soldering...UNTIL I SAW YOUR VIDEOS! Thank you, Mr. Berry! Now soldering is something I look forward to! I love your logic, common-sense and thinking outside the box! It just takes somebody saying, "wait a minute, there MUST be a better way!" You were that somebody!
totally agree with this excellent video - what a gift you are!
THE most useful thing I have learned EVER! I was just getting ready to make yet another ring, I have made many, but thought there may be a better way. Thank You.
This is genius. I've been struggling with learning how to make a good joint and solder it well, and I think this will help. Would this method also apply to making bezels? I would think so?
I love your method! Logical and practical. You are clear, so easy to understand, great sense of humor, a total pleasure to learn from!
Thank you so much, I am very new to Metalsmithing. I recently tried making a couple of rings the old way and it was nothing but a trial of frustration. I could not get a flush end whatsoever to be able to get a solid soldering seam. I can't wait to try your way. Your generosity is very appreciated with teaching newbies this technique.
Your way is the way I was taught to make rings, and I've never had any problems. Will be watching more of your work.
I'm fairly new to metalsmithing and I can even see the benefit to your way Andrew. One of the most difficult things for me so far has been to file straight edges. You are right about losing length as well which means incorrect size and more work/time. It really comes down to common sense and of course your 30 years of experience. A doctor friend of mine once told me that you're considered an expert after you've performed a task over 10,000 times. You're an expert, just saying, :o) and quite frankly I'm grateful to you for sharing your knowledge with the Artisan community. I have several ring orders I have to start this weekend and I'll be doing it your way! What do I have to lose---OH, yes....more precious metal and time if I keep doing the frustrating D thingy'. I think I might time myself doing it both ways too, just to see how it goes. Let the nay-sayers keep making the D thingy,' some people have to do everything the hard way. Thank you again for taking the time to make the videos and for sharing your invaluable knowledge and experience!
How can I cast a gents ring using the sand system you used to cast a gold ball
If you do it 10 0000 times without learning or improving the technique thats an old hand but not necessarily an expert.. AB is right and its just the kind of inherent efficiency you wouldv hoped generations of mastery would have evolved towards. In the end its down to an individual innovator to finesse the method. Long may they be heeded and sooner rewarded.
Thanks so much Andrew, can’t imagine how much time I’ll be saving from now onwards by watching your tutorials.
Your technique is logical. Unfortunately far too many people have no comprehension of logic, even less have common sense. I only wish both you and You Tube videos had been around thirty years ago. Far too many teaching any subject, refuse to change their methods or heaven forbid, be corrected. Even though it would benefit the students in the long run. Most times the battle is against ego.
Lyn R unfortunately ego controls the corrupt world we live in. We should all live above the ego and we would benefit beyond belief. Wishful thinking
The best tutorials on TH-cam made for everyone to clearly understand. Thank you!
I know annealing silver makes it softer. How do you harden silver when making a ring?
Just last week my new jewelry instructor was shocked when she saw how I used the D method to make a ring! I couldn't understand her surprise, as I learned that method many years ago. She showed me your technique which she had learned at the Beijing Academy of Arts where she trained to be a jeweler. It makes much more sense.
I'm in a class right now and my next graded project is creating a ring. I am glad I watched this first. Brilliant method. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. :)
Hi, as a novice, this is a fabulous way that even I could try. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Im loving watching and learning.
Only watched this last night. I only started making rings last week, in copper. Tried making a spinner ring, but the amount of filling I had to do, well....... so it came up very small! But re made it yesterday and cut the spinner part out as you suggested and didn’t need to do any filing. So great information for a beginner. Thank you.
I am learning and watching you do these two different ways show complete common sense to do it your way. You save time and money....Thank you.
You're a true pro. Real asset to the community. So many amateurs sharing bad habits and poor skill sets. I hope every beginner finds you and learns the right way.
OH MY GOD!!!! Thank you so much For this! I am very new to Jewelry making and the way you have shown us in the video makes life so much easier and time saving. I was worried that I would not be able to ever make a proper parallel cut. My hands shake like crazy due to an injury. This is such a big help. Please keep up the good work and keep sharing your knowledge.
BEST FILM EVER!! The frustrating situation you've described was exactly what I was experiencing!! Thank you!!