Torch Setup and Safety
Ready to solder faster with more precision? Try oxy/propane or oxy/acetylene small torches. This class introduces students to the versatile small torch - from pencil point flames to larger flames, this power house can solder projects as delicate as chain to as large as bracelets. They can be used with inexpensive disposable tanks available at hardware stores, or small refillable tanks that are easy to store. Students practice with several projects to adapt their soldering techniques to little torches.
This class is available both online through Zoom and in person at our school.
The online section of this class is 3 hours. The in person section is 6 hours, since they have access to the torches at school for practice. All of the demos and lecture will be covered during the first half of class for both online and in person students.
You don't have to have a torch to attend this class.
Online students without a torch can learn about how to use them so that they can make an informed decision when they purchase one. In person students have access to torches in the classroom.
What is the advantage of using a torch, like an oxygen/propane or acetylene torch?
These are the same torches used by professional jewelers for production, repair and custom work. Most of our beginning students work with butane torches, but when we introduce them to the small torches they fall in love!
Everything is faster: melting solder, soldering, annealing, etc. They can work longer without worrying about refilling the butane torch, and they can adapt the tips of the small torch to the job, from the hottest small flame to larger flames that can cover more surface area and even melt up to 2 ounces of metal. These torches pack a lot of power in a small foot print. Just like a flex shaft makes polishing and stone setting much easier, these torches bring a whole new level of joy to soldering.
This class will also go over more information about torches, including acetylene/air torches, using oxygen concentrators instead of an oxygen tank, and hydrogen torches (which use water to make a flame).
We'll also discuss options for using these torches in a home studio. Depending on your studio location, you can use disposable bottles, an oxygen concentrator or small tanks.
Techniques covered:
• Review of torch options, including single tank torches, dual gas (like oxygen/acetylene and oxygen propane), and hydrogen torches
• Choosing the right torch for your studio
• Torch safety
• How to set up torches and tanks
• How to check for leaks and troubleshoot any problems
• How to use a small torch (like a Smith Little Torch or similar) with oxygen and a fuel gas (propane or acetylene)
• Practice projects to help you to adjust your soldering when using a small torch
This class includes a kit of materials for in person students only. Online students don't require a kit.
In person students have a kit of materials for practice projects. A kit is not included for online students, but a list of optional materials to have on hand is provided after registration.
A full color handout is included with the class.
Create your own workbook with the beautiful handout that is downloadable for this workshop. Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning.
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
No tools are required for this class.
In person students have access to the torches and use of tools at school. Online students do not require tools to participate.
Since this class is open to students with or without a torch setup, tools and supplies are optional for online students. Students can watch the demos, decide what they want to buy and then watch the class recording when they’re ready to practice. A pdf with a list of optional tools and materials will be emailed to students right after they register.
If you’re going to use some of your practice pieces to make jewelry, you’ll need basic fabrication tools, like the list of tools for Jewelry 1 - the Basics.
Online students will need a computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class.
Prerequisites:
Basic jewelry fabrication skills for precious metals, like successful completion of a basic jewelry fabrication class, like Basic Jewelry 1 (in-person workshop) or Jewelry 1 - Basics (online). These skills include sawing, filing, soldering and finishing precious metals.
Instructor:
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
We remain committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible while continuing to move forward and adapt to the current circumstances for our in person classes and open studios.
We recommend that in person students be vaccinated, but it's not required.
Face masks are encouraged while at the school, but no longer required. Students must bring a particulate face mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or similar) to protect against dust and particles when needed and required during class work time.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.