2013 Wire Inlay Class Now Full!

This is an example of Tom’s silver wire inlay on an axe head. Note: we will not be making or inlaying axes in this class.

We have a real treat for you this time. Tom Latané has offered to take some time out of his busy schedule and teach us a thing or two.

The class will focus on wire inlay in steel. Students will chase grooves in the metal and then chase the bottoms of the grooves square. The two corners thus created will be chased to form an undercut channel. The upper edges of the channels will be chased and filed to create grooves of even width. Copper wire will be planished into the grooves so that the softer metal forms to fit the undercut and is locked in place. Surfaces will then be filed smooth, leaving a pattern to show the differ color of the metals.

Copper wire will be provided to practice inlay on flat pieces that can be held firmly. Students may bring finished pieces to inlay after some practice. Provisions should be made for holding projects securely while chiseling and inlaying. Practice will be with copper wire but students may bring sterling wire of 18 gauge if they wish. This can be purchased from Rio Grande Jewelers Supply.

This is an intermediate to advanced class. Students will be expected to be able to forge and heat treat tool blanks on their own before coming to class. There will not be time in class to forge the required tools.

Tools and Equipment or other items participants are to bring to the class: Students will be expected to bring 18 pre-forged struck tool blanks to class. The blanks should be 3″ long and from 3/8″ round or square stock that you can harden with confidence. Detailed instructions on rough shapes for the tools blanks will be sent to the registered students. Final grinding will be done in class. Students will also need a light, soft face hammer for striking tools. This hammer should be light enough that thousands of blows will not be tiring. A cheap Chinese ball pein will likely need no softening. Additional tools include: A mill file, sand paper, paper, pencil, Sharpie ™. Students may consider bringing a supplemental light source or other visual enhancement aids as needed.

Safety Equipment: safety glasses & ear plugs are mandatory.

Other Equipment: We may also need a few additional leg vises and grinders with fine enough stones/belts for the final grinding on the struck tools but we’ll sort that out among those who sign up.

Lunch arrangements: Either bring a bag lunch with you or money to dine at some of the fine scarfing establishments in the area.

To register, send a check for $65 written out to “Guild of Metalsmiths” to:
Martin Pansch
8750 Yale Avenue
Young America MN  55397
Contact Martin with questions at: 612-599-4762 or blacksmithingyeti@gmail.com
Be sure to include name, address, phone, and email of person registering, in case we need to contact you with further details.