2018 Wire Inlay Class IS FULL!

Instructors: Martin Pansch, Stephen Olivo

The class will focus on wire inlay into mild steel. This is a technique that can be used to add decorative elements to many of your projects. 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 it 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 in a vise.
This class will concentrate on the basics of the straight lines, curved lines, and dots. We’ll cover both wire that is filed flush with the surface of the steel and left as a raised bead.
Required Equipment: A basic set of small chisels will be provided for students for use in the class. Those over achievers who want to make their own prior to class can request detailed descriptions of the needed tools. 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 peen will likely need no softening. Additional tools include: A mill file, a hack saw, sand paper, sharpening stones (a diamond lap plate works well), paper, pencil, Sharpie TM. Students may consider bringing a supplemental light source or other visual enhancement aids as needed.
Safety Equipment – safety glasses & ear plugs mandatory.
Lunch Arrangements: Either bring a bag lunch with you or money for the fine dining establishments in the area.
To register for this class, simply forward your interest, a send a check for $55 made out to “Guild of Metalsmiths” and your complete contact info to:
Martin Pansch
201 Nevada Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Call or contact Martin at (612) 599-4762   or   blacksmithingyeti@gmail.com
Acceptance priority for this class is determined by postmark.