Would you consider a montly column that covers the absolutely most basic how-to's of working with metal? Just one simple technique covered from every angle with lots of photos would be so helpful.
As a beginner in metalsmithing, sometimes the smallest things trip me up. I've read tons of books on "how to," but little things that probably seem intuitive to the expert are often left out.
Some examples:
Riveting - what's going on at the top and bottom of the wire in each step? Exactly what tools are used to make it happen? What's so special about a riveting hammer? How do I hold the underside of the wire while I'm hitting the top? When they say to dimple the center of the wire, what's the minimum gauge of wire that's being used? It's hard to imagine dimpling 20 gauge wire. Maybe you aren't supposed to rivet with something that thin.
How do you put a ball on the end of a wire - Are there different way to do it? Melting vs. soldering one on?
How to flare the end of tubing to use it as a rivet - again, what's happening to each end of the tube during the process? How do you cut tubing? How do you hold the tube while it's being flared?
How do you attach a pearl or bead to a flat piece of metal - is riveting the only way? If so, is that a different type of riveting technique?
These are only a few of the things that are problematic when starting out.
Some of us have never seen the tools for these techniques and how they are utilized.
Thanks for thinking about this.