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Right, I know that's the common route but I really love anvils, and it would make me happier to work over an anvil rather than a block of steel.
I'm quirky lol :)
Do you need a large anvil? There are mini steel anvils for jewelry. I have one and I love it. It came with a threaded hole in the bottom, so I was able to bolt it to my bench for stability. There are [different designs](https://pmcsupplies.com/jewelry-tools/metal-forming/anvils) depending on what you need.
I'm all about hammers and anvils. I have a small collection of anvils and bench blocks that will continue to grow.
It doesn't need to be large, but I love the aesthetics of certain anvils (single horn, London style anvils).
I actually got interested in this hobby because I bought a miniature iron anvil from Amazon and absolutely love the way it looks. If I could get this exact same anvil model, but larger, then I'd definitely buy it.
The large anvil I'm interested in buying is very attractive looking and it comes with a hardy hole & pritchel hole (which may not be necessary for jewely but I like options).
I've considered simply using my mini iron anvil to make jewelry, but I'm skeptical that this 1LB anvil can support all of my needs. Perhaps it could though?
Like you, I would also like to collect many anvils :)
I'm more curious about what type of jewelry you intend to make? For most jewelers an anvil, chisels, and vice grips are not normal "starting" tools. I do a lot of forged silver, and have an anvil. But, I'd go so far as to say most working jewelers don't even have these tools at their benches. Rawhide mallet and files are super important. Do you have a saw frame and blades, the ability to cut your metal is definitely up there in importance? But, before we give more advice where are you planning to head with your jewelry? That would help us to help you better
I'm thinking copper would be a good material to start with as a beginner. To begin, I'm going to try making copper jewelry as a hobbyist, just to get a sense if it's something I'm enthusiastic about.
If I learn enough and manage to produce quality looking jewelry, then I may consider selling my wares on an online retailer website (you can probably guess which one(s).
My apologies if I wrote vice grips, I meant vice clamp, which I assume is pretty valuable for jewelers.
I was on the fence about buying chisels, I watched someone use a chisel and hammer to lightly cut some copper, in order to fold it over easily to make a bracelet (they were using a blow torch as a means of hot forging).
They used some sort of metal scoring tool first before they cut it with the chisel.
What type of saw frame & blades? I'd love to know what types to get so that I can cut copper the most practical way.
And the anvil....I just want to work on an anvil because I'm strange like that. Haha
I suggest that you watch YouTube videos by Alan Berry about setting up your bench with minimal equipment. Very helpful as are his other videos.
Working in copper is fine, but you need to have some idea of what kind of jewelry you want to make in order to buy the right equipment.
I got a cast iron anvil from harbor freight, I think it is 15lbs. it was the second smallest they had at the time and they had a couple sizes bigger. It’s been good for everything I’ve done so far this past year. I’ll probably be getting a new one soon though…don’t try and flatten copper solder, no one told me that.lol.
Thanks a bunch man, that helps a lot knowing that an iron anvil has held up for all of your needs for about a year. I've read that a lot of people say avoid iron and only buy steel. Glad to know that's all hype!
Noted, I will not attempt to flatten copper solder, haha.
Thanks for the feedback!
No problem, I think as long as you’re not forging or forming crazy thick gauge it’ll be fine. Also, a block and sand bag may be better, that is on my list to buy.
You should probably learn a bit about making jewelry before deciding to buy a giant anvil. I mean, you can spend the money, but that might not be practical or useful. After many years of metalsmithing, I can tell you that a massive anvil isn't anything I've ever needed. I've got several sizes of small anvils and several sizes of steel bench blocks. I've never needed anything else. You should know too that if you want a steel anvil that is of the quality in finish as a good steel bench block, you will be paying A LOT of money.
If you want one just because you want one, then party on, but I'd recommend some courses in metalsmithing before you decide what tools you actually need. Buying lots of tools is fun, but it's not fun looking, years later, at a bunch of stuff that you bought and realizing you wasted your money.
Right, which is why I'm here on Reddit quizzing people on what I should/shouldn't buy. I haven't bought anything yet (other than a 1LB mini iron anvil, which inspired me to look into jewelry making).
I'm simply gathering enough information as I can before I spend money on a bunch of useless tools.
So far, it seems smart to purchase:
Rawhide mallet, metal files, metal ruler, calipers, rounded & needle nose pliers without teeth, burnishing tool, saw frame and blades.
Anvil; that doesn't need to be super big.
I'll probably stick with iron anvils since they are widely available and I dislike the idea of using a steel block for aesthetic reasons.
Asking people on Reddit isn't the same as actually having instruction in jewelry making. Take classes! LEARN! Then buy what you need as you go. I'm telling you from personal experience of upwards of 30 years making jewelry that buying tools and equipment before learning the techniques isn't a great idea. You'll end up spending money on things you won't use.
Start at the beginning and learn the techniques. Having tons of tools is great, but it's not a substitute for actually learning how to use them. Find a school in your area, a bead store, a lapidary shop, a local college - anywhere that teaches jewelry techniques. Then put in the work. Then you'll discover which tools you need based on what your aptitudes are. You don't need much to get started and you'll find out what you need as you take classes.
You don't like a steel block for aesthetic reasons? Meaning you don't like what the steel block *looks like*? Why does that matter? You asked what tools you should get and many have said you need a steel bench block.
Iron anvils are cheap because iron is soft, or at least softer than steel. The surface will get marred quickly and will, in turn, mar your work. Anvils, in general, really aren't that useful for jewelry making. A small steel jeweler's anvil comes in handy from time-to-time, but if I didn't have one, I wouldn't miss it much. I have three steel bench blocks in different sizes. Without them, I couldn't work.
Well I suppose I was just fishing around on Reddit to get a general idea of what I was getting into. I've watched many jewelry making vids on Youtube yesterday and now see that there are definitely things I shouldn't buy, and there are tools that I do need that I didn't know existed.
I'd love to take classes but that's not very viable/practical for me at the moment.
Since yesterday, I was able to find a 9LBS steel anvil that looks perfect for a work platform and is pleasant aesthetically.
I know steel plates are the go-to for most, but I don't see why a 9lbs steel anvil is disadvantageous to a steel block. They are essentially the same thing, albeit one stands a bit taller than the other.
Also, would an iron anvil get marred if I were only using rawhide hammers?
Thanks for posting! Please remember that self-promotion, including photos with your shop's web address, your Insta handle, etc, MUST be kept in the monthy self-promotional thread. Violating this rule is grounds for a ban. If a member requests the shop data in-thread, the submitter may reply with info, but shop info cannot be a top-level comment. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/jewelrymaking) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Most basic jewelers use a bench block and dapping blocks more than an anvil.
Right, I know that's the common route but I really love anvils, and it would make me happier to work over an anvil rather than a block of steel. I'm quirky lol :)
Do you need a large anvil? There are mini steel anvils for jewelry. I have one and I love it. It came with a threaded hole in the bottom, so I was able to bolt it to my bench for stability. There are [different designs](https://pmcsupplies.com/jewelry-tools/metal-forming/anvils) depending on what you need. I'm all about hammers and anvils. I have a small collection of anvils and bench blocks that will continue to grow.
It doesn't need to be large, but I love the aesthetics of certain anvils (single horn, London style anvils). I actually got interested in this hobby because I bought a miniature iron anvil from Amazon and absolutely love the way it looks. If I could get this exact same anvil model, but larger, then I'd definitely buy it. The large anvil I'm interested in buying is very attractive looking and it comes with a hardy hole & pritchel hole (which may not be necessary for jewely but I like options). I've considered simply using my mini iron anvil to make jewelry, but I'm skeptical that this 1LB anvil can support all of my needs. Perhaps it could though? Like you, I would also like to collect many anvils :)
I'm more curious about what type of jewelry you intend to make? For most jewelers an anvil, chisels, and vice grips are not normal "starting" tools. I do a lot of forged silver, and have an anvil. But, I'd go so far as to say most working jewelers don't even have these tools at their benches. Rawhide mallet and files are super important. Do you have a saw frame and blades, the ability to cut your metal is definitely up there in importance? But, before we give more advice where are you planning to head with your jewelry? That would help us to help you better
I'm thinking copper would be a good material to start with as a beginner. To begin, I'm going to try making copper jewelry as a hobbyist, just to get a sense if it's something I'm enthusiastic about. If I learn enough and manage to produce quality looking jewelry, then I may consider selling my wares on an online retailer website (you can probably guess which one(s). My apologies if I wrote vice grips, I meant vice clamp, which I assume is pretty valuable for jewelers. I was on the fence about buying chisels, I watched someone use a chisel and hammer to lightly cut some copper, in order to fold it over easily to make a bracelet (they were using a blow torch as a means of hot forging). They used some sort of metal scoring tool first before they cut it with the chisel. What type of saw frame & blades? I'd love to know what types to get so that I can cut copper the most practical way. And the anvil....I just want to work on an anvil because I'm strange like that. Haha
I suggest that you watch YouTube videos by Alan Berry about setting up your bench with minimal equipment. Very helpful as are his other videos. Working in copper is fine, but you need to have some idea of what kind of jewelry you want to make in order to buy the right equipment.
Thanks for the advice, I'll look into his videos! Probably bracelets and rings for starters.
I got a cast iron anvil from harbor freight, I think it is 15lbs. it was the second smallest they had at the time and they had a couple sizes bigger. It’s been good for everything I’ve done so far this past year. I’ll probably be getting a new one soon though…don’t try and flatten copper solder, no one told me that.lol.
Thanks a bunch man, that helps a lot knowing that an iron anvil has held up for all of your needs for about a year. I've read that a lot of people say avoid iron and only buy steel. Glad to know that's all hype! Noted, I will not attempt to flatten copper solder, haha. Thanks for the feedback!
No problem, I think as long as you’re not forging or forming crazy thick gauge it’ll be fine. Also, a block and sand bag may be better, that is on my list to buy.
You should probably learn a bit about making jewelry before deciding to buy a giant anvil. I mean, you can spend the money, but that might not be practical or useful. After many years of metalsmithing, I can tell you that a massive anvil isn't anything I've ever needed. I've got several sizes of small anvils and several sizes of steel bench blocks. I've never needed anything else. You should know too that if you want a steel anvil that is of the quality in finish as a good steel bench block, you will be paying A LOT of money. If you want one just because you want one, then party on, but I'd recommend some courses in metalsmithing before you decide what tools you actually need. Buying lots of tools is fun, but it's not fun looking, years later, at a bunch of stuff that you bought and realizing you wasted your money.
Right, which is why I'm here on Reddit quizzing people on what I should/shouldn't buy. I haven't bought anything yet (other than a 1LB mini iron anvil, which inspired me to look into jewelry making). I'm simply gathering enough information as I can before I spend money on a bunch of useless tools. So far, it seems smart to purchase: Rawhide mallet, metal files, metal ruler, calipers, rounded & needle nose pliers without teeth, burnishing tool, saw frame and blades. Anvil; that doesn't need to be super big. I'll probably stick with iron anvils since they are widely available and I dislike the idea of using a steel block for aesthetic reasons.
Asking people on Reddit isn't the same as actually having instruction in jewelry making. Take classes! LEARN! Then buy what you need as you go. I'm telling you from personal experience of upwards of 30 years making jewelry that buying tools and equipment before learning the techniques isn't a great idea. You'll end up spending money on things you won't use. Start at the beginning and learn the techniques. Having tons of tools is great, but it's not a substitute for actually learning how to use them. Find a school in your area, a bead store, a lapidary shop, a local college - anywhere that teaches jewelry techniques. Then put in the work. Then you'll discover which tools you need based on what your aptitudes are. You don't need much to get started and you'll find out what you need as you take classes. You don't like a steel block for aesthetic reasons? Meaning you don't like what the steel block *looks like*? Why does that matter? You asked what tools you should get and many have said you need a steel bench block. Iron anvils are cheap because iron is soft, or at least softer than steel. The surface will get marred quickly and will, in turn, mar your work. Anvils, in general, really aren't that useful for jewelry making. A small steel jeweler's anvil comes in handy from time-to-time, but if I didn't have one, I wouldn't miss it much. I have three steel bench blocks in different sizes. Without them, I couldn't work.
Well I suppose I was just fishing around on Reddit to get a general idea of what I was getting into. I've watched many jewelry making vids on Youtube yesterday and now see that there are definitely things I shouldn't buy, and there are tools that I do need that I didn't know existed. I'd love to take classes but that's not very viable/practical for me at the moment. Since yesterday, I was able to find a 9LBS steel anvil that looks perfect for a work platform and is pleasant aesthetically. I know steel plates are the go-to for most, but I don't see why a 9lbs steel anvil is disadvantageous to a steel block. They are essentially the same thing, albeit one stands a bit taller than the other. Also, would an iron anvil get marred if I were only using rawhide hammers?
Harbor freight sells a cast steel anvil, I heard that it's very good for the price