In Stage Two - Soldering Intensive students will concentrate on and hone their soldering skills by completing two class projects, base metal solder joint samples and a Sterling Silver chain link necklace. Numerous soldering techniques will be practiced intensively while working towards building up samples with varying degrees of joinery, intricacy, and methodology. You will be introduced to a variety of new soldering techniques that will help you undertake more complex tasks. You will develop an understanding of how to control the flame of the torch, what makes solder flow, and how to problem solve quickly.

This workshop is open to all levels of soldering skills but it is encouraged that you have basic knowledge of jewellery.

In Stage Two jewellery at The Bench, you will experience the use of a range of jewellery tools and techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment. Your experienced tutor will guide you through a range of techniques to expand upon the fundamentals of introductory jewellery making. This class is designed to have a rotating specialisation each term E.g. Designing in Wax and Stone Setting.

When: Monday 6:30pm – 9:00pm & (6:30-9:30pm)
Duration: 8 Weeks (20 hours) & (6 weeks 18 hours)
Class size: Maximum 10 people
Cost: ($625 8 weeks)

Please note that the Soldering Intensive starting April 8 will start at 6pm to 9pm in week's 1 to 5, the remaining weeks resume to normal scheduling and start at 6:30pm and finish at 9:00pm.

Your tutor will discuss when the 8th lesson will be held. This will be on a Tuesday evening; therefore, you will attend twice in one week.

The last class date for this course will be May 20, 2024. This change in schedule is due to Easter Monday and course scheduling. Thank you.

BOOK NOW

As part of Joynton & 107 Projects, The Bench will provide subsidised courses to residents in the Zetland, Sydney area. For further information please email us at jewellery@thebench.sydney

ABOUT THE COURSE

Prerequisite

You must complete Learn to Make Jewellery Stage One - An Introduction or equivalent.

Course Objectives

Stage Two is designed to cover core specialisations throughout the year. You will be guided through the following techniques over the first few weeks:

Soldering - Learn how to effectively solder small- and large-scale pieces using precious and non-precious metals.

Different techniques - Soldering pieces with multiple solder joints, complex joins and mixed metals.

The science behind the technique - Preparing metals, flux and solder types for soldering. Flame and heat use.

Findings/ connections - You will gain an understanding in how to attach clasps and connections as well as additional finer details.

Soldering multiple components - Multiple types of solder joints/ processes/ order of assembly

Advanced soldering – You will be able to undertake more complex solder joins, knowing what type of join and solder to use for the job at hand.

Finishing - Advance micro motor use with bits & burrs.

Confidence - Feel more confident at the torch while elevating your soldering aptitude, through this intensive weekly class.

Course Outcomes

This intensive class will focus heavily on techniques and samples, with the objective of building up high levels of soldering proficiency as the instructor leads students with industry level expertise. Numerous soldering techniques will be practiced intensively while working towards building up samples with varying degrees of joinery, intricacy, and methodology. Students will complete at least 2 technical projects and you will develop an understanding of how to control the flame of the torch, what makes solder flow, and how to problem solve quickly. Other wearable pieces of jewelry may be worked on throughout the course, when time permits.

Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals will take place each week, to guide you to improve your skills.

What’s Included

All materials are included. Included in kit are: Hard, Medium & Easy silver solder, sterling silver wire for chain making, base metals for samples and emery. If you wish to work on additional projects, a selection of materials will be available to buy from your tutor at cost price.

The Tutor: Erin Pearce

Erin Pearce is an award-winning Jeweller, who began her career almost 20 years ago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Practicing across multiple artistic disciplines allowed her the opportunity to pursue an increasing motivation to explore concepts through jewellery making. Erin expanded her skills through a number of roles and jewellery courses within the industry, before undertaking an apprenticeship in Jewellery Manufacture.

In 2020 Erin formally launched her own jewellery manufacturing business, Mill Foundry, with a personal focus on further exploration of technique and a desire to learn through every piece she creates. Her work is influenced by mid-century modern design and a constant consideration of the placement of both herself, and her work, between the worlds of Contemporary Art and traditional jewellery manufacturing.

The Workshop

The Bench is a modern, light filled, industry standard workshop focusing on education and training. It is a relaxed and friendly place to learn traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques, a space to develop ideas and projects such as ring making, silver jewellery and stone setting gems. We provide concept based jewellery classes to the absolute beginner, the aspiring maker and to the professional jeweller.

The Bench is a safe working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment, such as Vaniman polishing extraction, enamelling kiln, fume cabinets, micromotors, soldering torches, rolling mill, tumbler, ultrasonic and more.

Location

The Bench acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land – Australia. The Bench acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney.

The Bench is located at the exquisite historic site, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre in Green Square, and is easily accessed by bus, train (Green Square Station), ride or walk.

The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed.

The building has full wheelchair accessibility, ramp access from street and park entrances, internal lift for access to upper levels and a unisex accessible toilet on each level.

THE BENCH, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre
3A Joynton Ave, Zetland NSW 2017

Please be aware that we are a very small operation. Voicemails are listened to once a week on a Wednesday. We understand that you may prefer to talk with a real live human, and we are very happy to speak with you too. However, we politely ask that you schedule a suitable time. Instead of leaving a voicemail, we recommend sending a brief audio text or text message with your enquiry. We are very prompt when replying to a text message or email.

Additional notes

All the tools, materials and consumables you need for the course will be available at the venue; including an apron. You may want to buy further materials from our metal suppliers – your tutor will provide you with supplier information.

For health and safety reasons, please bring along with you the following

Hair tie: If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with
Closed in shoes: We will be working with hot, sharp and heavy tools, so please wear shoes, which will protect your feet. Avoid wearing loose flowing garments.
Sketch book/note book/ pen and/or pencil: Please bring along a notebook for your own notes and design ideas. Notes will be provided to complement the techniques you will be learning but you may wish to make your own notes.
Remember: If you use glasses for reading and /or close up work please remember to bring them along.

Book your course

Questions?

Email us at: jewellery@thebench.sydney
or call us on: 0406 794 112