What Tools Do You Need to Be a Silversmith?

Mar 04, 2025

This is a beginner's guide to silversmithing. Many people are interested in making exquisite silverware, but don't know where to start. If you have strong hands-on skills, this article will help you choose the tools for silversmithing. With the right metalworking tools, you can start your silverware DIY journey. Katway is a professional jewelry tool manufacturer. We provide a variety of basic tools suitable for novice silversmiths. If you are interested, you can check out our product range.

Essential Silversmith Workbench Tools

These workbench tools include shaping tools, metal forming tools, and assembly tools. These are the core tools of a silversmith's studio, with which you can make some simple silverware.
Jewelry saws : These allow you to precisely cut silver sheets and wires , and they are usually fitted with fine blades and wires to handle intricate designs and delicate processes.
Metal Files : Files are essential tools for smoothing edges and surfaces, and come in a variety of shapes and roughness levels. They usually come in a set, but they are also sold individually. If you only work on one type of workpiece in your jewelry making, individual files will be more cost-effective. But I recommend buying a set because as your skills improve, you may need different files for different workpieces and processes.
Hammers : Silversmiths use a variety of hammers for different purposes . Chasing hammers are used to strike chisels to create textures and patterns on metal surfaces . Planishing hammers are used to strike to flatten and harden metal surfaces . Ball-peen hammers are used to shape and rivet rounded ends of metal . Leather hammers are used to provide a soft blow to avoid leaving noticeable dents or damage.
Bench Pins : Bench pins fixed to the workbench provide support for sawing and filing metal pieces. They are essential for precision work.

Drop Forged Solid Brass Sparkless Hammer, HH-BN01

Measuring and marking tools

Precision is very important in jewelry making, and you have to use some precise measuring and marking tools to ensure the accuracy of the processing. Purchase the following measuring and marking tools:

Ruler and Calipers : For precise measurement of materials and workpieces
Dividers : Used to mark equal distances on metal surfaces, ensuring symmetrical designs and layouts.
Scribe : A sharp tool used to score or inscribe lines into metal as a guide for cutting and shaping.

Metal Cutting Tools

Metal cutting tools are essential for silversmithing or other metalworking. These tools can help you cut silver wire or silver plate as well as solder. They are usually various types of pliers or metal shears.

Flush Cutters
Needle Nose Pliers
Round Nose Pliers
Parallel Jaw Pliers
Straight Cut Shears
Curved Cut Shears
Heavy Duty Metal Shears

Metal forming tools

Ring mandrels and ring clamps are commonly used in silver jewelry making. They can be used to shape rings and other round metal objects. The mandrel is best made of steel so that you can use a hammer to hit the ring on the mandrel to make it more beautiful.
Stamps and punches are also essential. They are used to form concave shapes or domes on metal. Silversmiths use stamps and punches to create three-dimensional shapes on silver.

Jewelry Goldsmithing Pit Iron Nest for Punch Handmade Silversmithing Tools, HH-DT01

Metal welding tools

When it comes to soldering tools, a torch is a must, especially for silversmiths. The most commonly used torches are Oxy-Acetylene Torch and TIG Torch.
Oxy-Acetylene Torch uses a mixture of oxygen and acetylene to generate a high-temperature flame, and the temperature of the flame can be adjusted as needed to meet different silver welding requirements.
TIG Torch is a high-precision welding method that uses a tungsten electrode and protects the welding area with an inert gas such as argon. It can accurately control the welding heat and avoid overheating that affects the quality of silver.

Other auxiliary tools and materials

Tweezers : Often referred to as the third hand by silversmiths, they are indeed very useful and you will use them frequently during the silver making process.

Welding Plate : The high temperatures during welding may damage the table or workbench, and the welding plate can effectively protect these surfaces and provide fixation and support for the workpiece.

Crock-pot : This is a container that holds the pickling solution and should be ceramic, not metal, as other metals may react with the solution and interfere with your workpiece.

Pickling solution : This is used to clean the metal after welding. Fire scale will form on the workpiece during welding. One spoon of salt and one cup of white vinegar can complete the pickling solution ratio.

Flux : Flux allows the solder to flow smoothly while soldering, while also protecting the metal from fire scale.

Solder : Prepare some silver wire solder.

Sandpaper : Prepare various sandpapers ranging from 200 to 1000 grit. You can use them to polish your workpiece or finished product to make it look smoother.

Wrap up

It seems like a lot of information, so if you want to configure these tools, I suggest you bookmark this page for future reference. Create a requirements sheet, write down the budget for each tool, and put a check in front of each one you purchase. This way you can clearly know how much money you spent on the tools and which tools you purchased.