Workshop - Tool Modification with Cathy Prieto-Smith

Description

Did you know you can customize your metalsmithing tools?  Come join HMAG with instructor Cathy Prieto-Smith, and learn how to modify many different types of bench tools and take creative control over your studio!  This one-day workshop will teach you how to modify pliers, files, and hammers.  The workshop will include demonstrations and hands-on experience for the participants.  Some demo and activity topics will include: 

• Modifying pliers to soften sharp edges and polish interiors, to better avoid scarring metalwork.
• Modifying pliers with grooves for making oval jump rings and more.
• Modifying hammers to create a patterned texture on the hammer head, in order to create custom texturing tools for metal.
• Modifying files to remove cutting teeth on unwanted edges, to better avoid scarring metal in unwated areas.
• And more!

Students are encouraged to bring their own pliers, hammers, and files that they wish to modify (great candidates for this are if you have duplicate pairs of certain types of pliers or file, or old hammers, etc.).  If you don't have all of these objects, some tools will be provided to you for practice in the hands-on activites.

Instructor

Cathy Prieto-Smith

Bio

Cathy Prieto-Smith is a Houston-based artist. She has adorned herself with her handmade creations since she was a child. In 1998 she went “official” with Charisma Designs. By 2001 she was studying under Master Jeweler, Val Link, at the University of Houston. She specializes in metal but loves cutting stones, fusing glass, and ceramics. Cathy creates and teaches in her amazing studio in Houston’s artistic EaDo.

10:00 am - 3:00 pm one day: Saturday, May 18th.

Lunch: Please bring a bag lunch.  HMAG will provide waters, sodas, and light snacks, but students are encouragaed to bring their own lunch.

The following materials are included, for each student to use and keep:

1. LYNX Round Bur
2. LYNX Cylinder Square Single-Cut Bur
3. Screw Mandrel
4. Cutting Wheel
5. Wet-Dry Sandpaper assortment (grits ranging from 100-1200)

Please bring the following tools/supplies:

1. Any pliers (new or old) that you wish to modify and/or clean and smooth, including round-nose, chain-nose, & flat-nose
2. Any hammers (old or not polished) that you wish to modify with texture
3. Any files (new or old) that you wish to modify