Friday, September 8, 2023; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
This class is already under way. Please see below for any other available workshop dates.
Creating a beautiful polish on your jewelry is very satisfying, but the technique of finishing itself can be confusing. So many bits, tools, and abrasives. When and where do you use each one? When do you polish by hand or with power tools? Or use a flex shaft, vs. a buffing machine, or even a tumbler?
This workshop will help students to learn how to prepare their work for the final polish and then to create a high luster, matte finish or textured surface.
This course is available as an in-person workshop or live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available.
Techniques Taught:
• How to use a flex shaft machine to polish
• How to use larger buffs and polishing motors to accelerate polishing
• Power tool safety
• Learn how to spot firescale and to remove it
• Choose clean abrasives that are safe to use in a home studio and healthier
• Recommended abrasives
• When to polish by hand or with power tools, or use both
• Using polishing compounds for a great finish
• Use power tools to relieve patina and polish highlights
• Options for using a tumbler for mass finishing
Want to keep working at home or take this class online? Check out our free videos on how to set up to work at home, and tips on setting up a home studio with a jewelers bench.
A kit of materials is included with this class.
Tools.
Classes at our school include use of tools, with each student having their own bench to use during class. Online students will need to have their own tools (see the list of tools below). Feel free to contact us with any questions.
A full color handout is included with the class.
Create your own workbook with the beautiful handout that is downloadable for this workshop. Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning.
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class. (in-person students have tools to use at school)
A list of tools with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
In addition to these tools, students will need some of the tools from the Jewelry 1 - The Basics course.
Safety glasses
Liquid dish soap and steaming hot water
Scraper
Burnisher (slim style recommended)
Half round needle file Swiss cut #4 fine
Glasgow washout brush
Flex shaft machine (recommended). Dremel ok
Sanding sticks (like wooden or plastic rectangular sticks, or popsicle sticks (jumbo and small are useful)
Gluestick or rubber cement for the sanding sticksSample jewelry projects to polish (fabricated pieces or castings suggested)
Sandpaper (for metal, wet/dry, 240, 320 and 600 grit)
A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class
Students should have prior experience with making jewelry, by fabrication, metal clay, or casting.
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
There are no requirements regarding COVID at this time.
As always, we clean and disinfect shared tools and benches after each class.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.
Date & Times | Register |
Thu. Jan 23, 6PM - 9PM PT (Pacific Time), Thu. Jan 30, 6PM - 9PM PT (Pacific Time) |