Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making Kindle Edition

I originally bought another book by the same author (Metalsmithing Made Easy) and realized with that one, I was in a bit over my head. (I am pretty new to metal work.) So I am holding off on working through that one, but this one turned up during my browsing on Amazon so I figured I would give it a try first. I'm glad I did. It has made me enthusiastic about continuing on with metal working and has grounded me in some essentials for moving on to more advanced works.Due to the amount of reading I've been doing about soldering and metal work lately, I know there is more out there than this book teaches. But, I don't have a problem with the scope of the book. It is called "SIMPLE Soldering," and by limiting the materials (for example, to silver colored solder on copper metal for the practice pieces), you really get a chance to practice technique. Once you get a feel for the basics, *then* you can move on to other materials. (Plus, limited materials save you a bit of money. Though I will point out, to do the projects in this book or any metal soldering in general, you will need to lay out a couple hundred dollars, minimum, for tools and supplies. This is not a cheap hobby, though if you invest in good tools, those should last you awhile.)With respect to tools, this book does include a chapter about tools and materials, and I think this chapter is more useful than in some other books on similar topics. I feel like a lot of thought was put into it and it wasn't just slapped together for filler. I can't say this about tools sections in every craft book. (Also, love the part that tells you what different gauges of sheet metal are used for. It seems so basic but I really don't think I've seen a chart like that anywhere else, and it is so helpful.)Anyway, the book is printed in full color on high quality, glossy paper (much thicker than the pages of a magazine). The photography is wonderful -- it is done with an artistic eye but still shows you exactly what you need to know. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.I like the approach here. You start by doing a sampler with copper squares. Each square teaches you a new technique. Some are simple, like using jump rings (you do learn a few "cold connections" in this book) or texturizing, but others are more complex, like forming a dome and soldering it to a square, or setting cabochons. They are organized in order of complexity. Then there are some projects that use the techniques you have learned; you can see a few examples of those on the cover. Of course not every project is to my taste (they rarely are in craft books), but I really think there is a huge amount of value in even the sampler section.This does come with a DVD. I haven't spent much time with the DVD because I am just one of those people who prefers to read instructions instead of watch them. But, I do appreciate its inclusion. I know we all learn differently, and working with metal is a bit different from stringing beads (most of my past experience with jewelry making), and I'm sure it will be helpful for a lot of people. Plus, it didn't make the book more expensive.Anyway, as a beginner, I can say that I find this book quite valuable as a resource, and I like the approach to teaching as well. And whether you prefer to learn by reading or watching, there is something for you here.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I am a beginner metalsmith and I purchased several of the high-rated soldering books for beginners on Amazon.com. This one is my favorite so far.Everything is written in an easy to understand conversation-like manner and there are plenty of pictures. This book approaches skill-learning in a unique and interesting way. Instead of jumping head-first into simple jewelry-making, Kate Richbourg has you make "sample tiles" to learn basic soldering techniques. Once you've finished making all the sample tiles you then move on to jewelry making, building on the skills you've learned through your sample making. It reminds me of the crochet books I used to learn how to crochet, first learning how to make a loop, then a chain and so on and so forth. It's a great, common-sense way to approach metalsmithing for beginners. You're not overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology (you learn it as you go through the book and the exercises) and everything is laid out in a very approachable manner.I definitely prefer this book to Joe Silvera's beginner soldering book (which is also a very good book, don't get me wrong). If you're a true beginner like me, you'll probably want to purchase this book first, then move to Joe's books.

I almost spent $200 on soldering supplies and tools after reading this! Nice, well organized book. I don't usually use video tutorials but I did enjoy the author's patter and the DVD makes a nice addition to the book. I find the author's approach to learning by making samples is a good and intuitive way to self teach some basic skills.The design of the book is very nice - different fonts, colors and icons clarify notes and tips. The book is bigger than a fiction paperback but smaller than a sheet of copy paper, so it's small enough to not take up too much room on a work table but big enough to read the instructions. The pages are heavy and smooth. The tutorial steps are clearly marked by number. The many photos are clear, on topic and well marked. The writing is easy to follow and provide enough background information that an inexperienced crafter will not only learn what and how, but will also learn why.Even though the book is named Simple Soldering, the subtitle, A beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making, is more accurate. Most of the tutorials require tools and supplies that are not related to soldering. Tools such as hole punches, dappers and riveting tools are not required if your interest is in soldering only. So, the title seems a little misleading and since the sampler steps and projects require a lot of materials and tools unrelated to soldering, the beginner will have to invest in much more money (say $200) to complete the samplers and more to do the projects. As a beader and wire weaver, my goal is to learn to solder jump rings, bezels and a few small joins. This book goes beyond that but to get to the skills I'm seeking, I have to cover much non-solder related terrain.If you are looking for a book that provides tutorials to learn jewelry soldering, this might not be the book for you. If you want to learning some basic jewelry making techniques - specifically sheet and wire work (not casting or molding), this is a very nice book.

There isn't anything that Kate Richbourg could write or say about soldering, metal stamping, making jewelry, etc., that I wouldn't hang on every word. This book is thorough, detailed, and exquisitely understandable. She gives "just enough" handholding to help you build confidence and then gradually eases off so you get a feeling of independence and accomplishment. I haven't finished reading it through yet, but I'm looking forward to doing the "hands on" training for the "samplers" she uses to instruct every little iota you need to know to become a "metalsmith"! If you're gonna do it, then do it right by following Kate Richbourg in this book as well as on line. I'm happy!

A fantastic book, I have only one bug bear and that is that the author only uses flux paste; which is very expensive. I had to learn via YouTube and other reading how to solder using more traditional methods.She uses a the odd bit of silver, but you could substitute the silver for more copper or brass.I have enjoyed the projects I've leant so far.The book is easy to read and remember, it just takes a couple of reads to cement in my dull head thanks to her clear, well illustrated instructions.The book talks you 16 tile projects that takes you through many techniques and a few more after that!Great value I believe!

I found this book to be extremely informative, easy to read and understand, the list of required equipment very helpful. I love the idea of creating sample squares which, by the end, will ensure that you have a firm grasp on most soldering techniques. The projects are also interesting and innovative (which I say as a beginner!).

Bit disappointed as the author mainly used solder paste something I have no I retest in using and is very expensive.The ideas and techniques are interesting and useful though as most can be applied for 'proper' soldering (I say that tongue in check)

Excellent step by step book for a variety of soldering techniques! Would definitely recommend!

Love this book. Love the DVD more. If you are starting out or refreshing there's good tips and instructions.