Hi, I’d like to start making jewelry from sheet metal. But what sheet metal to use?
I took a class about a year ago and I learned most of the basics. I haven’t done anything on my own since the class, but I would like to start. I know enough about most supplies I’ll need to get, but I can’t seem to find any good information on what types of metal is best.
What gauge metal is best to use with a jeweler’s saw? Does it matter? (if it does, also, what is the gauge to inch conversion??)
If I were to use aluminum sheet (I’m just doing it for fun to start, don’t want to get into silver yet, besides we did use some of this in class), what type?? I see all over, 1100, 2024, 5052, 6061, 6063, and all other sorts of 4 digit numbers. What do these mean, and what would be best for pendants, or rings, or earrings? I’d like to do sorts of things, leave as is or drill/punch/cold connect, form, hammer, anodize, or solder.
The 4 digit number denotes what alloy (mixed with other metals) the aluminum is.
Here’s a good site that tells what alloy the number is, it’s weldability, bendability, temper designation, etc:
http://www.precisionsheetmetal.com/home/materials.htm