Customer Reviews

Making Silver Chains: Simple Techniques, Beautiful Designs

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the few books devoted just to chainmaking, Glen Waszek's book is a wonderful instructional and reference book. Detailed instructions with clear photographs and diagrams are given for a large number of both classic and unusual chains. The opening chapters on tools and techniques are clear, concise, and well presented. While I found this book somewhat intimidating as a beginner (most of the chains are soldered), it is truly a valuable resource for intermediate and advanced level chainmakers as well. Mr. Waszek offers continued challanges and inspiration to all levels of serious chain crafters. Two thumbs up!!

This is an excellent book for a novice to intermediate metalworker. The instructions, diagrams, and photographs are very clear and are presented in a logical order. First, Mr. Waszek walks you through descriptions for tools and materials. Next, he explains the basics of working silver. Don't be intimidated by the processes of annealing, pickling, and soldering! The step-by-step instructions and tips make it easy. Instructions for professional finishing are provided, so your chains will be smooth and elegant. Once the basics have been introduced, you're ready for the projects. You'll learn to make trace chains, curb chains, circular link chains, loop-in-loop chains, and fancy links, plus you'll learn how to make your own findings to fasten your chains.

Granted, you will put a lot of time and effort into making a handcrafted chain, but many of these designs are not commercially available or not available in your choice of weight and thickness. Although the book is about silver chains, you can apply these skills and techniques to other metals. Even if you already have some experience making chains, this is a great book for reviewing finishing techniques and refreshing your memory for designs. Everything is easy to locate, with step-by-step instructions for all tasks.

Just the type of diagrams and instructions I've been looking for, clear and easy to follow! Thank you Glen Waszek. This is a must if you are just getting into chains.

I love to make chains and I have been in this hobby during the last year, it is a hobby that requires accuracy and patience...a lot of patience. In my particular case I like to see the results of my work in a reasonable period of time. All the chains in this book are very beautiful, as well as the photos, the instructions are ok too but all the chains are soldered, that means that each ring has to be soldered, it can take 20 or more hours to have one chain finished, depending on how skillfull you are soldering. If you have enough time and are very good in soldering this book is perfect for you. That was not my case.

i ordered this book just because i wanted specific instructions to make the loop in loop chain. once i got the book, however, i am finding it useful for lots more info than for just that one chain. in fact, I'm going thru the book one pattern at a time & gaining practice with each of the designs. i have been metalworking at a basic level for a few years but i find i am learning new things (or new approaches) from this book.

This book emphasizes the two things that I think make a piece of jewelry memorable: simple elegance and meticulous technique. This doesn't go for the flashy designs of Creative Silver Chains or the elaborate linkages of Chain Mail Jewelry. It sticks with the classics. Far from boring, this narrow focus brings out the vast variety there is in classic linked chains.

The 'projects' section of this book, by far the largest part, offers clear, step by step instructions. Diagrams of complex linkages could benefit from color-coding of the different interlocked pieces, but careful readers will find the illustrations quite legible. Only one thing prevents me from recommending this book to a bare beginner: its emphasis on soldered links demands fine control and precision in handling a torch. Unless you've already mastered sub-millimeter control of your flame, prepare to melt a lot of links.

But, if you have the patience to acquire the skill, gorgeous results are virtually certain. This isn't the broadest or most basic text around, but a good one for amateur jewelers looking to increase their skills and creativity.

-- wiredweird

soldering and cutting jump rings are the basis for most all chains. follow the instructions and be rewarded with beautiful chains. also the ring proportions to the finished size are discussed. a great foundation text. i just completed the "simple" chain in the size described and not only have a fantastic chain but vastly improved soldering skills, along with some melted jump rings. with this foundation you can produce any chain which you can conjure using rings and solder.

This book is good if you don't mind soldering rings. I do not like soldering, so I did not find the book very useful. The techniques are not simple, but they are beautiful.

While the designs look great the book leave a lot to be desired. The techniques are not really simple and assume you have a basic knowledge of metal smithing and are able to solder.

THIS IS TO DO YOURSELF THE PRICE IS RIGHT ,YOU MAKE IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME,
THE TWISTING IS EASY,THE NEXT ONE I TRY IS NOT IN THE BOOK,THE LORD SHOWED ME A LINK
PRIZE WINNING NECKLACE IT WILL BE,WHEN I GOT UP I PUT IT ON PAPER BEFOR I FORGOT IT,
ALL WILL ENJOY THIS HOW TO DO BOOK,BUY TODAY.
CARMEN IN STANLEY,NC