6 Tips for Metalsmithing with Butane

Calling all metalsmiths! How many of you have demonstrated how easy it is to get over a fear of torches by firing up a crème brulée? But butane torches aren’t just for beginners—they can be used to create layered, artful soldered jewelry. Susan Lenart has filmed many videos with Interweave and teaches jewelry making around the globe.

Here are her essential tips for using butane in your soldered jewelry creations.

1. Butane is easy to find, even when you’re traveling. And its connections are universal, so you don’t have to worry about your torch head fitting the canister.
2. No two torch heads are exactly alike when it comes to flame. Experiment with the different styles—you might want a fuller flame for one solder while a tighter flame works best for another one.
3. As your butane can gets emptier, it gets top heavy. It’s helpful to have a holder on your bench so it is easy to grab and doesn’t fall over when you set it down. 

4. As pressure gets lower inside the can, it is harder to maintain very hot heat. You can still work with it for some joins, just be aware that you will need to swap it out if the hottest heat is required. 
5. Use a screen under the piece you’re soldering. This allows you to maintain the heat and project the flame from all directions. 
6. Save the cap from the new can of butane in case you want to remove the torch head and store the can later.

ENTER TO WIN!

Enter the Jewelry Arts Awards: Tucson Show Guide Cover Competition for a chance to see your work on the cover or inside the Tucson Show Guide! Three categories include Gemstones, Metalsmithing, and Sterling Silver.

Combine brass, copper, silver, and other materials to create distinctive, intentional adornment for the metalsmithing category. Flex your creativity with jewelry that takes full advantage of traditional and contemporary metalsmithing techniques to tell your story. Layer hot and/or cold connections to build your personal talisman. Recycled metal and reused materials, ethically sourced gems, found objects, and green practices are encouraged but not required. Thank you to our sponsor Susan Lenart.

Learn Metalsmithing with Susan Lenart