Goldsmithing 1- Basic Goldsmithing Techniques by Gerhard Schulze-Wahle

Translation from German to English by Claire Selby and Michael Wonne

290 Pages, Hardcover

This book has been designed to aid both jewelry trade instructors and students with 34 practical exercises herein. All chapters are based on each other, explaining the various steps how to proceed, with nuts and bolts and exercises referring to them, as well as continuously growing craft and design skills. If necessary, you will also find the heading “Technical Drawing” after the craft description of the task. In this category the essential knowledge will also be imparted consecutively.

Specifically, this book is an aid for the practical skills in goldsmithing. It should be helpful as a communications tool between instructor and trainee. All commonly found worksteps and topics are described. The work projects follow each other in a logical, sequential order; each technique is described once, then assumed as known for all following work pieces. In this book, only one work method is suggested for each process; other alternatives, however, can be found in the workshop. Every time a new tool is used, it is cited at the beginning of the chapter and provided with a number in the text. In the appendix, more information is given for the new tool under this number. The same goes for all necessary supports. One or more design examples are shown at the end of each chapter. Where necessary, technical drawings are added at the end certain chapters. Additional descriptions of the technical drawings are also given as needed

Quick Review:

This book covers the fundamentals of goldsmithing in clear and easy to understand text. Color photos and drawings are excellent. The English translation is very natural as you don't feel like your reading from a computer generated translation. This is not a book for browsing through-you have to master one chapter before going on to the next chapter. Chapter one covers the proper techniques for using files, measuring tools, the bench pin and using the sawframe. Once you master those techniques, chapter two builds on your skills and introduces new tools including the use of a steel block, center punch, chasing hammer, drilling and the use of burs in a flex shaft. You can spend hours and days learning and practicing each skill and you have to master each skill before you move on.  34 chapters in all. Book includes tool list as in index. All tools used in this book are available from Otto Frei. Great book at a good price. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the proper techniques of goldsmithing.

Steve Frei 7/30/2015