Ted Dreger Metalwork
@tdmw.bsky.social
Metalsmith, jewelry maker interested in all techniques though I mostly fabricate and cast things in silver, gold, enamel and found objects.
Seattle area
Seattle area
The joy of finding you already have the shape of forming stake you were shopping for.
#metalsmith #tdmw
#metalsmith #tdmw
November 1, 2025 at 7:59 PM
The joy of finding you already have the shape of forming stake you were shopping for.
#metalsmith #tdmw
#metalsmith #tdmw
Gold is so insanely expensive rn. Shown is ~52grams of 18k gold being alloyed and made into wire. The intrinsic value of the gold is $4173.
If I purchased 18K gold wire instead of making it, it would have been an additional $1000 in processing charges.
#jewelry #handmade #goldsmith #tdmw
If I purchased 18K gold wire instead of making it, it would have been an additional $1000 in processing charges.
#jewelry #handmade #goldsmith #tdmw
June 10, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Gold is so insanely expensive rn. Shown is ~52grams of 18k gold being alloyed and made into wire. The intrinsic value of the gold is $4173.
If I purchased 18K gold wire instead of making it, it would have been an additional $1000 in processing charges.
#jewelry #handmade #goldsmith #tdmw
If I purchased 18K gold wire instead of making it, it would have been an additional $1000 in processing charges.
#jewelry #handmade #goldsmith #tdmw
Prototype flask base.
It's a challenge to target the 18mm/.75" pour spout (in black below) with a graphite crucible, especially when pouring small amounts for say 1-2 gold rings (15-30g total weight).
New funnel is 50mm/2" wide and test pour went well, though flask not well seated for vacuum
It's a challenge to target the 18mm/.75" pour spout (in black below) with a graphite crucible, especially when pouring small amounts for say 1-2 gold rings (15-30g total weight).
New funnel is 50mm/2" wide and test pour went well, though flask not well seated for vacuum
April 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Prototype flask base.
It's a challenge to target the 18mm/.75" pour spout (in black below) with a graphite crucible, especially when pouring small amounts for say 1-2 gold rings (15-30g total weight).
New funnel is 50mm/2" wide and test pour went well, though flask not well seated for vacuum
It's a challenge to target the 18mm/.75" pour spout (in black below) with a graphite crucible, especially when pouring small amounts for say 1-2 gold rings (15-30g total weight).
New funnel is 50mm/2" wide and test pour went well, though flask not well seated for vacuum
New baby, old baby.
Graphite crucibles wear out fast. The fresh one is smooth and shiny, the other used ~15 times is a crumbling mess.
#lostwaxcasting
Graphite crucibles wear out fast. The fresh one is smooth and shiny, the other used ~15 times is a crumbling mess.
#lostwaxcasting
April 23, 2025 at 4:57 PM
New baby, old baby.
Graphite crucibles wear out fast. The fresh one is smooth and shiny, the other used ~15 times is a crumbling mess.
#lostwaxcasting
Graphite crucibles wear out fast. The fresh one is smooth and shiny, the other used ~15 times is a crumbling mess.
#lostwaxcasting
Siraya Tech Defiant 25 (1:1) is my new favorite molding silicone. I used to use Sorta-Clear 37 (1:1) and sometimes Sorta-Clear 18 (10:1)
It is thinner, trapping less bubbles (I still vacuum after mixing) and cheaper. Durability is TBD.
#moldmaking #jewelrymaking #silversmithing #sirayatech #tdmw
It is thinner, trapping less bubbles (I still vacuum after mixing) and cheaper. Durability is TBD.
#moldmaking #jewelrymaking #silversmithing #sirayatech #tdmw
April 18, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Siraya Tech Defiant 25 (1:1) is my new favorite molding silicone. I used to use Sorta-Clear 37 (1:1) and sometimes Sorta-Clear 18 (10:1)
It is thinner, trapping less bubbles (I still vacuum after mixing) and cheaper. Durability is TBD.
#moldmaking #jewelrymaking #silversmithing #sirayatech #tdmw
It is thinner, trapping less bubbles (I still vacuum after mixing) and cheaper. Durability is TBD.
#moldmaking #jewelrymaking #silversmithing #sirayatech #tdmw
Day one Tokyo: I always wondered where the "land" hanging in space on classic Chinoiserie wallpaper etc from Europeans (left, pic 1) was based on. Was it maps (right, pic 2) like this one at Tokyo National Museum that present space in an unusual way? Any art history majors know?
March 19, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Day one Tokyo: I always wondered where the "land" hanging in space on classic Chinoiserie wallpaper etc from Europeans (left, pic 1) was based on. Was it maps (right, pic 2) like this one at Tokyo National Museum that present space in an unusual way? Any art history majors know?
Prototype flask base (right)
Vacuum casting when using an electro-melt furnace is a challenge with small flasks b/c the pouring area is so small.
Trying to make an improved wider funnel base unless someone knows where do buy something like this commercially?
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
Vacuum casting when using an electro-melt furnace is a challenge with small flasks b/c the pouring area is so small.
Trying to make an improved wider funnel base unless someone knows where do buy something like this commercially?
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
March 7, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Prototype flask base (right)
Vacuum casting when using an electro-melt furnace is a challenge with small flasks b/c the pouring area is so small.
Trying to make an improved wider funnel base unless someone knows where do buy something like this commercially?
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
Vacuum casting when using an electro-melt furnace is a challenge with small flasks b/c the pouring area is so small.
Trying to make an improved wider funnel base unless someone knows where do buy something like this commercially?
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
New small studio solution: I now have my rolling mills on wooden skids w/ felt bottoms that slide into place and are bolted down to the bench. Both slide into corner when not in use. Hopefully next studio will have more space.
#tdmw #maker #studio #handmade #metalsmith #jewelry
#tdmw #maker #studio #handmade #metalsmith #jewelry
February 23, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Made this little sabot charm yesterday with the conflagrated idea of the French Resistance and the origin of the word "sabotage".
I fear the US is sliding into fascism and acts of resistance small and large will be necessary to stop it.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #waxcarving #handmade #jewelry #maker
I fear the US is sliding into fascism and acts of resistance small and large will be necessary to stop it.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #waxcarving #handmade #jewelry #maker
February 9, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Made this little sabot charm yesterday with the conflagrated idea of the French Resistance and the origin of the word "sabotage".
I fear the US is sliding into fascism and acts of resistance small and large will be necessary to stop it.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #waxcarving #handmade #jewelry #maker
I fear the US is sliding into fascism and acts of resistance small and large will be necessary to stop it.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #waxcarving #handmade #jewelry #maker
My studio in the snow.
I like the snow for about 5 minutes. It's been days and I'm so over it.
I like the snow for about 5 minutes. It's been days and I'm so over it.
February 8, 2025 at 5:24 PM
My studio in the snow.
I like the snow for about 5 minutes. It's been days and I'm so over it.
I like the snow for about 5 minutes. It's been days and I'm so over it.
New convenience while vacuuming investment: a cheap ($15) percussion massager
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith #casting
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith #casting
February 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM
New convenience while vacuuming investment: a cheap ($15) percussion massager
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith #casting
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith #casting
February 4, 2025 at 10:58 PM
February 4, 2025 at 4:20 AM
My "chain library".
When I make a chain for a specific piece I will look at my previous samples and make more as necessary until I know what shape wire, what thickness, what size mandrel to form it around, orientation (e.g. half-round wire in or out).
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade #jewelry
When I make a chain for a specific piece I will look at my previous samples and make more as necessary until I know what shape wire, what thickness, what size mandrel to form it around, orientation (e.g. half-round wire in or out).
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade #jewelry
February 2, 2025 at 6:15 PM
My "chain library".
When I make a chain for a specific piece I will look at my previous samples and make more as necessary until I know what shape wire, what thickness, what size mandrel to form it around, orientation (e.g. half-round wire in or out).
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade #jewelry
When I make a chain for a specific piece I will look at my previous samples and make more as necessary until I know what shape wire, what thickness, what size mandrel to form it around, orientation (e.g. half-round wire in or out).
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade #jewelry
Replaced prototype with soldered circuit in my self-built kiln controller based on this project: github.com/jbruce12000/...
It was a hassle getting set up, but I love having a web-based kiln controller.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
It was a hassle getting set up, but I love having a web-based kiln controller.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
February 2, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Replaced prototype with soldered circuit in my self-built kiln controller based on this project: github.com/jbruce12000/...
It was a hassle getting set up, but I love having a web-based kiln controller.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
It was a hassle getting set up, but I love having a web-based kiln controller.
#tdmw #lostwaxcasting #metalsmith
Vase with forever flowers of brass.
The vase is after another metalsmith's work, but I have no idea who it was-- something I saw online years ago on tumblr.
Mine has two lids, one with a large single opening and one with a grid of small openings.
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade
The vase is after another metalsmith's work, but I have no idea who it was-- something I saw online years ago on tumblr.
Mine has two lids, one with a large single opening and one with a grid of small openings.
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade
February 1, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Vase with forever flowers of brass.
The vase is after another metalsmith's work, but I have no idea who it was-- something I saw online years ago on tumblr.
Mine has two lids, one with a large single opening and one with a grid of small openings.
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade
The vase is after another metalsmith's work, but I have no idea who it was-- something I saw online years ago on tumblr.
Mine has two lids, one with a large single opening and one with a grid of small openings.
#tdmw #metalsmith #handmade
Cock pins.
Background context:
Women at my former employer frequently had their ideas dismissed until a man parroted the same idea.
This job also had a dress code that involved requiring men to wear neck ties.
When they rescinded the dress code after ~30 years ...
(1/2)
Background context:
Women at my former employer frequently had their ideas dismissed until a man parroted the same idea.
This job also had a dress code that involved requiring men to wear neck ties.
When they rescinded the dress code after ~30 years ...
(1/2)
January 30, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Cock pins.
Background context:
Women at my former employer frequently had their ideas dismissed until a man parroted the same idea.
This job also had a dress code that involved requiring men to wear neck ties.
When they rescinded the dress code after ~30 years ...
(1/2)
Background context:
Women at my former employer frequently had their ideas dismissed until a man parroted the same idea.
This job also had a dress code that involved requiring men to wear neck ties.
When they rescinded the dress code after ~30 years ...
(1/2)
This is from some off cuts, bad casting etc... here's a photo of the what was dissolved
January 29, 2025 at 3:42 PM
This is from some off cuts, bad casting etc... here's a photo of the what was dissolved
Toy surprise ring.
14k gold. Split comfort fit shank.
Idea was making a cracker-jack box type prize but in nice materials.
The vending machine capsule and confetti are as presented to owner. The close up is after she'd been wearing it for a while.
#tdmw #handmade #jewelery #goldsmith
14k gold. Split comfort fit shank.
Idea was making a cracker-jack box type prize but in nice materials.
The vending machine capsule and confetti are as presented to owner. The close up is after she'd been wearing it for a while.
#tdmw #handmade #jewelery #goldsmith
January 29, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Toy surprise ring.
14k gold. Split comfort fit shank.
Idea was making a cracker-jack box type prize but in nice materials.
The vending machine capsule and confetti are as presented to owner. The close up is after she'd been wearing it for a while.
#tdmw #handmade #jewelery #goldsmith
14k gold. Split comfort fit shank.
Idea was making a cracker-jack box type prize but in nice materials.
The vending machine capsule and confetti are as presented to owner. The close up is after she'd been wearing it for a while.
#tdmw #handmade #jewelery #goldsmith
Silver refining: Cementation
Now I've added a pure copper bar to the solution. The silver falls out of solution and the copper bar dissolves into the solution. That's ~98-99% pure silver crystals sloughing off the copper bar at the beginning.
#tdmw #silversmith #metalwork #refining
Now I've added a pure copper bar to the solution. The silver falls out of solution and the copper bar dissolves into the solution. That's ~98-99% pure silver crystals sloughing off the copper bar at the beginning.
#tdmw #silversmith #metalwork #refining
January 28, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Silver refining: Cementation
Now I've added a pure copper bar to the solution. The silver falls out of solution and the copper bar dissolves into the solution. That's ~98-99% pure silver crystals sloughing off the copper bar at the beginning.
#tdmw #silversmith #metalwork #refining
Now I've added a pure copper bar to the solution. The silver falls out of solution and the copper bar dissolves into the solution. That's ~98-99% pure silver crystals sloughing off the copper bar at the beginning.
#tdmw #silversmith #metalwork #refining
Silver Refining:
Continuing from a previous post, this is the filtered result of dissolving 300grams scrap sterling silver in nitric acid.
Strange to see a clear blue fluid that is holding ~280grams (1/2 lb) of pure silver.
At the end I'll make a little video of the steps.
#silversmith #tdmw
Continuing from a previous post, this is the filtered result of dissolving 300grams scrap sterling silver in nitric acid.
Strange to see a clear blue fluid that is holding ~280grams (1/2 lb) of pure silver.
At the end I'll make a little video of the steps.
#silversmith #tdmw
January 28, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Silver Refining:
Continuing from a previous post, this is the filtered result of dissolving 300grams scrap sterling silver in nitric acid.
Strange to see a clear blue fluid that is holding ~280grams (1/2 lb) of pure silver.
At the end I'll make a little video of the steps.
#silversmith #tdmw
Continuing from a previous post, this is the filtered result of dissolving 300grams scrap sterling silver in nitric acid.
Strange to see a clear blue fluid that is holding ~280grams (1/2 lb) of pure silver.
At the end I'll make a little video of the steps.
#silversmith #tdmw
Started refining some mostly sterling silver scrap last night.
It's satisfying for me to watch mis-cast and other failed projects dissolve. Similar to melting them for reuse, which is also very satisfying.
It's satisfying for me to watch mis-cast and other failed projects dissolve. Similar to melting them for reuse, which is also very satisfying.
January 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Started refining some mostly sterling silver scrap last night.
It's satisfying for me to watch mis-cast and other failed projects dissolve. Similar to melting them for reuse, which is also very satisfying.
It's satisfying for me to watch mis-cast and other failed projects dissolve. Similar to melting them for reuse, which is also very satisfying.
Garnet ring in 14k gold. First gold ring I made.
I alloyed the gold from a 24k gold coin -> 14k yellow gold, poured an ingot and drew the wire. The setting holding the garnet is actually 3 square wire jump rings soldered together.
#tdmw #goldsmith #metalsmith #maker #jewelery #handmadejewelry
I alloyed the gold from a 24k gold coin -> 14k yellow gold, poured an ingot and drew the wire. The setting holding the garnet is actually 3 square wire jump rings soldered together.
#tdmw #goldsmith #metalsmith #maker #jewelery #handmadejewelry
January 25, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Garnet ring in 14k gold. First gold ring I made.
I alloyed the gold from a 24k gold coin -> 14k yellow gold, poured an ingot and drew the wire. The setting holding the garnet is actually 3 square wire jump rings soldered together.
#tdmw #goldsmith #metalsmith #maker #jewelery #handmadejewelry
I alloyed the gold from a 24k gold coin -> 14k yellow gold, poured an ingot and drew the wire. The setting holding the garnet is actually 3 square wire jump rings soldered together.
#tdmw #goldsmith #metalsmith #maker #jewelery #handmadejewelry
Tea canister in sterling silver.
I think I made this in 2018. Pretty happy with it, though I learned a lot while making it for things I've made since.
#tdmw #silversmith #jeweler #handmade #maker
I think I made this in 2018. Pretty happy with it, though I learned a lot while making it for things I've made since.
#tdmw #silversmith #jeweler #handmade #maker
January 23, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Tea canister in sterling silver.
I think I made this in 2018. Pretty happy with it, though I learned a lot while making it for things I've made since.
#tdmw #silversmith #jeweler #handmade #maker
I think I made this in 2018. Pretty happy with it, though I learned a lot while making it for things I've made since.
#tdmw #silversmith #jeweler #handmade #maker
My buddies. These two crows recognize me and I feed them a small amount most days. I call them both Gerald (I call all crows Gerald)
It's only 23F today, so I put out water for them as well.
It's only 23F today, so I put out water for them as well.
January 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
My buddies. These two crows recognize me and I feed them a small amount most days. I call them both Gerald (I call all crows Gerald)
It's only 23F today, so I put out water for them as well.
It's only 23F today, so I put out water for them as well.