The Complete Metalsmith: Illustrated Handbook (Jewelry Crafts) Spiral-bound – 1 Jan. 1991

This is a good reference book, with loads of useful information. As an experienced metalworker, it's easy to forget things - especially if you have a diverse range of skills that may not always get used very often. Sometimes when doing a job that you may not have done for a couple of years, or more, it's good to have a range of resources that you can go to, knowing that you'll find the information you need: The Complete Metalsmith is one of those resources. The only thing preventing me from giving this product five stars, is that it is a little flimsy - but other than that, it's a good book.

Having some experience of working with silver, I was glad this was a working manual that launched straight into the metallurgy and soldering/rolling, drawing and other techniques. There are technical tables and diagrams that "introduction to" books leave out. These lists shed light on why metals behave as they do, and the geometry calcs are a reminder of what's needed to design shape that work. A great book. As a former library book I expected it to be well-used. It was, but not to the extent that it was damaged or abused. It has the look and feel of a well-loved manual. Described very fairly by the seller, I am delighted all round with my purchase.

This book gives beautiful detail to the chemistry and science behind certain processes in metalwork, and details on the metals and tools themselves. This is the perfect book for anyone learning, or self teaching metal smithing of any kind.As a UK reader, I was pleasantly surprised that all melting point temperatures mentioned were in Celsius, which makes it much easier! The only measurements exclusively in imperial seem to be ones which aren't all too relevant (as in telling you then general size of copper wire coils you can buy, etc). So even if you live outside the US, it's very easy to understand.

Great condition.

This book covers just about everything you could ever want to know about metalsmithing. I bought this as a silversmither and it's been brilliant for working out how to do things. It also has a brilliant reference section at the back with tons of really useful information. This book covers more technical information than any other book on this subject I've seen, my only niggle is it doesn't always give quite enough instruction to be able to get stuck straight in to a new technique. That said, for anyone working with silver it's a little gem.

This book is so useful, I can't over-sell how esstenial it is for my workbench! All the techniques are described in excellent detail with simple and easy to understand diagrams. It covers such a braod spectrum of jewellery making, even given a comprehensive list of gemstones and their properties (actual physical properties and traditional 'mythical' properties). I really think this book has something to offer to every level of jewellery maker from beginner wanting to master chainmail chain to the professional looking to smelt their own alloys.

It is very difficult to buy a book when unable to browse it, and having read other reviews I decided to go ahead and purchase. As a total beginner, I am very pleased with all the details and descriptions. It is written to be understood and the binder is excellent because you don't lose your page. This is not an overwhelming book of information but well organised and very handy to refer to.

I bought this book for my sister, who learns to be a metalsmith. She says this book is a must have for a student of this topic. Easy, understandable, clear instructions. She really recommends it as a handbook.