How to Maintain and Modify Your jewellery Tools with Michelle Lierre & Chris Anderson of Lion Punch Forge (podcast episode)
In this week's episode, Michelle Lierre dives into an in-depth discussion with Chris of Lion Punch Forge on maintaining and modifying the steel tools that jewellers typically use. Chris teaches us about the fundamentals of steel as a material, the different kinds of steel, how steel behaves differently to the metals jewellers use to make jewellery and how it's possible for jewellers to modify their own steel tools.
Listen now:
174: How to Maintain and Modify Your Tools
With Chris Anderson
In this week's episode, Michelle Lierre dives into an in-depth discussion with Chris of Lion Punch Forge on maintaining and modifying the steel tools that jewellers typically use. Chris teaches us about the fundamentals of steel as a material, the different kinds of steel, how steel behaves differently to the metals jewellers use to make jewellery and how it's possible for jewellers to modify their own steel tools.
Episode Description:
How did Chris get into the industry? (2:04)
What is steel? (8:44)
How can we make simple modifications to steel tools? (12:55)
Dealing with rust on steel tools (39:11)
Basic tool maintenance for jewellers (41:57)
Where can Chris be found online? (49:13)
Discount code for Jewellers Academy listeners (50:12)
Resources:
Learn more about Jewellers Academy
Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group
About chris
Raised in the scenic Pacific Northwest, Chris developed a profound affinity for the outdoors, which serves as a wellspring of inspiration for his creative endeavors. Coming from a family of engineers, machinists, mechanics, gardeners, and DIY’ers definitely helped jumpstart his life long love of working with his hands.
In 2016, Chris founded Lion Punch Forge as a hobby. Progressively Chris learned welding, basic fabrication, and light machine work. Originally these skills were acquired for the ability to fashion his own replacement parts and to forge knives and tools. Eager to enhance the intricacy of his knife-making, Chris undertook the self-taught study of goldsmithing and metal forming.
Chris openly shares knowledge and offers assistance to those seeking guidance. When queried about the most crucial aspect of running a business, he promptly replies, “People." Chris firmly believes that mastery of basic foundational skill paves the way to personal growth and propels the maker into more advanced feats. Consequently, Chris incorporates this principle into his tool designs.
Originally wanting to retire and make jewelry he realized that supporting a young family in a competitive market may not be his niche. Instead, Chris decided to use the skills he had collected over the years to make and invent tools as the primary business focus. Chris would then make and sometimes sell jewelry to teach and advertise the tools he invents.
As Lion Punch Forge has grown, Chris has added estate gemstones to the product offerings and continues to evaluate how the business can find its place to best support the community he has grown to love so much. Meticulously crafting the Lion Punch Forge line of tools, Chris places great importance on evaluating the fundamentals. Often embracing simplicity in design, functionality, and imbuing them with a distinct bespoke and heirloom quality.
Instagram: @lionpunchforge
Website: https://lionpunchforge.com
Lion Punch Forge Discount
Chris has kindly set up a discount code for Jewellers Academy podcast listeners and students at www.lionpunchforge.com - use the code JA12 for 12% off your orders.
Your next episode:
Jewellers love tools - here is another episode with tool talk! Jess chats with jeweller Laura Jayne about 10 essential tools for getting started with silver jewellery making. Laura Jayne teaches the brand new Jewellers Academy Foundation in Silver Jewellery course. To celebrate this she joins us on the show to take us through the absolute essential tools every budding silver jewellery maker needs and shares lots of other useful hints and tips around tools.
