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Complete Metalsmith
The Complete Metalsmith became a classic soon after it was first published in 1982. A second edition (blue cover) raised the bar by adding 50 more pages and using a larger format. To mark the millenium, McCreight revised it again, this time doubling the number of pages, adding color and using an innovative concealed spiral binding. This information-packed technique source book is on every professional metalworker's must-have list. With over 2500 drawings, the Complete Metalsmith provide a wealth of information on materials, tools, shaping, surfaces, joining, color, finishing, casting, stonesetting, chains, findings and mechanisms. Also included is one of the largest collections of charts and tables for metalsmiths. You’ll wonder how you got along without it!
312 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1982
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658 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 21, 2008
There are a lot of great books on the market for metalsmiths and jewelry makers but this is one of the best. If you are going to buy one book, make this the one. Even if you are going to buy a bunch of books, this is the perfect first one.
The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight is the bible for metalworking. It is written as a technical reference book covering physical properties of different metals, basic instructions for almost every jewelry making technique imaginable, and even great extras like basic plans for a jeweler's bench that can easily be modified to fit your space and needs. Just about every tool and piece of equipment imaginable is covered with a good description of basic use and an illustrations. Issues of safety are also thoroughly covered.
This is not a pretty book full of full color glossy photos. It is not a detailed project book. But it is a great reference book for your bench. If you need simple basic instructions on any technique or tool, it's a great place to look. Tim McCreight is one of the leading authorities on metalsmithing and jewelry making in the country (maybe in the world), so his instructions are accurate and easy to follow.
This book is designed to be used at the bench. The hard cover is covered in a very durable canvas-like material. It has a heavy spiral binding enabling it to lay flat on the work bench.
This is definitely the best first book for your collection if you are just learning metal working and jewelry making. Even if you have been at it for a while, it is a great book to have in your collection for when you want to expand into a new technique.
Definitely a must have!
The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight is the bible for metalworking. It is written as a technical reference book covering physical properties of different metals, basic instructions for almost every jewelry making technique imaginable, and even great extras like basic plans for a jeweler's bench that can easily be modified to fit your space and needs. Just about every tool and piece of equipment imaginable is covered with a good description of basic use and an illustrations. Issues of safety are also thoroughly covered.
This is not a pretty book full of full color glossy photos. It is not a detailed project book. But it is a great reference book for your bench. If you need simple basic instructions on any technique or tool, it's a great place to look. Tim McCreight is one of the leading authorities on metalsmithing and jewelry making in the country (maybe in the world), so his instructions are accurate and easy to follow.
This book is designed to be used at the bench. The hard cover is covered in a very durable canvas-like material. It has a heavy spiral binding enabling it to lay flat on the work bench.
This is definitely the best first book for your collection if you are just learning metal working and jewelry making. Even if you have been at it for a while, it is a great book to have in your collection for when you want to expand into a new technique.
Definitely a must have!
July 24, 2008
In straightforward prose, McCreight explains tools, materials, and techniques associated with metalsmithing and related jewelry making. As he says in the introduction, “Information from hundreds of sources has been collected, distilled, and illustrated. It is intended to be both a text and a tool, a blend of instruction and reference.” It is generally considered by students and teachers to be an invaluable reference. You can find information about such things as “common soldering problems” or gemstone properties or what do if your pickle goes bad: “If you’re in a bind, you can still use vinegar,” which is, apparently, what people used to use a long time ago. (I tried it. It works, but it takes a while.)
August 16, 2012
If you know you have a passion for metal and intend to invest any real time in it, you need access to this book. Preferably the ring bound version as it is so convenient for lying on the bench. Possibly this book is a little dense for the absolute beginner, but required reading for low-intermediate level jewellers and upwards. No other book is so universally endorsed by metalworkers at all levels, and it is with VERY good reason.
March 4, 2022
This book is always the book I recommend to anyone interested in jewelry making. It is filled with so much information and knowledge and I've been using it since I was in college in 2005. It doesn't have pictures but there are some illustrations that support the text.
August 3, 2023
Very comprehensive and informative book for metalsmiths of all levels. I found this book helpful when I was just beginning years ago, and still reference it today. Highly recommend to those looking to learn more about the craft of smithing.
December 23, 2017
A reference manual for metal workers. This volume was published in 1982. Techniques are likely timeless; materials and design, of course, advance with time.
February 19, 2019
Excellent book. Lots of clear information. A must for any metalsmither.
January 23, 2023
The most accessible comprehensive metalworking reference.
June 16, 2009
A complete guide and directions to almost anything you need to know about metalsmithing. This is just like the "Complete Metalsmith Professional Edition" but with a little less. It has step by step guilds and illustrations to process you may need to know for metalworking but a little less in-depth, kind of dulled down for students, I've see it other places actually advertised as the "Student Edition". This is also half the price of the other book; if I could pick a "text book" out for a jewelry class this would be it.
March 26, 2008
This is the Jewelry making bible for beginners. Beware, if you are interested in this artform that is is EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE to get started. You are going to have to feel a connection to metal and be willing to do without a lot of things once you get started.
This book will teach you the basics in detail with photos and give you a greater understanding of techniques that are required for beginners. I suggest you read it cover to cover before you ever sign up for a class.
This book will teach you the basics in detail with photos and give you a greater understanding of techniques that are required for beginners. I suggest you read it cover to cover before you ever sign up for a class.
May 23, 2008
The Complete Metalsmith is a must for any studio or educational setting. It is a metalsmithing encyclopedia of techniques, which explains all techniques, has color photographs and charts, and also contains various conversion charts and mathematical formulas relating to measurements of metals and metal working. The only downfall to the book is that it doesn't explain all techniques in great detail, it is intended more as a resource.
June 16, 2009
A complete guide and directions to almost anything you need to know about metalsmithing. The "Professional Edition" has step by step guilds and illustrations to any process you may need to know for metalworking and makes it easy to teach others (I've even had teachers copy pages directly out of the book for student to refer to). I have this book and I refer to it very often. This would be the book I would suggest an instructor uses to teach metals. This is a metalsmiths bible in my opinion.
April 1, 2014
Great book. If your self taught in silversmithing, this is the book to go to when you get stuck on "how to". I should say that this book is for anyone who is into all types of metalsmithing, not just jewelery making. Dad and I share this book between us. Easy to read information with simple drawings to complement each subject.
April 21, 2023
I read this when I first started taking jewelry classes. Despite being almost 20 years old, it is an amazing resource, a book that all jewelry students should, at the very least, look into. The hand drawn illustrations are charming, but are, perhaps, the only thing that can really improve this book.
August 29, 2013
This book covers a wide variety of techniques for metal working, but gives you just enough information to be a danger to yourself. Great for someone who just wants an overview without any real guidance on how to complete the tasks.
February 23, 2022
So far I LOVE this book! The instructions are concise, clear and easy enough for a beginner (me) to understand. There are many reference charts and tables as well. I first picked it up from my library and realized it was a KEEPER!
August 5, 2007
A must have book for any body who works with metal. I bought it as a student and now use it as a teacher and a profesional
September 17, 2007
The metalworking bible.
October 28, 2007
this is another one of those must-haves for jewelry/metalsmithing designers-- another desktop reference your workshop should have handy.
June 21, 2008
Great for people who have done some metalwork and need a quick reference book. I love all McCreights books.
August 26, 2008
This is an awesome manual a metalsmith can't afford to not have in the studio!
September 17, 2008
Every jeweler needs this book, seriously.
December 27, 2008
This is something of a bible for those seeking to do metalsmithing. A very comprehensive guide.
January 12, 2011
Really great book for the beginning and experienced smithy. Lots of good info on welding, blacksmithing, and jewelry design accompanied by some really good drawings.
February 1, 2014
A must have for every metalsmith's library!
June 1, 2012
A must have!
January 20, 2014
Great book, describes most of the processes used in the jewelers trade in simple terms.
November 9, 2013
This is a good book for a thorough guide on all techniques of metalsmithing
October 14, 2022
Invaluable as a reference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews