Butane Micro Torch
Safe Soldering at Home

Who says you need expensive jeweller's torches to make jewellery!? Not us! Start making jewellery full time like a boss and let us help you get the most out of your butane torch, solder at home safely and stress free. Known as micro torches, or even crème brûlée torches, butane torches make creating jewellery at home or in small spaces a dream! You will build your confidence level with this type of torch by practicing numerous soldering techniques, while working towards building up samples with varying degrees of joinery, intricacy, and methodology. You will develop an understanding of how to control the flame of the torch, what makes solder flow, and how to problem solve quickly.

This class is designed for those who already have an understanding of flame types and the principles of annealing and soldering precious and base metals. We designed this one-of-a-kind class because we firmly believe that you can have a simple, at home jewellery studio that won’t send you into debt. This class is designed for those of you wondering how to choose a torch for jewellery making, introduce you to the best butane torch for jewellery and specifically, YOUR JEWELLERY! In this fun, fast paced one day class, we will help you to get the most out of your butane micro torch, develop your brand and create safe work practices for your home studio.

When: Saturday July 19, 2025
Duration: 10:30am - 4:30pm
Class size: Maximum 8 people
Cost: $245

BOOK NOW

As part of Joynton & 107 Projects, The Bench will provide subsidised courses to residents in the Zetland, Sydney area. For further information please email us at jewellery@thebench.sydney

ABOUT THE COURSE

Prerequisite

This class is designed for those who already have an understanding of flame types and the principles of annealing and soldering precious and base metals. You must complete Learn to Make Jewellery Stage One - An Introduction or equivalent.

We designed this one-of-a-kind class because we believe that you can have a simple, at home jewellery studio that won’t send you into debt. This class is designed for those of you wondering how to choose a torch for jewellery making, introduce you to the best butane torches for jewellery and specifically, YOUR JEWELLERY! In this fun, fast paced one day class, we will help you to get the most out of your butane micro torch, develop your brand and create safe work practices for your home studio.

Course Objectives

You will be guided through the following techniques:

Annealing - You will gain an understanding in how to identify colour change in base metal and precious metals.

Soldering - Learn how to effectively solder small and large-scale pieces using precious and non-precious metals.

Filling the torch - Avoid ‘scary moments’ and fill the torch easily and safely.

Different techniques - Adjusting the torches flame to solder jump rings, thin rings, wide rings, earring posts, bezels and PMC.

Understanding the flame - Locate the ‘sweet spot’ of the flame for heating your tasks.

How to choose the right torch - Which torch will suit your needs? Cheap or expensive?

How to set up - Setting up a safe and ergonomic jewellery studio that won’t break the bank or annoy housemates.

Confidence - Feel more confident using your micro torch while elevating your soldering aptitude.

Course Outcomes

Using a butane micro torch can be intimidating! This class was designed to share tips and tricks and give you the confidence to start making jewellery from anywhere!

Using a micro torch, you will complete test piece samples, one silver ring and a pendant or earrings. In order to get the most out of your torch, you will be using both base and precious metals of various dimensions and combine components that include more than one soldering joint. This class will help you to identify different flame types according to unique tasks, desirable duration of burn time, comfort of the torch and increase confidence to continue creating from your own home studio. You will develop an understanding of how to control the flame of the Micro torch, what makes solder flow, and how to problem solve quickly.

You are invited to bring in your torch and fuel (butane).

Other wearable pieces of jewellery can be discussed, and problem solved with the instructor. Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals will take place to guide you to improve your skills. Please bring in your troublesome jewellery or items you wish to discuss specifically.

What’s Included

All materials are included. Included in kit are: Base metal (sheet/ wire), sterling silver (ring), precious metal (pendant/ jump ring), silver solder, emery, tools and equipment. Additional course manuals/ notes and industry supplier information.

The Bench will provide Butane Micro torches for each participant - you will have access to torches ranging between $50 to $200 - find what’s right for you! However, if you own one, please bring this with you (and we will set this up with you). If you have not yet purchased, we recommend you make your decision upon attending this class. This allows you to try before you buy - which means you’re not wasting money!

The Tutor: Erin Keys

Erin Keys has over 20 years experience as a jeweller, designer and educator with a diverse range of achievements in various facets of craft and design. Participating in nearly 100 exhibitions in Australia and overseas since 1999, her practice spans one-off exhibition pieces, bespoke commissions and a limited edition laser cut production range available through several stockists.

Erin has taught beginner to advanced jewellery courses at Sturt Summer School, JamFactory, SquarePeg Studios and is currently a sessional teacher at UNSW Art & Design.

For the past 10 years Erin has had extensive involvement with design and education, working as a Jewellery Design Developer for over 5 years at one of Australia's leading design companies Dinosaur Designs and for Louise Olsen X ALEX AND TRAHANAS.

The Workshop

The Bench is a modern, light filled, industry standard workshop focusing on education and training. It is a relaxed and friendly place to learn traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques, a space to develop ideas and projects such as ring making, silver jewellery and stone setting gems. We provide concept based jewellery classes to the absolute beginner, the aspiring maker and to the professional jeweller.

The Bench is a safe working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment, such as Vaniman polishing extraction, enamelling kiln, fume cabinets, micromotors, soldering torches, rolling mill, tumbler, ultrasonic and more.

Location

The Bench acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land – Australia. The Bench acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney.

The Bench is located at the exquisite historic site, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre in Green Square, and is easily accessed by bus, train (Green Square Station), ride or walk.

The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed.

The building has full wheelchair accessibility, ramp access from street and park entrances, internal lift for access to upper levels and a unisex accessible toilet on each level.

THE BENCH, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre
3A Joynton Ave, Zetland NSW 2017

Additional notes

All the tools, materials and consumables you need for the course will be available at the venue; including an apron. You may want to buy further materials from our metal suppliers – your tutor will provide you with supplier information.

For health and safety reasons, please bring along with you the following

The workshop has air-conditioning/ heating. You will be comfortable!

Please wear closed toe shoes (NO CROCS, NO SLIDES, NO HIGH HEELS, NO SHOES EXPOSING SKIN).
(If possible) long pants should be worn - NO SHORTS.
Avoid wearing loose flowing garments (exposed legs will not be allowed in soldering area).
Sensory plugs are allowed e.g., Loops. NO HEADPHONES WITH AUDIO.
Hair tie. If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with.
Peepers! Remember to bring your glasses if you need them.

Book your course

Questions?

Email us at: jewellery@thebench.sydney
or call us on: 0406 794 112