Learn to....
- Create finely made bezels of many shapes and sizes.
- Bezel set even those tricky sharp cornered gemstones beautifully!
- Make sweet opening bales, swivels, and hinges...
All designed to open your Unlimited Creative Design Potential
Kent's here to share more about 'Going Tubular'!
In Going Tubular, You Will Receive...
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ACCESS TO KENT through our private class Facebook group + occasional live Zoom group calls! This is where you will meet with the master, get answers to your questions, and share your progress!
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CREATE YOUR OWN WORKBOOK with downloadable detailed PDF's with each module
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3 MONTHS ACCESS
to stream lesson videos and live group call replays at your convenience! All you need is internet access!
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DOWNLOADABLE MATERIAL & TOOL LISTS + Kent walks you through the important tools via video
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PRIORITY BOOKING AND PRICING, when available, to future online and in-person workshops
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***NEW ~ MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE
Once you have completed your 3 months access, you are invited to join as a 'Monthly Member'! for a low monthly fee. Cancel anytime.
We have had many students stay in the course as 'Monthly Members' and dive deeper into incorporating these techniques into their work with Kent there to help guide them!
... AND MUCH MORE!
ENROLL TODAY FOR ONLY
$749
**Or choose our three payment plan and pay $266/month for 3 months!
Going Tubular Lesson Plan
Module 1: Tubing
Learn solid tube making fabrication skills! These tubes will be the foundation for creating the bezels and hinges that we
will use in subsequent modules
- Learn how to measure and create tubing blanks for round, square, marquise and pear-shaped tubing
- We will make 2 round tubes and a square tube for use in later modules on setting and hinges.
Module 2: Basic KR Style Bezel Setting
Now we use our tubes and learn to professionally seat and bezel set our gemstones!
- Basic bezel forming (not using tubing)
- We will seat and set both faceted and cabochon stones perfectly into a large round tube made in module 1
- Learn how to hammer the metal over the stone safely and evenly
- Bright cutting and graver prep
Module 3: Advanced Bezel Setting
Here we explore the next level of difficulty in bezel setting - sharp corners and high-dome cabs.
- Preparing corners for setting square, triangular, marquise and trillion shaped stones
- We will set a square faceted stone into the square tube from module 1
- Setting high-domed cabochons (ie bullets)
Module 4: Hinges
The fabrication skill level goes up another notch, as you learn to fabricate finely made hinges.
- Basics of double tube hinge fabrication
- We will make a hinged bale structure
- Integration of hinges into your designs
BONUS MODULE: Creating Swivels
In this bonus module, you will learn an elegant way to
add movement to your designs!
Learn how to make a perfect centered swivel using tubing, adding a
whole new level of interest and articulation in your work!
***Please note, this class is taught in sterling silver with the use of solder, you DO NOT have to be a goldsmith to take this course!***
Many of you know me as a goldsmith and gold granulation master. Although this is true, here we are learning specific fabrication skills and bezel setting. All lessons are taught in the universal language of sterling silver. You are free to work in any metal, any alloy you are familiar with. We are not teaching fusing or anything concerning gold alloys, we are focusing on the techniques outlined above.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES
Once you purchase the course you will receive a detailed tools and required materials list. You will want to order your needed tools right away!
Workshop, Tools & Materials Requirements
Once you purchase the course you will receive a detailed tools and required materials list. You will want to order your needed tools right away!
Workshop requirements
Invest in your future:
There is a good chance you will need to invest up to $500 or more for tools and materials to participate in this class fully. By looking over this list, you should be able to assess what your tooling up expense may be. We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Otto Frei to cover your tool needs for this course, and they will be giving you a nice student discount too!
You will need a sturdy, bench-mounted vise to hold draw plates. My bench is bolted to the floor – pulling a large, thick-walled tube takes strength and requires that the vise be immovable. Otherwise you may be pulling your bench around your shop! A vise on a wall mounted bench should be OK, as long as it is securely attached to the wall.
Alternatively you could purchase a draw bench like this one from Otto Frei, or build your own pretty inexpensively, like this.
We assume that you have, and you will need: a good selection of files, saw, digital calipers, a torch for silver soldering, and a flexshaft/micromotor, and most basic goldsmithing tools.
Materials:
A complete and detailed list of materials needed will come with your welcome email, once you’ve purchased the program. For now, this will give you the general idea of what’s needed.
Metals
You will need to invest in at least 2oz of silver, sheet mostly, and a small amount of wire. This would weigh more in gold or platinum.
Stones:
We will be doing a lot of bezel setting – I suggest practicing with CZ’s or synthetic sapphires, or other inexpensive stones you can afford to damage as you practice your skills. I recommend you have on hand:
- 6mm rounds, both faceted and cab, 2-3 of each
- 5mm princess or step cut square stones, 3-4
- 2 or 3 high dome cabs, preferably a round bullet, but any steep walled stone will do, about 6mm
- Other cabs for bezel forming practice, various shapes, 3-4
*Required tool list:
We assume that you have, and you will need: a good selection of files, saw, digital calipers, pliers, a torch for silver soldering and a flexshaft/micromotor, and most basic goldsmithing tools.
- In addition, to basic jewelry tools, you will need the following:
- Bending block and cylinders. This one is recommended from Otto Frei.
- Round Draw plates for making tubing. For most tubing/hinge/wire needs, you will need consecutive round holes from 9mm down to .5mm, this can be done with three or four plates, or you can fill in between plates you already have.
Hammer Hand piece:
If you have done a lot of setting, you will have one, if not, you may substitute with a setting punch and chasing hammer (see below), and use setter’s pitch to hold your work while setting (You will need both hands to set this way, with a hammer handpiece, one hand is freed up to hold the work and stone in place, often eliminating the need for pitch.)
I use a flexy Badeco with my Foredom, but you may need a different brand, depending on the rotary machine you are using.
Compacting/setting Punches:
A setting punch with a rectangular polished end for setting with pitch. You will be given exact dimentions for fashioning your own.
A compacting punch will be needed for module 3, and is available from Otto Frei.
Setter’s pitch or other moldable holding material.
GRAVERS:
Flat graver # 38 or 39, and a knife edge graver, with sharpening stones and 4/0 polishing paper. These are available from any jewelry supply
- Joint Vise/Miter Cutter, such as this one.
- A square for measuring 90 degree angles
- A selection of new stone-setting/seating burs.
*If the tools you order don’t arrive by the start of class, don’t worry! You can still get started, ask questions and participate in the group.
By enrolling in Going Tubular, I acknowledge that to get the best results from this course I must have the tools available to me from the ‘Required Tool List’, and that I have a strong foundation of basic gold smithing/silver smithing skills.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much time will the work for each module take?
Depends a lot on your skill level, but practicing for 5 hours a week would be more than sufficient to get basic understanding of the content. Stone setting takes persistent practice, so the more consistent time you put in, the faster you will master it.
Do I have to be a goldsmith to take this course?
No, this class is taught in sterling silver with the use of solder, you DO NOT have to be a goldsmith to take this course!
Many of you know me as a goldsmith and gold granulation master. Although this is true, here we are learning specific fabrication skills and bezel setting. All lessons are taught in the universal language of sterling silver. You are free to work in any metal, any alloy you are familiar with. We are not teaching fusing or anything concerning gold alloys, we are focusing on the techniques outlined above.
Is the content "dripped", or do we get everything at once?
Once you enroll, you have immediate access to everything!!
On the home page you will find tutorials, materials and tool lists, plans for building a draw bench, and more.
Each module will be open to you immediately also. We know it can be tempting to skip ahead, but we recommend completing the work in each lesson before moving ahead. Each module builds on the skills learned in previous modules.
How do I know if this class is right for me?
This class IS FOR YOU if...
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You’re pretty solid in your basic bench skills (filing, soldering and basic stone setting), and you’re serious about advancing your skill set.
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Your workshop is well equipped, and you are willing to purchase the additional tools needed if you don’t already have them (See list below).
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You’re ready to transform your jewelry from good to outstanding!
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You’re ready for honest feedback and inspiration from Kent.
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You’ve been making jewelry for a while, but want to advance your skills to create custom, high-end pieces
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You’re committed to learning and practicing because you want results.
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You’re excited about learning different (and possibly new!) methods you’ve never tried, to create pieces you’ve only dreamed of before.
This class IS NOT FOR YOU if...
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You’re curious but not committed to results.
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You’re not patient. Nothing takes the place of putting in the hours!
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Don’t like to do really small, finicky stuff.
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You’re a beginning jewelry student and don’t yet have your basic bench skills in place.
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You do not have a place to work or don’t have a well-equipped studio.
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You are unable to pull down a large tube through a draw plate by hand (This takes body weight and strength, and can be a real challenge for smaller folks), and are unwilling to buy or build a simple drawbench (easy to find plans on line and in our class Facebook group)
How do I ask questions during the course?
In our private Facebook group, you will be able to ask Kent questions, share your progress, and post questions to the group. We also have zoom calls to meet up, answer questions, and more!
What happens on the ZOOM calls? Is it required?
This is where Kent will meet up with the group live for approximately one hour. He will elaborate on content, answer questions, and add additional tips, etc. You are not required to participate, replays are available in the membership site.
ACCESSING THE ZOOM CALLS: All you need to gain access is a computer or smartphone, and reception, of course. Details will be given once you’re in the course.
TIME & DATE OF ZOOM CALLS: These will vary and will be announced through email, and in the Facebook group.
MISSING ZOOM CALLS - ACCESSING RECORDINGS:
No need to worry if you can't make it to a live call! You can post your questions in the Facebook group ahead of time, and watch the replay in the membership site at your convenience!
I will be ordering tools, what if the tools I ordered don't arrive in time?
If you don't have all the tools right away, don’t worry! You can still get started, watch the video lessons, ask questions and participate in the group. It would however serve you best to have your tools and workshop set up ready to go as soon as possible.
What if I find this course is not a good fit for me?
Meet Your Master Instructor
Hi, I’m Kent Raible
In my mid 20’s I sold all my possessions and went to Europe on an extended biking trip, and somehow managed to stay for almost two years. I attended a jewelry program at a German trade school, and it was there that I was introduced to different approaches than I would have seen in America. I eventually developed a unique way of building jewelry pieces, using unconventional torches and solder less joining techniques. My work is unique because I do so many things differently!
Now I want to share what I have learned with you. I am streamlining my knowledge so that I can offer you a direct route to up-level your skills in specific areas. Your palette of skills to draw from is about to get bigger! You will be able to dive deeper into the creative manipulation of metal and create more beautifully executed and complex designs. These videos, and the work we will do together, are designed to improve your technical prowess, and enhance your creative abilities.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
Your success is our goal.
By signing up, you’re raising your hand to grow your skills. If you show up and do this work with me, I know you’ll walk away with more insight, confidence and technical knowledge to create the pieces you envision.
What It Is Like To Study With Kent Raible...
Kent Raible is not just a modern master. Kent is not just the best granulation artist around. He is not just a fabulous goldsmith and jewelry designer. Kent is also one of the best teachers in the world. He learned at the feet of masters in Germany, as I did, and then he developed his skills even further. Kent taught hundreds of students at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Kent knows his stuff, loves what he does and shares his passion eagerly. His methods are complete and easier than you might think. Take this opportunity! You will only regret it if you don’t.
Alan Revere
Artist, Creator, Founder and Former Director | The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, California
Kent is a master of granulation and a wonderful instructor- He also is the best fabricator I have ever known. I teach cloisonné workshops and I have brought Kent in to work with my students. He is very approachable, attentive and thorough, I would love to have him teach in my California classroom anytime!
Truthfully, Kent has inspired plenty of improvement in my work and helped to reignite the passion for making exceptional pieces. I am fusing rather than soldering more and more to build settings. The metalwork on my cloisonné pieces has grown dramatically and I will continue to learn from Kent whenever the opportunity arises. Studying with Kent online is an exciting prospect. I prefer my own tools and workspace, I prefer my own schedule and I prefer my own projects- Now I can have all of this and get Kent’s help too!
Merry-Lee Rae
Founder, Artist & Creator | www.merryleerae.com
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