What can I use to cut designs out of sterling silver sheets?

Question

I'm designing my own jewelry and my base is sterling silver sheets, but I need a way to cut shapes out of the metal so the shape is the same each time.

Answer 1

You could use a die like a cookie cutter and place it on the sheet, then punch it really hard with a hammer, then cut along the lines with tinsnips. Or you could draw a pattern and tape it onto the metal, then cut around it with your tinsnips.

Answer 2

There are die cutters out there, but the only ones I've seen are for circles. If you wanted a custom shape, you would have to have a die made for it--this will be prohibitively expensive. I strongly recommend just making a template out of paper and tracing it on your sheet, then cutting it out by hand. You can file off the worst of the irregularities. If you need the precision for soldering purposes, cut out one side of the piece, solder it to a piece of sheet somewhat larger than the overall shape, then cut out the last bit after you've done your soldering.

Answer 3

Wouldn't you make a shaped template that you can draw around so it will be the same every time. There are tools you can buy that are made for the very job of cutting SS.