Tonya Davidson/2025 Metalmorphosis: The Art of Soldering

  • $225

2025 Metalmorphosis: The Art of Soldering

  • 88 Lessons

Still Struggling (a little or a lot) with Soldering?

You are not alone!


You’re at the bench with your torch in hand — but your heart skips a beat.

  • Is this the right flame?

  • Will the solder flow or flood?

  • Will the bezel melt again?

  • Why is that seam still visible?

  • Will there be fire stain?

Soldering is one of the most essential skills in metalsmithing — and one of the most misunderstood.
Because most people aren’t taught why things go wrong. You’re handed a torch and a piece of metal and told, “Just heat it evenly.”

No wonder so many artists feel frustrated, waste hours on cleanup, and still end up with cold joins, warped pieces, or solder that pools or flows in the wrong direction.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

When you understand the why behind the what, you start to work intuitively. You know when to reach for the right soldering surface, how to solder so there is no cleanup, how to protect prongs, bezels and posts, and how to genuinely enjoy soldering— not just steps to try and follow…hoping for the best..

Join us for 3 LIVE online sessions, perfect for all schedules.  Can’t make it?  No problem - access recordings within hours after the LIVE class until Oct 27th (EOD).  You’ll have plenty of time to watch, play, ask questions on the private group, get answers, rewatch and try again!

In approximately 15+ hours of highly detailed demos (more than you’d get in a 3 full day class), we’ll cover a wide variety of techniques from basic to advanced. We’ll explore ways to work smarter, more efficient, and more joyfully.

There will be bonus content as well that is pre-recorded. We’ll cover ergonomics, tools, and bench/organization tips.

Don’t forget the best bonus: A full year membership in The Forged Circle and 6 months access to me on your soldering issues.

📌Buy now does not open until July 24th at 8am PT. It will say “closed” and muted until then. Come back at that time to purchase.

What Happens When You Rebuild the Foundation

— the Right Way

Weak foundational skills don’t just slow you down — they quietly limit how far you can go.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or wondered why your work doesn’t look or feel quite right, the issue isn’t your creativity — it’s the technical groundwork beneath it.

Now imagine what changes when you revisit those core skills with fresh eyes, modern tools, and real intention.

When you finally understand the why behind the what — everything changes.
You stop guessing.
You stop holding your breath.
And you start getting results that are clean, precise, and professional.

In The Art of Soldering, I walk you through the foundation most metalsmiths never got — the missing pieces that make all the difference between hesitation and rock steady confidence.

You’ll finally feel in control of your torch, your joins, and your creative process.

You’ll work faster. More efficiently. With fewer mistakes, less cleanup, and way more satisfaction.
(And yes, you’ll stop torch-frying those bezels and ear posts.)

What You’ll Learn:

This class isn’t just about technique — it’s a full-system approach to mastering the soldering process:

📌 Torches & Flames

  • How to choose the right torch for your work

  • Explore different torches and what your next purchase might be as you grow your skills

  • How to properly mix gas and oxygen for a clean, effective flame

  • Understand flame zones and what each one does — no more guesswork

What Will You Learn

What You’ll Learn

📌 Metallurgy & Setup

  • Learn the hierarchy of metals and solders — and how heat behaves with each operation

  • Set yourself up for success with efficient, ergonomic soldering setups

  • Discover which surfaces (boards, blocks, pads) make your life easier — and when to use them

📌 Skills & Strategy

  • How to avoid cold joins, weak connections, and visible seams

  • Stop using too much (or too little) solder — and reduce cleanup time

  • Master sweat soldering, even for tricky, layered designs

  • Avoid firestain, warping, and melting down delicate components

  • Learn how to successfully solder mixed metals without chaos

  • Build true torch confidence — so you stop hesitating and start flowing

Dear Artisans,

Get ready to step into the transformative art of making the torch your asset at the bench— where every decision comes second nature and without emotion or fear.


This isn’t just a class — it’s a Metalmorphosis of your foundational skills and artistic control.

In this immersive experience, we’ll slow down and dial in — revealing the quiet power of understanding what is happening with metallurgy and heat. These are the skills that separate the hesitant from the confident, the rushed from the refined.

Who Is This Class For?

  • Jewelers who want to understand not just how, but why things work

  • Artists frustrated by inconsistent joins or excessive cleanup

  • Makers who want to scale their process, reduce waste, and create reliable results

  • Anyone who wants to take their torch skills from shaky to sure-handed

Whether you are just starting out or circling back to rebuild your base, this class, The Art of Soldering, will transform how you approach every soldering job from here on out.

Because mastery doesn’t come from guessing — it comes from knowing. Your transformation begins with the lighting that torch.

👉 Enrollment starts Thursday, July 24th!

Should there be a bonus? Always!

And if that's not enough, I've got even more in store for you! When I teach there is never enough time to deliver everything I want to share with you. So I will be releasing to you, as a BONUS, several pre-recorded videos of important support materials. This is significant additional hours of demos and content.

But there's more! You'll also receive an exclusive invitation to join our private FB group for the class.

The best bonus is the full one year membership in The Forged Circle Group where monthly content is provided, discounts, community and even live Zoom sessions!

Your access to me will extend for six months after the class. As a group of beginner to advanced artist as, we can continue to support each other long after the class concludes. 

 My ultimate goal is for you to complete this class not only with a wealth of new techniques and knowledge but also overflowing with inspiration and creativity.

Your toolbox will be brimming with new tools, and I can't wait to witness what you'll create with these newfound skills and insights. The journey ahead promises to be truly remarkable! 

Class Outline

IMPORTANT

Art of Affordable Gold - Pre-Registration LINK for 9/17 8am PT & 9am PT
Join the FB group
Join the Tonya Davidson’s Forged Circle FB Group
How to use the Video Player for Best Results
SHORTCUT to Tonya’s Online Tool & Supply Shop
SHORTCUT to Tonya’s Recommended Products
Important info for ordering tools & supplies - Services I provide
Your 📌DISCOUNT📌 Codes
Video: How to access your FB group
Video: How to get notified of posts on the FB group
Cookies: Save this to your files!
Question for all students
Where is my content? Navigating Tech & It’s Issues
IMPORTANT: Class 8/21 CANCELLED - PLEASE WATCh

Class Information

Student Release Waiver
About The Class
Preview
About Tonya
Preview
Dates
Preview
Terms and Conditions - Creative Work & Use Policy
Preview
Prerequisite Skills and Required Technology
Preview
Safety Considerations
Preview
How to Get The Most Out of Class
Preview
Resource. Metalmorphosis -The Art of Soldering.pdf
SLIDE DECK Art of Soldering.pdf

Soldering Definitions

Soldering Definitions - Solder .pdf
Soldering Definitions - Flux.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Heat Zone.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Sweat Solder.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Hard & Medium Solder.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Easy & Extra Easy.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Pickle .pdf
Soldering Definitions - Purchase.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Brass, Bronze, Nickel, Stainless Concerns.pdf
Soldering Definitions - Capillary Action .pdf
Soldering Definitions - Working with Nickel.pdf
Soldering Definition - Firestain.pdf

Metals and Metallurgy

Facts & Tips About Soldering.pdf
Annealing - Why and When 2025.pdf
Facts About Gold & Silver AFSF 2025.pdf
Metallurgy of Fine Silver.pdf
You’ve Got Pitting In Your Solder Join.pdf
Borax or Boric Acid Master.pdf
Tonya’s Temp Hierarchy Recipe Card.pdf
SIlver-Copper+Phase+Diagram.pdf

Torches, Gas and Soldering Boards

Comparison of Carveable Surfaces for Soldering.pdf
Tank Pressure Important Info.pdf
Torch Safety Checklist.pdf
2025 Torch and Gas What’s Best .pdf
Tips about Torches 2025.pdf
Video: How to Make an Iron Nest
Little Smith Torch Tips
Video: Butane Torches and Soldering a Small Chain
Video: How to Clean a Silquar Board
Video: How to Clean Your Torch Tips
Video: How to Clean Your Torch Tips with Needles
Video: Torch Time With Tonya Part 2: Single-Fuel Torches

Misc Materials and Safety

Books that you should have in your library
Video: Setting Up Your Bench
Caution When Heating Chemicals.pdf
Fire Awareness Equipment & Practices.pdf
Soldering Stop Supplies.pdf
Studio Protocol & Safety. High-Heat Materials.pdf
Eye Protection
Ventilation in Your Studio
Worksheet for Class Handout.pdf

Facebook Posts of Relevance

The Process of Learning - Interleaved Practice
How Do You Eat An Elephant?
Keeping Yourself Safe in the Studio
How to Pick Solder
Why Sand the Surface to 400 Grit - Part A
Why Sand the Surface to 400 grit - Part B
Why Sand the Surface to 400 Grit - Part C
Your attention: #3rd session date set
Facebook - Titanium, Iron, Surfaces .pdf
FB - Solderite vs Silquar with Butane.pdf

Session 1: Monday, August 25th

4pm Pacific Time

Video: Class #1
Pick and Stick Soldering.pdf
Creating Purchase.pdf
Bezel Forming Graphic.pdf
Slides from Session #1.pdf

Session 2: Thursday, August 28th

Video: Class #2
Recipe Card - Questions for Soldering .pdf
Tensioning an Xtra Large 26g Bezel to Solder

Session 3: Thursday, September 4th

Video: Class #3
Video: How To Solder Mild Steel, Stainless and High Temp Metals
Video: Soldering Ring Shank and Tube Set Embed Stone
Video: Torch Time with Tonya

Bonus

Video: C. Hentz Thoroughly Outrageous Soldering Bonus Workshop

FAQs

Is this a good class for a beginner?

I find that it’s hard to classify a person as a beginner or intermediate student.  You might be intermediate in some areas and beginners in others.   This class is for anyone wanting to brush up on or learn soldering.

Take what you are ready for and let the rest go.  You don’t need to master all things presented.  It’s perfectly okay to take a class and be able to implement 30-40% of it and then as you practice that, you can try the remaining 60% of the material.  

My best advice is to attend live classes and be engaged.  Take excellent notes.  Within 48 hours revisit the class or your notes.  Things that do not make sense need a revisit.  You’ll then have the video to watch it again.  Post your questions on the private Ask & Answer FB Group and try to make a little progress every day during that month.  

Is this class live or pre-recorded?

It is live AND recorded.  Live sessions will be through Zoom.  Recordings will be posted within 8-12 hours (or as soon as we can get them up)  to the Online Learning Platform.  Catch up when you can and post your questions on the Private Ask & Answer FB Group.  You have 6 months to get all your questions answered and 60 days (Oct 27th End of Day) to watch the videos as many times as you’d like.

Do you get to keep the videos? Are they downloadable?

Within 8-12 hours the classes will be uploaded to the Online Learning Platform.  You will be able to view the classes there 24/7 for 60 days or until October 27th EOD. They are not downloadable. If you need extra time, it is available for a monthly fee of $50. Expiration of viewing extension time will be announced as a reminder ahead of time.

When are the Zoom classes?

All classes are held at 4pm PT

4pm PT/ 5pm MT/ 6pm CT/ 7pm ET/ Midnight London

3 Sessions:

August 21st

August 25th

August 28th

**You do not need to be present for any or all of the LIVE classes.  The classes will be posted to the online learning center for you to watch anytime that is convenient for you.  You’ll have plenty of time between classes to catch up and you can ask any questions on the group which I will promptly answer.

There may be additional impromptu LIVE videos and recorded videos broadcast and posted on our Group.

Is an online class as good as an in person class?

You’ll get real time live classes with the best possible broadcasting equipment including 8 high resolution, 4k, cutting edge cameras and the best mic on the market.  You’ll have different views to watch because seeing my hands is as important as seeing the up close surface fusing or a solder join flowing.  Often in class you can never see the details from 6-10 feet away.  So in many ways an online class is better.  Plus you are at your own bench or in the comfort of your own home.  You’ll have all your tools and be able to replicate it better because muscle memory in your studio at your bench is superior.  Watch and rewatch.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and as you review your notes, if there is a question between sessions, I’ll be on call to answer them!

What torch do you need for this class?

You will need a butane, oxy/propane, map-pro gas, or acetylene torch.

You will also need a soldering pick, soldering surface, solder, pickle and brass brush.

There will be a highly detailed list of tools and supplies I use and recommend provided. PLUS an extensive Slide Deck of where to buy, coupon codes and insider tips given.

One of the best parts of my classes is the comprehensive tool and supply knowledge I provide that is unsurpassed by any instructor.

What tools will I need?

After you sign up, you’ll have access to a comprehensive tool and supply list within 7 days of the sign up day.

Nothing is required other than the basics of what you should already have in your tool box and your “pantry” of supplies.

These are tools that I personally use.  You might have something similar and that’s fine.  You do not need to buy all the things, however I have been in so many classes where one of the tools the instructor used often was not on the list.  I felt that my ability to do the task was hindered because I didn’t have it.  So all my fave tools for the task will be on the list and if you want to wait to see if you want to buy it, that’s fine.

Please remember that I used to own a jewelry tool and supply company for 10 years and was a senior instructor for Rio Grande.  So I feel like I have tried nearly every tool possible.  I probably bought it too.  I don’t recommend tools unless I know they are the best.  Sometimes it an inexpensive tool and sometimes it’s costly.  If it saves me time and makes the job enjoyable, it’s a good tool.  I know that down the road I can sell them because good tools increase in value.

Do I have to buy a kit and what materials are required?

There is a no kit for this class. You may choose to practice on silver, brass or copper, however I will be using sterling and there will be some gold soldering demonstrated.

There will be basic hand tools and equipment, and I’ll show you some tools that you may want to acquire but are not required to buy.

You will want to have some basic metal smithing tools available to cut, shape, drill and attach things that will be soldered, but I will provide a list for that.