MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎁 I hope everyone has a AWESOME holiday 🙏🏻😘 For this #tooltalktuesday ⚒ I’m showing off my @maunindustries Parallel Flat Nose Pliers with Soft Grip Jaws (and return spring) I. Am. Obsessed. I use these pliers every time I have to... more
Here is another method for soldering a jump ring to fine chain from @Becca.compton - “I just use scrap bronze to cover the chain. It acts as a heat sink and keeps me from melting the chain.” 🤯 simple yet genius. Thanks for taking the time to send this... more
Here is a tip to get your bands perfectly round from @refraction_manufacturing ”After bending up the band (on a ring bender) , soldering and cleaning it up we use a doming punch to true up each side for a perfect side profile.” We once shared this... more
Here is another technique to try when soldering a jump ring onto chain from @lumenrosejewelry - “This is my little trick. I just hold the tweezers over the chain to shield it from some of the heat so that the jump ring solder flows before the chain... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’d love to discuss sanders! Thank you @dogvioletjewelry for sharing yours 🙏🏻 “This is the Ikohe Belt Sander, found on Amazon, price $185. This sander will definitely be a game changer for me. As all of us Smiths... more
Here is a tip to repair your broken honeycomb from @mylnebridgehouse - “Your broken soldering mat can be repaired very effectively by sewing it back together with fine iron wire (28g binding wire)- this one has been broken and repaired for longer than... more
In this week’s Rolling Mill Mini Series post I wanted to show off how to use your mill for MARRIAGE OF METALS 💕 (this is a process of soldering contrasting metals together). In my first example I’ve taken three wires, twisted them, soldered them and... more
Here is a great way to mark your sheet solders from @gialunajewelry “I stamp my solder all over the second I get them so I don't get them confused and waste scraps that aren't marked. Sometimes it's the little things!” This is such a great thing to... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m extremely excited to discuss the @hakkousa FA-430 Smoke & Fume Extraction System. One of my goals for 2019 is to have more conversations about improving our health in the studio. I realized that although this... more
Here is an organization method from @lyndehowesilverworks - “Nearly everything in my studio is on wheels so I can focus on different projects at a whim. Figuring out I could afix wheels to this plastic crate was game changing. I’ve included a photo... more
Here is a great use for those broken honeycombs from @brackendesigns - “If you've been torching from below with your piece on top of a heavy steel mesh screen, you may want to consider a set up like this when possible.... no huge steel heat sink.” I... more
Here is a technique you can use if you have a cabochon that is rocking a bit (due to an uneven bottom ) in its setting from @quiettimejewelry - “When checking for fit in the setting my stone was rocking back and forth. Which, for me, usually means it... more
Here is a tip for when you need something lined up when soldering from @ckmetaldesigns - “After I file a spot in the ring shank flat, I mark the sides of the ring with Sharpie at the flat part. Then when I am placing it on the bezel plate to solder, I... more
Here is a tutorial for making a split cuff out of wire from @ghosttownmetalworks - “I learned how to make a split band cuff from an old school pictorial instruction manual called "Indian Jewelry Making" by Oscar T. Branson. I have done my own little... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss Firescoff Flux, for those looking for a minimally hazardous and eco-friendly flux it is a great option! I must credit the Eco Jewelry Handbook by Christine Dhein as a source for some of the... more
Here is a quick way to even out the bottom of your bezels prior to soldering from @persimmonpearl - “I use an Emory board! The grit takes off more metal than my fine sandpaper board, so it’s great when I’ve really got to get a bezel down to size. 😊” 🙌... more
*Please read the comments on this one- Here is a tip for applying tension while soldering from @oneanachronism - “Instead of binding wire here’s an easier way and far less damaging. You can close the gap as tight as possible without the risk of it... more
Here is a fantastic hinge tip from @fsgmetal - “Cut your tubing away in the middle of the two outside hinges only half way, leaving a bridge. When soldering put the bridge part up to make it easy to cut away, while keeping the hinges perfectly... more
Here is a tip for soldering chain or small elements from @pickleypear “When I have something small to solder that is an addition to a larger piece or have to solder chains, I like to use a compressed charcoal block as a heat sink. The block works... more
Here is a tip to consider if you’d like a beautiful, seamless bezel from @sara_kratzer - “Fusing fine silver bezels! I finally have switched to only fusing bezels instead of soldering. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is when a bezel solder joint... more
