#tooltalktuesday I’m once again showing my @grstools Benchmate System (I have the Encore QCX) I often get asked about mine and I wanted to give those interested an opportunity to ask questions! I invested in mine years ago and have never regretted it.... more
Here is a tool modification from @janet.wise - “As a metal artist with smaller hands I find most tool's hard to use appropriately. Therefore, I used my favorite jewelers saw and cut the end off the bezel rocker creating the perfect size tool for my... more
jeffkleinjewelry is offering our community 10% off his entire Etsy shop (link in my profile) now through 12/16 with code CODE101 you can get unique bezels in brass, copper and silver for your next jewelry project or collection. If you are in Europe... more
Grid Soldering Boards can be helpful when you want to align a nail on a pendant or a bezel onto a ring. You can certainly make your own with a ruler and a sharpie or you can get one from our friend David at this link (which has an automatic discount... more
I love sandpaper rolls (or sandpaper on a split mandrel) for quickly cleaning the inside and outside of larger bezel settings (also great for rings and things ☺️) REELS ARE FUN! Thanks for watching and hope this is helpful!!
Here is a #diy tool that allows you to mark your metal in evenly spaced increments from @rdeschand - “Here is a way to make a simple tool to cut evenly spaced marks like in a bezel or whatnot. You need two razor blades, some spacers (like washers)... more
#tooltalktuesday I love this kit from @ottofrei1930 the Italian Silicone Polishing Kit 68 piece kit (Part # 110.619) contains samples of various polishing wheels and bits. I love having options so that I can find the perfect bit for whatever I am... more
Here is a video showing hammer setting with a pneumatic Handpiece from @barnard_fine_setting - “Hammering a bezel. This is the part that can be a little nerve wracking, especially with more fragile stones. But if your prep work is good and you’re very... more
This demo on shaping thick bezel wire (that is 1mm + in thickness) is sponsored by our friends at lindstromtools Using their ergonomic RX series pliers I make small bends in my annealed wire, shaping and comparing it against my stone. I like to... more
Here is a tip for opening a bezel 🙏🙏 from @iamweathergirl - “I started using watchmakers tools to open bezels on my pieces for repairs and resizing so I don’t ruin stones with heat. The tips of the tools are perfectly chamfered and polished so they... more
Here is a sanding tip from @dangbravegirl - “I use mine so often that I keep it permanently hooked to a 2nd flex shaft (and to my Quatro dust collector). I can quickly clean up and smooth cuff ends, prep ring shanks for soldering, level a bezel... more
Here is a tool organizing tip from @lisajdesigns - “I saw this brush holder at my local Dollar Tree and immediately thought of it for a tool holder! Mainly for my small bezel mandrels, files, tweezers, silver tubing, or wire.. basically whatever fits!... more
When I’m filing a small bezel I like to press the piece against these little knobs I created when modifying my bench pin. It allows me to hold the piece securely and efficiently file the metal. Hope this is helpful! There are many ways to work and... more
Here is a soldering tip from @violetstreetdesigns - “Titanium clips from Knew Concepts hold bezel wire against a textured backplate, ensuring easy and even soldering.” Thank you Kristin! This is so helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to... more
Here is a setting tip from @haroldstudio -“When setting cabochons that have corners, set the bezel around all the corners first to ensure a good, clean fit around your stone. Using a ring clamp to secure your work is a great way to be able to hold and... more
While this tip is simplistic it’s such an important reminder especially for beginners. Taking that moment to put floss beneath your stone when you are checking your stone in your bezel..even two pieces of floss if the stone is large can save you so... more
This video is in real time ☺️ our friend @silversmithingretreat has created an Ergonomic Bezel Setting Tool (this is the flat one) and I gave it a go. He designed this to make setting cabochons easier and less painful for jewelers suffering from... more
For today’s tip I just wanted to share another use for the @grstools Multi Purpose Vise, you can use it to firmly hold your ring mandrel (or bezel mandrel) while you work. You can also use a regular bench vise for this. Depending on the mandrel I may... more
Here is a tip for getting a consistent border around a bezel from @westry.co - “I use a flex shaft attachment to trace a line where I want my border to be rather than using calipers.” Thank you for sharing this! Love it! #bezelmaking #bezels... more
