It’s #tooltimesaturday and I know many of us are already using 3M radial discs but for those that don’t know about them they are AWESOME. They come in different colors/abrasives and sizes, I highly recommend getting a kit because they are worth every... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show how to achieve a high polish by using Sunshine® Cloth Buffs from @riogrande on your flexshaft. These inexpensive buffs (based off of the popular cloths) are impregnated with polishing compound so you... more
For this #tooltalktuesday I’m showing two amazing sanding stick UPGRADES from @riogrande (and a little bonus tip involving orthodontic rubber bands 😄)- the first product is the Square Holder for Sanding Paper or Polishing Cloth (Item # 337461). This... more
if you are polishing a piece with a chain and want to prevent the chain from accidentally getting wrapped around the flexshaft or sucked into the polishing machine 😵 use this tip from @deehebarddesigns - “If you need to polish something that has a... more
Here is a fun #diy lathe tip from @maloupaul_jewellery - “I don't have a lathe, but would love to have one. So instead, we just used a hard felt polishing stick on our polishing machine to hold the wax ring. To cut the wax ring we use some of our... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m showing off a dust collecting system that has made my work environment MUCH safer and saves me money: the Bench Guru! As jewelers we NEED to protect ourselves from inhaling metal dust, polishing compounds and other... more
Here are some clever #diy sanding wheels for your polishing machine from @kathrinjonasilver - “My little bench polishing machine is a sander/grinder at the same time. I make sanding wheels with different grits. these styrofoam wheels i got in... more
What is firescale and why is it our nemesis?!? Firescale, also called fire stain, is the purple discoloration you can see in my sterling silver piece here 👆 More often than not I don’t notice firescale is on my piece when I take it out of the pickle... more
Here is a tip for polishing tiny items from @allieperrydesigns - “My favorite tip for polishing itty bitty findings: if they have a hole or loop anywhere, use a paper clip! Then, as long as you have a good grip on the paper clip, you don’t have to... more
Here is a polishing tip from @earth_and_fire_designs - “I use a polishing cloth in a split mandrel for final polishing. I’ve found it doesn’t hurt stones but be careful with prong settings as it can catch!” Love this! Would be nice for the inside of a... more
Here is a tip for polishing tiny bezels from @isabelasopkova - “I would like to share my tip for cleaning small bezels after soldering, it is perfect for white gold especially. I use a interdental brush with polishing paste and it works very good :))”... more
Here is a polishing tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “A really handy technique for polishing those hard to reach areas, called thrumming 👍🏻😍” I asked Lucy what type of string she is using here and she told me thick embroidery thread, but you can also... more
Here is a polishing tip from @theloveleighlocket -"Polishing tiny post earrings do a number on my fingers. I found using a PIN VISE to securely hold them in place while polishing has been a big help. There are all kinds online, just make sure you get... more
Here is a bench modification AND polishing tip from @lierreworks - “I like to add a satin texture to my clasps and tags on my chains to give them a nice finished look. But as you know, polishing a chain can be extremely dangerous. It can easily get... more
Here is a polishing tip from @jen_surine - “I’ve been receiving quite a few questions about jewelry clean up, how I clean in tight areas, and where I get my cording for Thrumming. This is a super simple technique that is a game changer for polishing.... more
With this Nylon Jiffy Jig from gesswein.jewelry I can mount my Foredom handpiece in my vise and use both of my hands to polish, sand, or grind. While I do own a polishing machine I love using this set up for polishing small studs and pendants. It... more
Here is a tip for modifying a goats hair brush and proper use from @thejewellershub and @roseandcrownjewellers - “Shortening your goats hair polishing wheel will give you a better polish. It's important to remember when polishing that the softer you... 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 polishing tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “A really handy technique for polishing those hard to reach areas, called thrumming 👍🏻😍” I asked Lucy what type of string she is using here and she told me thick embroidery thread, but you can also... more
