Love this little polisher created by @night_shine_candy_jewelry - “I don't usually post bench tips but today I discovered something that changed my jeweler life! Modifying white rubber wheels into hand held ‘files’.....The brooch I am working on is... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to talk FILES, we all use em, we all need em, we all love em! Files come in various cuts depending on their “teeth” (the series of sharp, parallel ridges) In this image I’m showing off cut #s: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, &... more
Here is a great sawing tip from @andrewberryuk - “ When piercing metal, rub some #BurrLife or #CutLube onto your metal either on top or underneath. This helps lubricate the blade as you cut. By adding lubrication directly to your blade is wasteful and... more
Here is a pickle pot option for folks on a budget from @drybranchdesigns - “Small tip for #beginnersilversmith folks: When I first started out, I definitely looked for ways to cut costs in my initial investment of equipment. Enter my pickle pot, a... more
Here is a tip for protecting your work while polishing from @mcmillanmetals - He covers his bench pin with leather (scrap from a local leather worker) and secures it with push tacks! This ensures he doesn’t get any unwanted scratches onto a mirror... more
For the first post of this mini series I wanted to discuss the differences between the various flex shaft motors from @foredomelectric. Before I get into that I want to explain why I chose to showcase Foredom, they are the only brand of flex shaft I... more
Here is a tip for polishing some of those hard to reach spots: Dedeco Midgets! I received a few of these in last month’s @benchtooljunkies box and liked them so much I went ahead and bought enough to make a set! These polishing bits come in a wide... more
Here is a little tip for when you are using a split mandrel from @inkedupandreckless - “For my slit shank mandrel I cut a notch to use up the whole shank! It also helps secure the sandpaper!” Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I also had... more
The @benchguru system is designed to collect metal dust and other harmful particles while you grind, sand and polish with your flexshaft. Be sure to check out my #tooltalktuesday post for more info!
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
Love this clever tip to secure tiny pieces while sanding from @pyrus_designs - “Here’s a little trick that helps me get a grip on tiny pieces I want to sand or when I’m trying to evenly sand the back of frames... I use a pink eraser because it gently... more
Here is a little plier modification from @brianaharrison_metals - “Normally when setting stones with prongs I cover my pliers with tape so I don’t damage the prongs. The tape falls apart pretty easily though. I tried alligator tape and it seems to... more
If you need to cut out the same shape multiples times, here is a tip from - @seventhandstone -“I discovered a few years ago that ice cream bucket lids make great templates. If you’re like me and don’t buy ice cream by the bucket-full, check your... more
Here is a tip for shaping your bezels from @jewelryinstructor - “I’m a huge fan of tools that do more than one thing. These Wubbers flat nose pliers are superb for conforming bezels to stone shapes. Lay the pliers flat on the bench block and slide... more
Here is a tip for straightening and work hardening wires from - @sinead_cleary_jewelry - “I use this tip which I learned from Paulette Werger to straighten wire. Place wire between two bench blocks (helpful if you have a large one and a small one)... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m showing off the amazing Whaley Hand Vise available from @ottofrei1930 🔥(I’m actually showing off two of them because they are so awesome you’ll likely want two!) This simple hand vise (created by @whaleystudios)... more
👋 Hey everyone! Corkie here! I just wanted to let people know that I’m doing a a pre-order on these Ladysmith Crop Tanks now through 6/23. I absolutely love this tank, the colors are gorgeous and it’s perfect for hot weather. The fit runs a bit small... more
Here is a tip for removing patina by hand from @oxbow_studio - “The best thing I’ve found to remove patina from detailed components or stamped embellishments are the Pre-Polishing Pads (item #337020) from Rio. They quickly and easily wipe away patina... more
Here is an organization tip for your pliers from @elementril_smithing_co - “I use these kitchen cabinet door handles to hold my pliers😊”This is such a fabulous idea! Thank you so much for sharing 🙌 I’m going to add this to my blog article with all the... more
