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
Here is another way to stabilize with binder clips while soldering from @flameandstone - “I loved the binder clip/third hand trick. Here’s another use for them, just another way to stabilize the third hand for soldering. I love this for jump rings.”... more
For today’s post I wanted to share this visual tutorial for carving a simple wax ring with a stone from @alexboydstudio In addition to his dividers he used wax tools from Kate Wolf, a flat end scrapper, a ball bur and a wax mandrel (these help you... 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 solution for removing rust from tools from @cbgems - “ How to remove RUST from your precious tools! Find the perfect Antique tool but discovered RUST? Live near water and live in a humid area? It’s no secret that rust contaminates and... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I am showing off the tumbling media created by @rosyrevolver called Honed + Highlight. After finishing and cleaning my piece I applied Black Max and then tumbled for ten hours, as you can see the tumbling media created... 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 two pieces to be identical (or as close to identical as possible 😂) from @goudsmederijlamoon - “I use quickglue /superglue to glue pieces together when I want them to all be the same size. It makes sanding, sawing, and... more
For the month of May the challenge was favorite plants and/or florals. Once again I was blown away by the submissions of members of the community. To see even more pieces you can follow the hashtag - #metalsmithchallenge 🔥
