Here is a method to distinguish cuts of your files or even just mark them as your own if you share a space with others from @irenezaerajoyas - paint the ends with nail polish! Thanks so much for sharing this 🙌 #metalsmithsociety #jewelrytools... more
Here’s a tip for when you break off a drill bit in your piece (like I did in the bottom left of my piece) *WITH AN UPDATE 😁my original post is below however due to the overwhelming amount of people suggesting Alum powder and water to dissolve the... more
Recently I requested some ear plug recommendations to protect myself while hammering in the studio (striking a disc cutter is powerful and loud 😅) thank you to all of you that took time to reach out to me 🙏🏻 several people recommended ear muff style... more
Here is a tool maintenance tip and some excellent advice from @purifiedbill -“Gotta keep those pushers clean! just like hammers, if you have dings or scratches on your bezel pushers, you will get dings and scratches on your bezels! I use 1200 grit... more
Here’s a cheap way to keep all your hammers in one spot from @scenicrouteco - “Go to your local thrift store and purchase a belt, the biggest you can find! Mine had no buckle so it was only$2.99. Then with a power drill, screw the belt into place... more
Here is a tip for protecting your metal while forming! Here I’m using the amazing @pepetools_usa Superior Ring Bending Tool - I bought a 1/16” urethane pad and cut a strip to accompany my wire! As my video shows you can form your rings without... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off two options from @riogrande for sanding the inside of a ring (or other curved surface) with your flexshaft. Option 1️⃣: Mounted Sandpaper Cartridge Rolls. Full disclosure here, you can use a split... more
If your tools have rust on them use this method from @dangbravegirl - she cleans rust off with a steel wire wheel and then maintains them with Froglube (we shared this in the past but it’s so good we had to mention again) “My steel wire wheel is just... more
Recently, we discussed where a ring should sit on a mandrel when determining the size. Thank you to all of you who reached out to share your thoughts (too many of you to name here 🙏🏻) what really resonated with me was the way @noctuajewellery... more
Here is a tip if your steel shots (from your tumbler) accidentally get in your drain (not good if you have a garbage disposal, ask me how I know 😬🤣) keep a strong magnet handy! If will pick up all those loose shots in seconds and save you time and... more
Here is a super useful tool to remove scratches in a stone from @chromarocksjewelry -“This is the ‘Gem Shine Polishing Wheel’ It's great for removing light scratches from stones/cabochons. It works great on opals, turquoise, onyx and others that are... more
Here is a tip for achieving the correct bezel height from @rosyrevolver (and a GIVEAWAY from @rosy.on.the.rocks 😁❤️) - “1. Measure the thickness of the stone’s edge. (Digital calipers recommended). 2. Select a bezel wire with a width that is no more... more
Here is a tip for laying out your work prior to soldering from @adornedsmithingco -“I use clear packing tape! I will cut off enough for the piece and lay it sticky side up on my bench. Then I fold one corner over so I have something to hold on to. I... more
Here is a tip for reducing the noise produced when you are hammering 🙋♀️🙏🏻 @the_darksister -“I use drawer liner under my steel bench block. It mutes the sound but the material doesn’t make your hammer bounce like some other cushioning out there like... more
Here is a tip for keeping your sheet metal from getting scratched up while not in use from @adornedsmithingco ”Wrap up your fresh sheet of metal with clear contact paper 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 keeps it protected when it’s stored away.... “ she credited picking this... more
Here is a solution for creating your own stepped bezel from @citybythelakejewelry - “For stepping up a stone I like to use a jump ring or two, to circumvent the use of step bezel wire. I simply set the jump rings inside the bezel, no need to solder if... more
Here is a tip for trimming excess material around a bezel from @nancyhoytjewelry - “The curve on the old style cuticle scissors are perfect for cutting away excess metal close to a bezel! thought I’d mention it.. just cuz using them makes me happy.... more
Here is another tip to help you get inside a tight space while bezel setting from @kayinemmetals - “I use a watchmakers knife! It's super thin and can be used to wiggle the bezel fully closed! This is one of my favorite tools since my work is very... more
Here is a tip for those using charcoal blocks in their soldering stations from @rustysjewellery - “Always wrap your charcoal block with binding wire before use. Charcoal can be prone to cracking and making a royal mess so keeping it wrapped tightly... 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
