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
Here is another technique to help you saw out your designs from @jupiterschildco “I draw on low rack artist tape, which is more like paper with an adhesive on the back. Then I usually cut out the shape and then stick it onto the silver sheet so I have... more
Love this riveting tip from @the_familyjewlz_ go to a hardware store and pick up some Escutcheon Pins (used for woodworking) to use as your rivets -“The benefit is one side is already nice and rounded and riveted for you! They come in copper and... more
Happy 4th of July! Since it’s a holiday I chose this delightful tip from @wirebinder she cut up a pool noodle to use on the edge of her drawer, it’s a comfortable place to rest her arms. LOVE THIS. I’m going to spend the day with family outside in the... more
If you use a positioning pin vise the pins can potentially mark your work @directional_designs has a fantastic solution and shared a video on how to do it! -“Quick fix for a common problem. Nothing worse than more tool marks to remove. A little hot... more
When you want to clean dust and shavings from your wax carvings, prior to casting use a little GooGone! I often keep Q-tips around and will gently clean my pieces. It can give me a better sense of what my surface looks like and sometimes I go back in... more
I absolutely love seeing all of your faces! Thank you so much for sharing these pics and for your support! If you want to get your own shirt, mug, tote or apron you can head over to metalsmithsociety.com if you share a pic of yourself be sure to tag... more
For the month of June the #metalsmithchallenge theme was MIXED METALS once again I was blown away by everyone’s creative designs and hard work. Be sure to click on the hashtag and check out everyone else’s work and leave them a comment 💕 tap these... more
If you want to avoid tarnish while storing finished work you can use 3M anti-tarnish paper tabs! Just place a single tab inside your bag. Whenever I ship out a wholesale order I include one with each piece to ensure my pieces look perfect when they... more
Here is another use (besides brushing your teeth 🤣) for your electronic toothbrush from @normbobby “The pure silver from the pickle pot drives me crazy...it takes away from the design of the tiny pieces.....and polishing it out of the tight crevices... more
Here is another tool modification AND a tip when drilling holes from @teresa.matheson - “After drilling a hole in a piece of metal, I use a drill bit a little bigger than the hole and turn it a few times to clean up the edges. Always made my fingers... more
Fellow jeweler @coffeycad very generously sent me a few wax sticks he’d ordered in bulk online. They are used for applying rhinestones to nail art and are perfect for taking stones in and out of settings while checking the seat. I cut mine down and... more
If you want to twist two wires quickly and perfectly - insert the ends into a vice and your flexshaft. Once they are secured slowly run your flexshaft until you have the twist you desire. This will work harden the wires so if you want to work with... more
If humidity is rusting your saw blades 😬 @noctisjewelry has the perfect solution!! - “If you are like me and live in a humid climate you are constantly fighting rust, and the worst is rusty saw blades! So... I tried using test tubes and voila! No more... more
I know there are an overwhelming amount of mandrels and attachments available for your flexshaft so I thought it would be a good idea to start showcasing and discussing helpful ones! This one is called a split mandrel and I consider it an essential! ... more
Love this solution for efficiently making balls flat from @smith_tips - use painters tape to secure the balls to your steel block and then hammer them! You can see a video on their page and lots of other great tips! #metalsmithsociety... more
Love this #diy revolving solder chip holder from @leafandbadger - “Screw a watercolor pallet onto the underside of a surface to get a revolving solder chip holder. It usually has 12 cups which works great for easy, medium, and hard solders for silver,... more
Want to make your own setting tools out of old burs? Watch these step by step videos from @piecesofstarrjewelry she modifies burs and center punches to create tools which can be used for hammer setting, flush setting and burnishing! Thank you so much... more
If you keep multiple saw frames around with different saw blades in them @rsalley has a great way to keep track of them! He cuts small strips of magnetic tape and writes down the number of the saw blade. The magnets are easily moved around when you... more
