Metalsmith Society Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tips

Here is an anti-rust recommendation from @dangbravegirl “I own hundreds of metal stamps in addition to the rest of my tools & Froglube saved me. For almost 2 years now! It's an all natural paste, USDA cert., non toxic, non hazardous & made to dissolve... more

If you are forming round bezels often, use this tip from @refraction_manufacturing - invest in concave and round forming pliers, they are a game changer! “First I bend up the ends of the bezel and then I bend the center so it does not warp out of... more

If you use liquid flux here is a tip from @izao - “I use fluoron powder that I mix with water. It becomes very liquid (like water) so to apply it on the jewelry I use a syringe and needle. It makes the application of the flux more precise!” Thanks so... 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

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

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

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

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 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

If you have a narrow space to sand inside use this tip from @meda.orfebre “Take a strip of folded sandpaper, And put it in your saw frame (with tension). It works very well.” 🤯Someone was just asking me the other day how to clean up intricate sawed... more

If you use a burnishing compound in your tumbler, this tip is a game changer! Take an empty gallon jug and fill with water then add 2.5-3oz (or a shot glass worth if you have one) of your burnishing compound (I use Sunsheen) now every time you use... more

For today’s #tooltalksaturday we are discussing the Chenier Cutter a.k.a Tube Cutting Jig from the bench of @estherweinbergjewellery - “My fave tool for holding wire to get the same length for earring posts or rivits…. You are assured of a perfect cut... more