Here is a sanding tip from @dangbravegirl - “I use mine so often that I keep it permanently hooked to a 2nd flex shaft (and to my Quatro dust collector). I can quickly clean up and smooth cuff ends, prep ring shanks for soldering, level a bezel... more
A few sanding tips you can try: I like to create my own sanding boards by using 3m adhesive backed finishing films onto a piece of plastic (you could use wood just make sure it’s perfectly flat). I sand in a figure 8 motion. As I switch grits I turn... more
Another way I’ve been experimenting with my sunstoneweld Orion 150s Pulse Arc Welder is using it to tack components in place so they absolutely do not move while I solder. I honestly don’t know if sticking my work into the Kaiser-Lee board was even... more
How to create a patina with sulfur from an egg from @missioncreekmetal - “ 1. Take 1-2 eggs hard boiled depending on the size of your project. (For this one I just used 1 egg since it was a small ring). 2. Peel the shell off the egg, and mash the... more
Here is a #diy setting tools from @curtisrjewellery - “Tip for setting soft gemstones like opal and turquoise! Upcycle a toothbrush into a bezel pusher by cutting and filing the tip. I like a flat spot on the bottom, but you can shape to your liking... more
Here is a #diy flux bottle from - @9th_generation_stx - “ Here is my tip for a recycled liquid flux bottle. I can’t tell you how many times I've knocked over my flux, or set the plastic tupperware that I used on fire🔥, causing me anxiety and giving... more
Please like this post so we can spread the word!🚨 The #metalsmithchallenge is back. You all voted for UNUSUAL STONE. You have THREE MONTHS to create something that challenges and excites you. Take away the pressure that it has to be a sellable piece!... more
It was requested I show how to heat Thermo-Loc. This is not the only way, just one way. 😄 You can buy a Teflon pad (I got mine as a starter kit from ottofrei1930 that comes with Thermoloc-Loc) this pad provides a surface to heat the thermoplastic with... more
Here is a #diytool from @sierrasilverstudio @sierrastonestudio - “This is my favorite DIY tool. It’s simple but mighty! With this tool, holding tiny pieces for filing/drilling/etc is easier, and the wood “jaws” are grippy but don’t mar the silver. The... more
#affiliate For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I am showing off my foredomelectric Angle Grinder Attachment (SKU:8501358 ) available from our friends gesswein.jewelry This tool is designed for use with the #30 Foredom Handpiece. I am securing it for... more
Here is a sawing tip from @maggiethebear - “Here’s at a tip on how I put my designs onto silver. I use double stick Scotch tape! Rubber cement is often a suggested adhesive, but I find that it reacts to the heat & sweat of my fingers, causing my... more
Here is a bench pin tip from @jennwellsstudio - “Here I’m using an old leather wallet, cutting the outside off and then using that as a cover for my bench pin. You could also use any scrap leather. This allows me to work on pieces at my bench pin and... more
Here is a tip for opening a bezel 🙏🙏 from @iamweathergirl - “I started using watchmakers tools to open bezels on my pieces for repairs and resizing so I don’t ruin stones with heat. The tips of the tools are perfectly chamfered and polished so they... more
One immediate benefit of using my sunstoneweld Orion 150s Pulse Arc Welder has been working with chain. First I hold the link I want to weld with grounding tweezers that are attached to the welder. They allow the electrode to fire when I touch the... more
⚡️Apron Restock⚡️ if you are on my email list you already know ☺️ I have three options: Black Denim (featured here) Black Cotton Canvas & Gray Cotton Canvas. I also have 2022 Moth Raglans available in the shop for those that are obsessed with that... more
Here is a jump ring tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “How to use your jump ring winder with the smaller mandrels that have no hole? 😏 All I can say any hole is a goal! And there is a perfect little hole right inside the chuck, just put a little bend in... more
Here is a tip for saving your metal dust from @kimafinejewelry - “I use regular black tissue paper to line the bench drawer in my standard Rio bench for setting jobs. It fits like a glove! It's easy to see small stones on the black when you drop them,... more
Trimming 28g (.32mm) bezel wire with Joyce Chen Scissors. When I need to trim bezel wire or a thin backplate, these are my go-to scissors for the job! I have also used them to cut bits of solder or other wires. They are extremely sharp! I found out... more
Here is a texturing tip from @martindenoch - "Using a hammer handpiece to create some interesting texture on a silver ring". I’m mesmerized! Lol. This is a hand piece attachment used with a Foredom flex shaft. You can attach different anvils and they... more
Follow up to yesterday’s reel ☺️ a bunch of folks asked about how you go about setting thicker bezels. I often hammer set when working with bezels that are .6mm-1mm thick. This can be done in several ways! In this video I’m using a setting punch made... more
