Here is a technique for getting chain untangled from @some_phenom - “I use some old burs/the smooth end of small drill bits. Make sure they are smooth so they won’t gnar the chain. The idea it to insert the bur into the tangled section and hold it... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday, I’m showing off a polishing compound available at @riogrande—LUXI! These silica-free polishing compounds are free of animal fats, contain no hazardous materials, and are made of an alumina oxide abrasive in a... more
Here is a tip on how to prep a brand new cotton buff, prior to polishing from @piecesofstarrjewelry - “So when prepping a new buff (that is a cotton buff), I like to attach the new buff to the polishing machine and rake the buff (I use a metal file... more
Here is a tip for your pickle pot from @BeadzillaJewelry - “I found an all plastic coffee filter that I trimmed the upper edge off so it fits perfectly into my pickle-pot. And now I have a strainer and can pickle larger and small things all in one... more
Here is a little tumbler hack I’ve been testing for a few months that I wanted to share! To keep my chain from tangling in my magnetic and rotary tumblers I use a Bobino Cord Wrap! I got this bad boy for $6 off of Amazon and it has been working... more
Here is a tip for having better control while hammering from @malice.studios - “I make most of my own handles for my tools, especially my hammers. I know what I want out of my hammers and it's just easier if I make the handle myself. Most handles are... more
Here is a tip for organizing your drawers from @lsdjewellery - “I bought Magnetic Strip (Neodymium). You can buy it by the meter from hardware stores or online. it’s not great for heavy tools but great for small files, small hammers, burrs, saw... more
Here is a quick way to even out the bottom of your bezels prior to soldering from @persimmonpearl - “I use an Emory board! The grit takes off more metal than my fine sandpaper board, so it’s great when I’ve really got to get a bezel down to size. 😊” 🙌... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss Firescoff Flux, for those looking for a minimally hazardous and eco-friendly flux it is a great option! I must credit the Eco Jewelry Handbook by Christine Dhein as a source for some of the... more
Here is an awesome tip for your soldering station from @metalwerxstudio - “The lip of the soldering table is steel – the magnetic part is in the handle! We bought 2” heat shrink tube and rare earth magnets. To create the magnetic handle you heat the... more
Here is a tutorial for making a split cuff out of wire from @ghosttownmetalworks - “I learned how to make a split band cuff from an old school pictorial instruction manual called "Indian Jewelry Making" by Oscar T. Branson. I have done my own little... more
Here is a brilliant tip to keep patina from getting into certain areas from @drifting_gypsy_designs - “I tried rubber cement one day to prevent a patina in the silver bezel under a transparent stone. To my surprise it worked amazing! A couple layers... more
Here is a tip to prevent cutting yourself while sawing. On the left you can see I’m holding my piece and allowing my fingers to be in the path of the blade. This in my experience led me to many accidents back when I was starting out. On the right you... more
Here is a tip for holding something small from @moritzvoncoellen - A chopstick! Great way to hold on to little jumprings for cleaning up! Make sure you press it onto the chopstick nice and secure! Thank you for sharing 🙌 #metalsmithsociety... more
Here is another method for protecting a ring during a sizing from @norosesjewelry - “When I have to re-size a ring and want to protect stones, I use an old metal dapping block filled with heat shielding gel (like Kool Jool) and a layer of water on... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m excited to show off the plastic media I frequently use to achieve a matte finish in a tumbler! This specific media is from our friends at @ottofrei1930 they were designed to be used in a vibratory tumbler but I’ve... more
Here are some tips on bead setting from @rustysjewellery - “ • Start your square/lozenge graver (using a 2.5mm square here) around 1mm away from setting at around a 45° angle. • Apply firm but sensible pressure and wiggle forward and tilt upwards as... more
Here is a little photography tip from @hannah._gregory - “Put a dab of hot glue on the bottom of the shank and place it down at your desired angle. It works so well and pops right off the ring when finished.” 🤯 Love this so much! Half the battle is... more
Here is an awesome system for protecting and organizing your files from @metalwithmeaning - “This is an idea from about 8 years ago. @kristendianadesigns taught me this trick with files and keeping them clean and organized. It’s cute, and I feel like... more
