Here is a file tip from @at_the_bench_uk - “at_the_bench_uk Don’t listen to those who say they don’t bother with a file handle because they want to ‘feel’ the file. They’ll be feeling the file alright when it penetrates the heel of their hand should... more
Here is a shot plate demo from @moonandforge - “Using a shot plate is so easy! Step 1: melt your metal into a ball - average it just slightly larger than the shot form Step 2: place your metal ball into the shot plate form and cover it with painter's... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to talk about my custom stamps from @buckeyeengraving they created my original CBJ maker’s mark for my jewelry business @corkieboltonjewelry and the quality is fantastic. I ordered it 4mm wide and it’s perfect... more
Here is a tip for sanding the bottom of decorative bezels from @janet.wise - “I found holding bezel wire can hurt your fingers after while... Some of them are pointy little buggers on top. So I improvised with an eraser 😂” Thank you!! Erasers seem... more
This is the final month the 2020 Panther Design will be available 🚨 on Jan 1st a brand new design will be dropping 😏 but back to the Panther, I’d love to share a post of people reppin in their Panther gear so DM me a pic ❤️ would love to see you! Also... more
Here is a tip for folks using wire solder from @camanchemesa - “A tip to keep it all sorted out is to cut a length to keep on my bench and shape the end so I can tell at a glance what type of solder it is. Extra Easy gets a pig tail roll Easy gets... more
Here are two tips I picked up taking a course with @lucywalkerjewellery (and sharing with her blessings 😉) using double sided tape to attach your drawing or printout to your metal works AMAZING. As Lucy will tell you it is a bit of a pain to remove... more
Here is a tip for using your tumbler from @madkatworks - “I use plastic nesting strainers to rinse my shots. The shot doesn’t stick to it when I dump it out to dry, and I can also use the small one over a cup when I’m warming up Jett sett with water.... more
Here is a granulation tip from @ygb.made - “I had some Argentium left over from a hypoallergenic custom order and decided to try out a comment I’d seen on a @metalsmithsociety post about Argentium creating smoother, cleaner silver balls. WOW that was... more
Here is a tip for identifying your files from - @pohpohcito - “I got this idea from an @mjsa_jewelrymaking book that @alanrevere wrote, 101 Bench Tips for Jewelers. In the book, he suggests using different nail polish colors for different file shapes... more
#affiliate For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to talk about my Foredom Dust Collector! A quality dust collector is for sure an investment they typically range between $650-$1000 however I think they are an important tool. I plan to also talk... more
Here is a tip for when your paste flux dries out from @tkiplinger - “I like to rejuvenate my HandyFlux in small batches by placing a chunk in a mini mortar and pestle and mixing it with distilled water. In between soldering sessions, I also pour... more
#sponsored 🚨 SAVE THIS POST ♻️ REFINING 💰 is super easy with Precious Metal Refining Services and it will put a lot of money back in your pocket. Here is how it works: First you call Ted 😄1-815-355-4422 he told me he sometimes has a hard time getting... more
Here is a tip for cleaning your jewelry after a polish from @sedonarosestudio - “I use an (unused) electric toothbrush and dawn soap to really get my pieces all squeaky clean after polishing so they don’t leave marks on anyone and I definitely notice... more
Here is a tool modification from @robincorellart - “I modified these needle nose pliers to hold small bezels for cutting and finishing after they have been soldered to a backing. One of the photos shows me holding a bezel for a 5mm cab while I file... more
Here is a polishing tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “A really handy technique for polishing those hard to reach areas, called thrumming 👍🏻😍” I asked Lucy what type of string she is using here and she told me thick embroidery thread, but you can also... more
Here is a tip for rounding wire from @maxbennettjewellery - “Busch’s twincut concave burrs, one of my absolute favourites. These little guys can round up the ends of wires like cup burrs, but they also cut/shorten the wire with ease, so handy if... more
#affiliate For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off the Speed Brite Turbo Ionic Cleaner from our friends at @gesswein.jewelry this cool little machine works with electrolysis to remove dirt and tarnish from jewelry! It is not an... more
Here is a tip for collecting precious metal dust from @kkmetalwerk4640 - “Putting a box lid on top of a wastebasket saves metal for those who don’t have a jewelers bench with pull out drawer or apron.” This is simple but so smart! It is so important... more
Here is a stamping tip from @southboundsmith - “Here’s a tip for making sure your stamps are ending up where you want them. If you’re using a piece of silver sheet, I like to find the center point of each side, and draw two lines for reference. If... more
