Here is a tip for refreshing your hard charcoal block from @sophie.cunliffe.jeweller - “Refreshing an old charcoal block that has worn and pitted over time. Rub on a cement block and you'll get a nice clean, flat soldering suface again. Oh and filthy... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss a basic tool, owned by most jewelers: a prong pusher! Prong pushers are definitely on my list of beginner’s tools as they work really well to push down bezels. The problem is they come with some... more
Here is a tool organization tip from @blueberryjewelry02 - “Old leather belt repurposed to a tool hanger. Use for mandrels, hammers, or anything else. Keep work surfaces clear and organized. Dad always said “a clean job is a happy job” when I would... more
#sponsored For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m showing off an awesome tool for setting up your home studio: the ECO-Torque 280 Rotary Micromotor from our friends at @gessweinco what I love about this option is it’s just under $200 and is wonderful... more
Here is a #diy plier stand from @stephanienorrisws - “I’m not a fan of the wood plier racks I was seeing for sale, so I decided to make my own! I grabbed an old shoe box, cut it into three equal rectangles and two triangles and put the whole thing... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off some really cool sanding sticks I got from our sponsor @ottofrei1930 - These Pro Buff Sticks rainbow 🌈 (Part # 111.359) come in an assortment of 120, 240, 320, 400, 600, 800 & 1000 grits. They have... more
#sponsored For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m excited to show off the KERF™ Jewelry saw blade organizer and dispenser designed by @nashefm this 3D printed organizer is made out of PLA, a biodegradable plastic made out of corn. It has a total of 18... more
Here is a tip to clean your files from @funlolacoker - “It's nothing revolutionary, but it doesn't require having file cleaning brush so it's one less tool to buy. Using a scrap piece of brass, scrape debris downward. Light pressure is usually... more
#SPONSORED For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show an awesome kit from @gessweinco their “Grinding, Sanding, & Buffing Accessory Set” (item # 850-0510) It includes 90 pieces: wheels, brushes, mandrels and buffs with 3/32" shanks (the... more
This is a review of what was inside the May 2020 #benchtooljunkies box! It had some gorgeous rose cut labradorites from Silver Fantasy Inc. It also included a beautiful Rounded Narrow Hammer from @fretzdesign this hammer is absolutely gorgeous, and... more
Here is a sanding disc tip from @ksegoldsmith - “An easy sanding disc modification I use almost daily to get more use out of worn discs: snap on disc with abrasive facing the hand piece and run at medium speed. Place a very sharp blade at the desired... more
Here is a #diy tool from @jessjewelry - “I saw you story the other day about favorite handmade tools. This is mine. I used an old file tang and sawed it out to make a bezel pusher. The old file is now used to dress my rubber wheels and such.” This is... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I created a quick demo of the Whaley Precision Bezel Cutting 90 Degree Shears I got from @ottofrei1930 they are essentially solder shears that have been modified so that you can quickly cut your bezels with a nice 90... more
This is a review of what was inside the June 2020 #benchtooljunkies box! Full disclosure I receive the box as a PR gift but all opinions and reviews are honest. This box had some gorgeous Larimar from @grandillusionranch It also included a skeleton... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off the @impressart Bracelet Bending Bar and Bracelet Bending Pliers I received in my @benchtooljunkies June box. Full disclosure I receive the box as a PR gift but all opinions and reviews are honest.... more
This is a review of what was inside the July 2020 #benchtooljunkies box! Full disclosure I receive the box as a PR gift but all opinions and reviews are honest. This box had an apron from @wewieldthehammer an amazing organization that exists to... more
Here is a tip for rusty tools from @jewelleryworkshops - “I've been de-rusting my mandrels after 6 months off from workshop fun so thought I'd share what worked. I used a rust remover (Hammerite Kurust) and painted it onto the mandrels. I left them... more
Here is a tip for straightening pieces of wire from @millathegoldsmith - “A good way to straighten wires is to take a flackjärn (that’s the Swedish word for a steel block :) and roll with light pressure over the wire against a solid surface (I’m... more
Here are some tips to achieve straighter stamping from @mineralandmine - “When I prep for a stamping project, I write out and measure my pattern on paper, and/or draft my pattern onto the metal. For a quote or words, I write it down, find the middle... more
Here is a tip for your brand new tools from @lucywalkerjewellery - “This bezel rocker, like many cheaper tools, didn’t come in a ready to use state - the edges were super sharp and even though it’s made from brass, it could still take a serious chunky... more
