Favorite Abrasives, Polishers and Bits for the Bench
A rundown of favorite bench abrasives and bits, including bristle discs, snap on sanding discs, drill bits and silicone wheels.
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2,368 Tips From The Community
Curated from @metalsmithsociety on Instagram and searchable by keyword or hashtag.
Applying Patina With a Watercolor Brush on Plates
A method from @thebenchmarkcollection for brushing on Vigor patina twice, touching up with a rubber wheel and sealing with wax.
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Sawing Tips: Loose Grip, Sharp Corners, Fine Blades
Sawing tips from @cabrinachanningsilverworks on a loose grip, cutting corners from two directions and filing with the blade.
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Magnetic Tumblers for Fast Burnishing and Shine
How magnetic tumblers use tiny steel pins, water and soap to burnish metal in minutes, reaching small crevices before stone setting.
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Ground Down Stumpy Pliers for a Stronger Grip
A tip from @refraction_manufacturing for grinding pliers short so their grip force sits in a small space for holding pieces.
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Texturing Stamps From Old Screwdrivers
A tip from @kellylimbergjewelry for turning old screwdrivers and worn mandrels into stamps for starburst textures.
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Tennis Ball on an Anvil Horn for Safety
A safety tip picked up at @metalwerxstudio for putting a tennis ball on the tip of an anvil so no one walks into it.
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Micromotor vs Flex Shaft for Detail Work
How Foredom micromotors differ from flex shafts in power, speed and cord, and why they suit detailed work.
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Double Sided Tape Board for Settings and Stones
A tip from @indigenousjewels for keeping finished settings and their stones organized on cardboard with double sided tape.
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Heat Shield Paste to Protect Shells When Soldering
A tip from @sassylemonade for packing Vigor heat shield around shells, stones and sea glass to protect them while soldering.
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Vertical Bench Vise for Mandrels and Stakes
How a vertical bench vise holds ring mandrels, dapping tools and stakes firmly for hammering and forming in a small space.
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Cold Connections Monthly Jewelry Challenge
A roundup of pieces from the June cold connections monthly challenge.
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