A safety tip from @dangbravegirl: zip an attached chain into a small baggie so the flex shaft cannot grab it during cleanup.

Learn how I used a miter jig to file part of a wax ring perfectly flat without hitting the jig with the file.

Prong setting tips from @kristinabobin on sawing then filing grooves so prongs fit snugly before soldering.

Learn to bend and flatten binding wire into a soldering nest so you can heat from below, plus other uses for binding wire.

A tip from @beautifulfiercewonderful for putting small files in handles and drawing each file shape on them to find the right one fast.

Learn what the Metalartz Center Finder from @gesswein.jewelry can do, from finding centers and dividing to marking parallel lines.

Learn to file a small flat spot on a ring with a miter jig before soldering on a component or setting, from my Stacking Rings project.

A tip from @dangbravegirl for highlighting patinated chain with 0000 steel wool, plus a rinse so steel bits stay out of the pickle.

A tip from @sundazedsilver for sanding metal flat before soldering on adhesive backed sanding discs stuck to the bench.

Learn how the uncut safe side of a barrette file protects nearby areas, including shaping prongs while the safe side faces the stone.

A tip from @thewildpine for balling fine or Argentium silver with a tiny, hot Little Torch flame to get clean balls for hinges.

Basics from a master goldsmith in Florence with @metalsmithsinflorence on stabilizing your work and hands and holding punch and hammer.

2,368 Tips From The Community