Jewelry Making with Brad Simon

Jewelry Making Seminars

This year at the Bench Jewelers Conference the following seminars on Jewelry Making will be offered.

 

Finishing Perfection

Joel McFadden

 

Step by Step Fabrication

Jurgen Maerz

 

Favorite Tips & Tricks – Jewelry Making

Jurgen Maerz & Brad Simon

 

A Chain Reaction

Ann Cahoon

 

Creating Jewelry in Alternative Metals
Parts 1 & 2

Chris Ploof

 

Unique Custom Made Mountings

Ann Cahoon

 

 

Looks are Deceiving

Brad Simon

 

For details go to: http://benchconference.com/seminars.html

 

2010 Bench Jewelers Conference

June 17- 19, 2010

Atlanta GA

BenchConference.com

Soldering Jewelry

When soldering a butt joint on thin metal, it is better to cut the joint on a bevel. This will give you more surface area to solder and will make stronger joint.

For articles on Jewelry Making go to: http://GuideToJewelryMaking.com
Bench Tips and Tricks for Bench Jewelers, and Goldsmiths

Light Box for Carving Waxes

To hollow out wax patterns it is best to judge thickness of wax by holding up to a light and judging the color of the wax.  The deeper the color the thicker the wax.  The lighter the color the thinner the wax.  To assist you while carving buy a light box from an art supply store or crafts store.  These are used for tracing drawings.  By holding the wax on this you can judge the thickness of the wax while you are carving.  (It also comes in handy when making sketches for customers)

An alternative to the light box is to use a small florescent light fixture made to mount under a shelf.  Lay the light on your workbench with the light shining up and use the diffuser as your work surface.  To cut down on the glare from the light cover the diffuser with a shop towel leaving an opening for your work area.

Bench Television
How to training videos for Bench Jewelers
See some of the most respected Master Jewelers explain their techniques and tips
on stonesetting, making and repairing jewelry.

Gold Solders

Do not use too much solder.  Roll sheets of solder through a rolling mill making the sheets thinner prior to cutting into pallions.  Then, it will be easier to cut into usable pallions, and they will be easier to see and to place into position than the tiny pieces necessary from the thicker sheets.

For all your Jewelry Findings go to: Southeastern Findings

Cotton Buff for Jewelry

A small cotton buff for your flex-shaft can easily be made to polish recesses, and other areas that are small and difficult to access.  First, take an old ball bur small enough to fit into the area.  Then, wrap cotton around the bur by holding the bur against a small piece of cotton while turning slowly in your flex-shaft.  Apply rouge to the cotton and use to polish the area.

For articles on Jewelry Making go to: http://GuideToJewelryMaking.com
Bench Tips and Tricks for Bench Jewelers, and Goldsmiths

Bench Jewelers Appreciation Christmas Specials

The 12 Days of Christmas Sale

December 15th to 27th

You’ve Been Busy Making Christmas Presents For Everyone Else
So Here Is A Christmas Present Just For You!

We know this time of year is busy for Bench Jewelers.  You are working long hours making jewelry so that all of your customers can have that Extraordinary Present under the tree for that Special Someone.  So we're offering our Bench Jewelers Appreciation Christmas Specials.  These exceptional offers are your chance to do something special just for you.  You'll fine-tune your Bench Skills and receive the information you need to make 2010 your Best Year Ever and Save Money while doing it.

12 Special Deals for 12 Days Only

http://www.benchjewelersnetwork.com/store/sale.html

Hurry This Sale Ends December 27th.

Soldering Gold Chains

Do not point your torch directly on fine chains or other thin metal, as they melt easily.  Instead place the chain, wire, or other metal on a ceramic pad. Then, direct the torch on the pad next to the metal and let the reflected heat melt the solder.

Bench Television
How to training videos for Bench Jewelers
See some of the most respected Master Jewelers explain their techniques and tips
on stonesetting, making and repairing jewelry.

Mini Wood Polishing Points

Placing a section of a bamboo skewers (like you buy in the grocery store) in your flex-shaft can make an excellent wood lap polishing point.  File the protruding end to a point, and use your favorite rouge or tripoli.  The bamboo skewers are approximately 3/32 inches in diameter, which makes them easy to use in a quick-change handpiece.

For all your Jewelry Findings go to: Southeastern Findings

Bench Jewelers Burnishers

Small burnishers can be made by grinding off the teeth of old needle files and polishing them.  Be careful to not over heat the file when grinding as you do not want to remove the temper.  These provide nice shape as sizes to get into areas that you cannot reach with polishing wheels.  A few strokes of a burnisher will brighten up a small crevice.

Bench Television
How to training videos for Bench Jewelers
See some of the most respected Master Jewelers explain their techniques and tips
on stonesetting, making and repairing jewelry.

Soldering Jewelry

Do not try to move metal when heated to temperatures that solder will flow.  This may cause the metal to crack.  Instead, allow the metal to cool, re-align.  Then, complete the soldering.

For all your Jewelry Findings go to: Southeastern Findings