E-BENCH Volume 1 Issue 8

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> E-BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <> <>

A New Method of Learning in a New Millennium

August 2000
Volume 1 Issue 8

=================================================

<> <> <> <> ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER <> <> <> <>

E-BENCH is a FREE monthly newsletter for Retail Jewelry Store Owners, Shop Managers, Bench Jewelers, and Anyone Else That Is Interested.

We encourage you to forward this newsletter to anyone that you think may benefit from it, provided that you forward all of it without modification and not just portions of it. This document may NOT be distributed for profit. E-BENCH is a copyrighted newsletter and all rights are reserved!

We assure you that your email address is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with anyone for any reason.

E-BENCH is sent to you each month FREE of charge because of the generous support of our SPONSORS. Each of our Sponsors is a quality company that I personally do business with.
Please support them with your purchases.

Thanks – Bradney W. Simon

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> PLATINUM SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <>

GESSWEIN & Co, Inc.

Tools, Equipment, and Supplies for Jewelry Manufacturing
Since 1914

>>> Gesswein 2000 Jewelers' Catalog <<<

Gesswein's 432 page full color jewelers' catalog features over 10,000 tools, equipment, and supplies for the jewelry manufacturing industry. In it you'll find everything you need for making and repairing jewelry.

Don't miss out!

E-Mail Gesswein at info@gesswein.com for your free catalog—

an absolute must have for finding "The Right Tools."

Or if you prefer, browse through Gesswein's Web Site:

http://www.gesswein.com/

The Right Tools – Are Right Here

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> TABLE OF CONTENTS <> <> <> <> <>

RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU
A feature article on shop management issues.

QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING
Motivational insights from some of the best.

SIMON SEZ
See and hear Bradney W. Simon in person.

TRADE SECRETS
Tips and Tricks to make your work on the bench a little easier and more productive.

ON THE BENCH
Learn a new technique or brush up on basic skills with this feature article.

=================================================

<> <> RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU <> <>

The Golden Gate Bridge

Recently I heard an interesting story about the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. During the initial building of the bridge no safety devices were used and 23 men fell to their deaths. However, during the last part of the project, the construction company stretched a large safety net under the bridge at a cost of $100,000. At least 10 men fell into it and their lives were spared.

What is interesting is that 25 percent more work was accomplished each day, after the men were assured of their safety. That increase in productivity more than paid for the safety net, not to mention the value of the men’s lives that were saved.

When management provided the workers what THEY wanted: a safe, secure workplace; management received what it wanted: increased productivity. This resulted in the bridge being completed under budget and ahead of schedule. No monetary incentives could have accomplished so much.

One of the difficulties of managing lies in knowing what your employees want. An interesting study was done a number of years ago at General Electric’s Hawthorn Plant. Management and employees were given a list of ten items. They were to list the ten items in order of importance to employees. The results are quite enlightening.

Management’s list of what employees most wanted from the company they worked for is as follows:
1. Good wages
2. Job security
3. Promotion and growth within the company
4. Good working conditions
5. Work that keeps you interested
6. Personal loyalty to workers
7. Tactful disciplining
8. Full appreciation of work done
9. Sympathetic help on personal problems
10. Feeling in on things

However, when the employee’s lists were compiled the results were much different. Their list was as follows:
1. Full appreciation of work done
2. Feeling in on things
3. Sympathetic help on personal problems
4. Job security
5. Good wages
6. Work that keeps you interested
7. Promotion and growth within the company
8. Personal loyalty to workers
9. Good working conditions
10. Tactful disciplining

What is interesting about this study is not only that management and employees differed in their responses, but also in how the two lists compare. The three items that management listed as the top three, the employees listed as 4, 5 and 7, fairly important, middle of the road issues, but certainly not the most important. However, the three items employees listed as 1, 2, and 3 management listed as 8, 9, and 10. What employees most wanted from their company, management was least likely to give them.

Although the Hawthorne Study and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge took place during past generations, management can learn much from them today. Our employees may or may not want the same things as these employees wanted. What’s important for us to understand is they may want different things than what we think they want. When we determine what it is they really want and provide it as an incentive, then our shops will become more productive, and our employees will be happier and motivated to excel.

=================================================

<> <> <> Educational Seminars for Busy People <> <> <>

Now you can Learn in the comfort of your Home or Office with our new TeleSeminars.

TeleSeminars are Live and Interactive!
Training is conducted over the telephone using state-of-the-art teleconferencing bridge systems.

TeleSeminars are Convenient!
You can call from your Home, Office, Car, Boat, or the Beach Anywhere there is a telephone!

TeleSeminars Saves Time and Money!
A one-hour seminar is just One-Hour. There is no extra time away from work and there is No Travel Expenses!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

B W Simon now offers Two TeleSeminars based on subjects in the Run Your Shop Without It Running You seminars.

= > From Fee to Shining Fee
Learn how to properly price your jewelry repairs and custom designed creations.

October 17^th or 19^th

= > Take-In Not Taken
Learn proper take-in procedures, and how the can improve productivity in the shop

October 24^th or 26^th

For more information on these TeleSeminars send an e-mail
mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com?subject=TeleSeminar

=================================================

<> <> <> <> QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.
Harriet Braiker

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We must learn to honor excellence; indeed to demand it in every socially accepted human activity, however humble that activity, and to scorn shoddiness, however exalted the activity. An excellent plumber is infinitely more admirable than an incompetent philosopher. The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because philosophy is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.
John W. Gardner, president of the Carnegie Corporation

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It has always been my belief that a man should do his best, regardless of how much he receives for his services, or the number of people he may be serving or the class of people served. You can start right where you stand and apply the habit of going the extra mile by rendering more service and better service than you are now being paid for.
Napoleon Hill

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence. regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
Vincent Lombardi

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.
Booker T. Washington

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
The Bible – Matthew 5:41

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
The Bible – Luke 6:31

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> SIMON SEZ SEMINARS <> <> <> <> <>

Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker; he provides Keynote Speeches, and Educational Seminars. For information on having him speak for your organization visit us on the web at http://www.bwsimon.com/

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

See and hear Bradney W. Simon at the following Seminars

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

=> Where It’s @

How To Win The Battles In Cyber Space
And Market Your Store Successfully

This exciting Internet Marketing Seminar by Bradney W. Simon premiers September 10^th at the EJTA Show in Charleston, SC.

This seminar is * * FREE * * to everyone registered for the Jewelry Show. For more information and to register contact:
Tabetha Jordan <=> EJTA <=> 1-800-595-3582

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

=> Trade Secrets
Tips, Tricks, & Techniques of a Master Jeweler

Making and repairing jewelry encompasses only a few basic techniques. However, there are numerous tricks to use in mastering those techniques. In this interactive seminar you will learn tips, tricks, and techniques on jewelry repair, fabrication, and stone setting from a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler.

Oklahoma Jewelers Association <=> September 24^th
For more information and to register contact

Sharon Blair 1-800-487-7822

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

=> Run Your Shop Without It Running You

This seminar will help retail jewelers increase profits by operating an efficient jewelry repair shop. It contains innovative and practical information that you can use in your store. Topics include: Pricing, Take-In Procedures, Productivity in the Shop, Employee Development, and Much More.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If a seminar is not offered near you contact Bradney Simon
For information on hosting a seminar in your town.

mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com?subject=Host

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <>

Place Your Ad Here

Over 700 Bench Jewelers will see your message, plus it will

remain in our permanent archive at http://www.bwsimon.com/

For Information and rates on placing an Ad

mailto:E-BENCH@BWSimon.com?subject=Sponsor

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> TRADE SECRETS <> <> <> <> <>

Do not overload your buff wheels with compounds. At 3,450 rpm (the normal speed of polishing motors) a buff rotates 57 ½ times a second. That means every second you hold the rouge or tripoli bar against the spinning wheel you are applying 57 layers of compound to the wheel.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When repairing hinges in bracelets such as tennis bracelets, often the center knuckle is worn as well as the hinge pin. Build up the hinge knuckle by fusing additional metal to it or attach a new one by fusing the metal together, then soldering. Then when you solder the new hinge pin in place, there is no solder on the inside of the hinge that can flow and freeze the link.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Gravers make excellent burnishers. A flat graver works wonders on burnishing the edges of bezels and channels. Place the graver in the same manner you would trim the edge of the bezel or channel. Then pull backwards on the graver to burnish rather than pushing forward to cut.

In addition, tips of polished gravers of various shapes can be inserted into slits, cut outs, crevices, or any other tight spots and rubbed back and forth to burnish the metal.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Often oval jump rings are used to attach clasps on the end of chains. The oval shape causes all of the wear on the end of the jump rings. Changing the direction of the oval can extend the life of these jump rings. Place your pliers across the length of the oval and gently squeeze. Then the ends of the jump ring, which received all of the wear, are now on the side. The former sides, which did not receive any wear, are now on the end to receive future wear from the clasp and chain.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When filing prongs to shape them, always file in a direction toward the mounted stone. Filing away from the stone could push the prong loose.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Schedule more difficult work requiring concentration during times when the store is quiet. The chance for interruptions is diminished during these times. Plan to work on simpler jobs during times when the store is busier. Then interruptions will have less effect on your productivity.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is a tip fromHarold Brenden, one of our readers.

When re-tipping worn prongs on a cluster of stones that will not withstand the heat of your torch, such as emeralds or jade, first remove all the stones. Then select a piece of gold tubing to just fit over the prong. Cut pieces of tubing the length of the prong, and place over each prong (you may need to file some of the prongs to fit the tubing). Solder in place with medium solder. With a little shaping and polishing, you have new prongs ready to re-set the stones. Using this method each prong is easily placed in the correct position, and they will not shift while soldering the other prongs. Harold got the idea from his dentist. “It is just like putting a crown on your tooth,” he said.

Thanks Harold for the tip.
If you have a bench tip you would like to share with our readers send it in an e-mail to mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com

<> <> <> <> SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT <> <> <> <>

Writer’s Digest Magazine recently announced the winners in their Self-Published Book Awards. Bradney W. Simon received a Certificate of Merit for his book “Run Your Shop Without It Running You”.

> In presenting this award, the judges stated,
> “The author clearly knows his topic inside and out.
> Others in his business can learn a great deal from this book.”

Learn how to make your shop more efficient and profitable. Order your copy of “Run Your Shop Without It Running You” today. Available as a spiral-bound manual or CD ROM. For more information visit http://www.bwsimon.com/

To order send your check for $39.95 manual or $49.95 CD ROM plus shipping ($3.50 US, $8 international) to:

B W Simon
1066 Hopkins St.
Spartanburg, SC 29307 USA

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> ON THE BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <>

SOLDERING

This article is the last in the Back To Basics Series. You can read the other articles in this series in our archive at: http://www.bwsimon.com/E-BENCH/e-bench.htm

Soldering is one of the most basic operations preformed by a bench jeweler. Developing other skills is of little value without the ability to solder with confidence. The only way to attain a level of proficiency is by gaining correct instruction and continually practicing proper techniques. With this in mind the following tips are given for the apprentice to learn correctly, and the advanced or master jeweler to review and brush-up on existing skills.

Always apply solder to one side of the joint, and then pull the solder through the joint by heating from the other side. If you apply solder all around the joint a weak joint my result from the solder only flowing at the surface and not completely through the joint. This is referred to as a “cold solder joint”. It is particularly important to watch for this when soldering thicker prices of metal together, such as heavy men’s ring shanks.

Always make certain you have a tight fit before soldering. Although solder can fill a gap that is not what it is made for. Filling a gap in a poorly made joint will result in a weak solder joint. In addition, solder may “pull” out of the joint when polishing leaving a line where the joint is, or pits may show up in the joint. When practical hold the jewelry up to a light and see if you can see any light coming through the joint before you solder. If you can see any light, cut through the joint with your saw. By cutting precisely through the joint, the saw blade will trim any high spots from the sides of the joint.

Always anneal metal that is work hardened before soldering. This will prevent the metal from shifting when heated.

There are three forces that pull solder when it is in a liquid state. The greatest of these is heat. When solder melts it will flow most readily to the hottest area. The next is capillary action. Solder when melted to a liquid state will readily flow through a tight fitting seam. The third, which has the least effect, is gravity. Solder will flow down through a seam easier than up through a seam. Always have a tight fitting seam, and when possible place the solder on the tip of the seam and pull the solder down through the joint by applying heat to the under side of the joint. Then you will have all three forces working for you.

Always heat the metal to be soldered, not the solder itself. Allow the heat from the metal to flow to the solder to melt it.

Always match the solder to the color and karat of the metal you are soldering. Do not use low karat “repair” solder or solders of lower karat then the metal as the solder may tarnish, causing the jewelry to look dark around the solder joint. This is particularly important when attaching crowns to rings. If low karat solder is used the ring may turn unsightly dark around the base of the crown. The only remedy to this problem is to remove the crown and clean away the old solder. Then solder a new crown to the ring using the correct solder and reset the stone.

Never quench white gold. Always allow it to cool to the point that you can pick it up with your fingers before soaking.

When making multiple solder joints in a piece of jewelry do not pickle between soldering. The chemicals in the pickle are absorbed into the metal causing problems in solder flow in subsequent joints. If you must pickle the jewelry, thoroughly clean the jewelry in the ultra-sonic before soldering the remaining joints.

If the solder does not flow properly it is generally because you do not have a tight fit or the joint is dirty. Allow the jewelry to cool and clean in the ultrasonic. Then cut through the joint with your saw. This will clean out the seam as well as fitting the metal together better. Then re-coat the jewelry with boric acid and alcohol and retry soldering. Do not be tempted to force the solder to flow by smearing it over the seam with a solder pick (nudging the solder into place is acceptable). Smearing the solder across a seam will result in a weak solder joint. The solder will only flow over the surface and the dirt prohibiting proper solder flow will be forced down into the joint restricting the solder from flowing properly. In addition, do not be tempted to force the solder flow by overheating. This will only result in pitting the solder and melting the jewelry.

Always coat the jewelry before soldering by dipping it in a solution of boric acid and alcohol and burning off the alcohol. When heated, the boric acid will turn glassy forming a barrier keeping it from oxidation. Boric acid also acts as a flux. Often this is all the flux you will need to solder; however, sometimes additional flux will need to be added.

If enough flux is not used the metal will oxidize and the solder will not be able to flow properly; however, you can use too much flux. If too much flux is used the glassy coating of the flux will hold the solder away from the metal not allowing it to flow into the seam. If this is a problem, use your solder pick to scrape away excess flux. Then continue your soldering.

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

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.

To keep solder from flowing to certain parts, paint them with liquid paper prior to soldering. The small bottle liquid paper comes in makes it convenient to store on your bench and the brush in the lid makes it easy to apply.

Another method to keep solder from flowing is to not coat those areas with boric acid or any other flux. The oxidation on the metal from the heat of the torch will keep the solder from flowing to those areas.

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.

Once the solder has flowed, remove the heat. Continual heating will only cause overheating resulting in pits in the solder and possibly melting the jewelry.

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 paillions and they will be easier to see and to place into position than the tiny pieces necessary from the thicker sheets.

=================================================

<> <> <> <> READERS RESPOND <> <> <> <> <>

I have been receiving E-Bench and find it a valuable tool. In fact I made a new customer because of your tips and tricks on invisibly set stone tightening!

Thanks - Bob Staley

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Just a note to let you know that I do enjoy receiving your E-Bench letters each month. As a bench jeweler for 28 years it is refreshing to see someone willing to pass on to the next generation of bench jewelers years of wisdom and experiences.

A comment about the July issue as to the lining of the polishing machines. I have used for years a rubber mat, the kind that you find at the hardware stores to put down in front of a kitchen sink. Cut to fit the bottom of the buff, it is easy to clean and really cushions any ring that my get lose from you (and the man that says this never happens does not work at the buff)
Harold Brenden – Oregon

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> SILVER SPONSORS <> <> <> <> <>

Southeastern Findings

We are Findings, Diamonds, Wedding Bands, Jewelry Boxes, Platinum, Batteries, Tools, and So Much More.

Greater Selection - Expanded Inventory - No Minimum Order

Call 1-800-282-8285 or visit use on the web http://www.sefindings.com/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Place Your Ad Here

Over 700 Bench Jewelers will see your message, plus it will

remain in our permanent archive at http://www.bwsimon.com/

For Information and rates on placing an Ad

mailto:E-BENCH@BWSimon.com?subject=Sponsor

=================================================

<> <> <> <> <> Thank You for Reading <> <> <> <> <>

We are now on the World Wide Web.
Visit us at http://www.bwsimon.com/

A complete archive of back issues of E-BENCH is located there.

Visit often, as we will be making changes to our site, adding additional useful information for bench jewelers.

<> <> <> SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION <> <> <>

We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.
We do not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose our list of subscribers for any reason. Your Email Address Is Kept Strictly Confidential.

To subscribe, send an E-Mail with Subscribe as the subject
mailto:E-BENCH@BWSimon.com?subject=Subscribe

If you do not wish to continue receiving this newsletter send an E-Mail with Unsubscribe as the subject
mailto:E-BENCH@BWSimon.com?subject=Unsubscribe

If you change your e-mail address PLEASE let us know. Each month we have several newsletters returned to us because the e-mail address is no longer in service. We have no alternative method of contacting you, and cannot send you future issues unless you notify us of your new e-mail address.
mailto:E-Bench@BWSimon.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Information provided in this document is provided ‘As Is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information concerning the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the author or publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas or requests, please send an e-mail to Bradney W. Simon at:
mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com

B W Simon
1066 Hopkins St.
Spartanburg, SC 29307
864-921-0827
http://www.bwsimon.com/

<> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <>

Back to E-BENCH