<> <> <> <> <> <> <> E-BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
A New Method of Learning in a New Millennium
March 2002
Volume 3 Issue 3
circulation over 1,600
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<> <> <> <> 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
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Thanks – Bradney W. Simon CMBJ, CMP
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<> <> <> <> <> PLATINUM SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <>
If You Like E-Bench
YOU WILL LOVE BENCH MAGAZINE
A New Print Magazine For Bench Jewelers
BENCH Magazine, a new quarterly publication from B W Simon,
is Written BY Bench Jewelers FOR Bench Jewelers. Each issue
is filled with high-quality instructional articles by working jewelers
who are masters of their craft; enhanced by line drawings, color
renderings, or photographs.
From Basic Techniques to Advanced Applications -
From
Centuries Old Procedures to the Latest in Technological
Advancements, BENCH Magazine provides accurate informative
instruction from Professional Bench Jewelers. In addition, each
issue contains a Bench Tip section where you can learn tricks of
the trade from the magazine staff and jewelers around the world.
Subscriptions are free to jewelers in the USA and Canada,
and only $40 per year for overseas delivery.
To subscribe go to http://www.BWSimon.com/BENCH
BENCH and E-BENCH - Training Jewelers Worldwide
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<> <> <> <> <> TABLE OF CONTENTS <> <> <> <> <>
REVERE FINDING TIPS
Useful tips to help you find things in the studio from Revere
Academy of Jewelry Arts
FEATURE ARTICLE
Learn how to make your shop more profitable, a new technique,
or brush up on basic skills.
STEWART'S BENCH TIPS
Bench Tips from Stewart’s International School for Jewelers
AT THE PLATINUM BENCH
Tips for working on Platinum from Platinum Guild International
FAVORITE TIPS
Tips and Tricks to make your work on the bench a little
easier
and more productive from Bradney W. Simon CMBJ and
E-BENCH
Readers.
GERRY’S GEMZ
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond Setting
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<> <> <> <> <> REVERE FINDING TIPS <> <> <> <> <>
Here are some useful tips to help you find things in the
studio
from Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
FINDING THE CENTER OF A CIRCLE
By Alan Revere
They make fancy and expensive gizmos for finding the center
of
circles, but chances are you already have all you need for that
task sitting on your bench. Grab your dividers and place one
point on the circle. Then adjust the opening to what you guess is
about the distance to the center. Now scribe a very light arc onto
the metal, with one point fixed on the circle. Move the fixed point
about 1/3 around the circle and repeat. Then swing the last arc
from a point about 2/3 around the circle from the first point, so
that you now have three arcs coming close to the center. They
overlap closely, miss each other closely or meet in the middle.
No matter what the outcome, it is now very easy to find the
center of these arcs, which is the center of the circle.
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<> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>
You can always tell if you are on the road to success; It’s all
up
hill. You cannot coast to the
top.
Paul Harvey
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<> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <>
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reference our web site at
www.laserstar.net or www.crafford.com
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<> <> <> <> <> FEATURE ARTICLE <> <> <> <> <>
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE DARK
Bradney W. Simon CMBJ
Do not get caught in the dark - make certain your shop is well lit.
In the jewelry shop, two types of lighting are used.
1. Ambient or General Lighting
2. Task Lighting
It is best to have a combination of the two in your shop.
AMBIENT LIGHT
Recessed florescent fixtures are an excellence source of
ambient light. Whenever possible these lights should NOT be
placed behind where the jeweler sits or stands at a workstation
(workbench, sink, polishing machine, etc.). This causes a
shadow at the very place you need the light. It is best to place
ceiling lights to the sides of workstations. Having two ambient
light sources, one on each side of a workstation, causes a cross
light pattern eliminating any shadows.
TASK LIGHT
Task lighting is any type of light that focuses on a very specific
area or task. These range from recessed spotlights and track
lights to flexible arm bench lights. Spotlights, either recessed in
the ceiling or on tracks, are an excellence source of additional
light at the sink, polishing machine, and forming bench.
A light with a flexible arm is necessary at your workbench. One
that attaches to the edge of the bench has an advantage over
one with a large weighted base, as it does not take up valuable
space on the bench. The flexible arm allows you to lower the
light to concentrate on a specific area or move it higher at other
times to illuminate a broader area. A flexible arm also gives you
the opportunity to control glare. By lowering or tilting the head of
the task light, you can avoid having light shine directly into, or
reflect back into your eyes.
Halogen light sources have some interesting advantages. They
generate a lot of light from a relatively small point source. This
allows the fixture to be much smaller and it does not get in the
way or block your view. The color balance of halogen is also
excellent and it more closely resembles the spectrum of natural
sunlight. The disadvantage of Halogen light, however, is the
heat generated by them.
Fluorescent light sources remain comparatively cool. The small
energy saving mini-fluorescent lamp has the advantage of a
small fixture. However, they do not produce as much light. The
standard two tube fluorescent task light produces adequate light
and remains cool. However, the larger fixture head can be
awkward and cumbersome at times.
Light is a valuable resource enabling us to adequately view the
jewelry we are working on. Don’t be caught in the dark! Make
certain you have plenty of ambient and task lighting sources in
your workshop.
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<> <> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty.
Anyone who keeps learning today is young. The greatest thing
in life is to keep
your mind young!
Henry Ford
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<> <> <> <> <> STEWART'S BENCH TIPS <> <> <> <> <>
Bench Tips from Stewart’s International School for Jewelers
http://www.stewartsintlschool.com/
KEEPING A BUR FROM FORMING WHILE SAWING
By Jim Stewart
To prevent a bur from developing on the piece of ring sizing
stock from sawing, change to a sawblade that has more teeth
per inch (TPI). Example: a 2/0 sawblade has 62 TPI; a 3/0
sawblade has 66 TPI. Also lubricate the back of the sawblade
with bees wax and lighten up on your touch; let the sawblade do
the work.
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<> <> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>
You see things as they are and say “Why”,
But I dream things that never were and say “Why Not?”
George Bernard Shaw
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<> <> <> <> AT THE PLATINUM BENCH <> <> <> <>
Tips for working on Platinum from Jurgen J. Maerz CMBJ
director of technical education for Platinum Guild International
http://www.pgi-platinum-tech.com/
FTC GUIDE FOR MARKING PLATINUM JEWELRY
The FTC Platinum Guide for marking jewelry made wholly or in
part of platinum provides that items consisting of:
950 parts or more per thousand of
pure platinum can be marked
"Platinum" without the use of any
qualifying statements;
850 to 950 parts per thousand can be
marked in accordance with
international standards of "950
Plat." or "950 Pt.," "900 Plat." or
"900 Pt.," "850 Plat." or "850 Pt."
(the revised guide permits the
use of a two or four letter
abbreviation for platinum)
Copies of the Platinum Guide Federal
Register notice and the
entire Jewelry Guides are available
from the FTC's web site at
http://www.ftc.gov/ and also from the FTC's Public reference
Branch, Room 130, 6th Street and
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20580; (202)
326-2222
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<> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <>
SIMON SEZ SEMINARS
Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker,
providing Keynote Speeches, and Educational Seminars.
Topics include:
Shop
Management
Bench Tips
Jewelry Demonstrations
For information on having him speak for your organization log
onto; http://www.BWSimon.com/SimonSez Seminars
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<> <> <> <> <> <> FAVORITE TIPS <> <> <> <> <> <>
Loved the section on chain repairs!
I make lots of chain. Here's the easiest way I've found to polish
them. It works well for chains made from just about all metals.
Use a vibratory tumbler with about 5 lbs. of assorted shapes of
stainless steel shot. Add a pinch of burnishing soap or a few
drops of dishwashing detergent & about 2 oz (a little Dixie cup)
of water. Toss in the chains & run the machine for about 1/2
hour. Remove the chains & rinse in clear water.
Other items can be polished (burnished, really) in a vibratory
tumbler. Just be sure all the scratches are out or you'll have
'shiny scratches' when you're done.
The small vibratory tumbler with a bowl about 7" wide & 3" deep,
looks sort a like a small angle food cake pan. The tumblers are
available from most jeweler suppliers. The same tool can be
purchase from a lot of shooting sports stores for less. Folks who
reload ammo use them for polishing brass prior to reloading.
Dave Arens G.G.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
I have modified the wedge from an old wooden ring holder to use
when I polish chains. I have cut a V in the thin end and lay the
chain in that V. I hold the excess of the chain behind the wedge
and I polish about 3" of the chain at a time with a soft brush in
my flex shaft. It
has worked well for me for years!
Thanks
Bruce Dockery
< < < < < <> > > > > >
The GRS third hand, in my opinion, is the best available. I've
used mine hard for over ten years and its still like new. I wanted
to be able to use mine even when I wasn't using the bench mate.
I mounted a small "L" bracket on the front edge of my bench and
mounted the third hand on it. It can curl up out of the way when I
don't need it, and when I do, it is there without taking up space
on my bench.
Steve Satow
< < < < < <> > > > > >
After cutting a seat for a stone, clean the burs off the prongs
before placing the stone into the crown. Use a graver to cut the
burs away, or scrape them off with your tweezers. Then, polish
the inside of the crown before continuing the setting process.
It's the little EXTRAs
that makes ORDINARY into
EXTRAORDINARY.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Paint whiteout over engraving on the inside of rings before sizing
or soldering Wedding Sets together. This will keep the solder
from flowing over the engraving.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Attach a sponge lightly saturated with oil to your rolling mill.
Place one sponge above the top roller and one sponge below
the bottom roller. As you use the mill, the sponges will keep the
rollers clean and the oil will keep them from rusting. Before you
use it, turn the rollers one complete turn to clean any dust or
debris that has accumulated on the rollers. You can keep the
sponges in place with binding wire. Just make sure you keep
everything away from the gears.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
The plastic coffee stirrers from McDonalds make excellent
paddles for mixing epoxies. The best part is you get one FREE
with every cup of coffee!
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Cut a perpendicular notch across the tip of a pair of self-locking
soldering tweezers. This will then easily grasp and hold wire,
jump rings, earring post, etc. when soldering.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
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.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
If you have a tip you would like to share with our readers send it
in an e-mail to mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com
< < < < < <> > > > > >
If you like Favorite Tips then you’ll love Favorite Tip of the Day
a bench tip provided daily Monday through Friday on various
Internet web sites including:
http://www.jewelrydealersnetwork.com/
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/orchid.htm
If you know of a jewelers’ bulletin board or discussion channel
that you would like to see Favorite Tip of the Day posted on,
have the administrator contact me at Brad@BWSimon.com
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<> <> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40: 31
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<> <> <> <> <> GERRY’S GEMZ <> <> <> <> <>
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond Setting
http://www.gemzdiamondsetting.com/index.html
POLISHING GRAVERS
by Gerald N. Lewy
To polish your gravers first rub the sharpened graver across 4/0
emery paper. Then apply a bit of graphite from a pencil to one
end of your #4/0 polishing paper and rub until you have a black
surface on this paper. Now, very carefully rub your new graver
quickly and lightly on this "black penciled section". The graphite
will make your #4/0 paper turn into a #6/0 grit, without buying this
additional specialized paper.
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<> <> <> <> <> SILVER SPONSORS <> <> <> <> <>
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< < < < < <> > > > > >
Agate Cameos, Gems, Tools, Wire
Free Newsletter on supply deals
preston@wire-sculpture.com
Preston J. Reuther Master
Wire Sculptor
http://www.wire-sculpture.com/
preston@wire-sculpture.com
601-636-0600
< < < < < <> > > > > >
Jewelry Dealers World Trade Network
http://www.JewelryDealersNetwork.com/
<> <> <> Bench Jeweler Discussion Channel <> <> <>
Ask questions, share tips, and take part in the on going
discussions, or just read and take in all the advice from many
Excellent Jewelers from around the world.
Membership includes: Many topical Discussion Channels,
Plus you may buy, sell and trade on the Buy/Sell Channels, Plus
Much More.
< < < < < <> > > > > >
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<> <> <> <> <> Thank You for Reading <> <> <> <> <>
We are 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.
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< < < < < <> > > > > >
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
mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com
Copyrighted, 2002, B W Simon. All rights reserved.
B W Simon
106 South Pinepoint Dr.
Spartanburg, SC
29302
864 - 680 - 4416
http://www.BWSimon.com
< < < < < <> > > > > >