E-Bench Volume 3 Issue 7

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

A New Method of Learning in a New Millennium

July 2002
Volume 3 Issue 7 circulation over 1,800

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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 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.

Please support them with your purchases.

E-BENCH is a BENCH MEDIA Publication

BENCH MEDIA is a division of B W Simon

Bradney W Simon – Publisher
Daniel Spirer - Proofreader

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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’S TIPS FOR JEWELERS

Tips For Jewelers, Who Do Repairs from Alan Revere

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’S TIPS FOR JEWELERS <> <> <> <>

Tips For Jewelers, Who Do Repairs from Alan Revere

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts

http://www.revereacademy.com/

Learn which gemstones can be heated, ultrasonically cleaned,

steamed, set under pressure, etc. and remove the rest prior to

exposing them to potential damage.

Use the highest melting solder, whenever possible.

Find a lost diamond on the floor by shutting off the lights and

searching with a flashlight.

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<> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>

You can get everything in life you want, if you just help enough

other people get what they want.

Zig Ziglar

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

Turn Your Computer Into A Multi-Media Training Center

From the publisher of E-BENCH comes an exciting new

educational product – BENCH ROM - The Multi-Media Training

Experience For Bench Jewelers.

BENCH ROM is a complete multi-media educational experience

presented on CD ROM. Each annual subscription delivers to

your doorstep four CD ROMs jammed packed with information

on Jewelry Repair, Stone Setting, Custom Jewelry

Manufacturing, and Bench Tips. Don’t just read about it in an

article - SEE THE ACTUAL WORK PREFORMED. Each

Quarterly Issue Utilizes Leading Edge Computer Video

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Presented.

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Subscription Rates:

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<> <> FREE GIFT <> <>

Order by September 30th 2002 and receive

Favorite Tips CD ROM FREE - A $34.95 Value

Send your check for $95 for 1 year or $150 for two years to:

B W Simon, 106 South Pinepoint Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29302

BENCH ROM is the Affordable Alternative

to Learning New Skills and Developing Your Career

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<> <> <> <> <> FEATURE ARTICLE <> <> <> <> <>

THE MASTER'S TOUCH

By Bradney W. Simon

The difference between a Master Jeweler and an average

jeweler is not so much learning advanced techniques as a

mastery over the basic ones. For example, there is little

difference between the soldering technique in the most complex

hand fabricated item of jewelry and sizing a ring. What sets the

Master's work apart is the meticulous execution of those

techniques.

The downfall of many bench jewelers is not a lack of skills but

the determination and discipline to practice and fine-tune those

skills to the degree of workmanship deserving the title of Master.

Often what hinders our progress is not a lack of knowledge, but

the apathy towards accomplishing our work that we have allowed

to creep in. Over the years, it is easy to allow bad habits to

develop like hurrying through our work or skipping certain steps.

To overcome this takes practice. Just like a sports player will

practice before performing on the playing field, or a musician will

practice before performing on the stage, you need to continually

practice before performing at the bench.

When was the last time that you did an actual practice exercise

where you worked on a certain project just to develop a skill, and

after critically examining the results to find areas that need

improvement, then practiced more to improve them. (It is not

practice that makes perfect, but perfect practice that makes

perfect.)

Why not commit a little time each week, just to the development

of your skills? Why not get back to the basics and practice those

fundamental techniques that seem so simple and easy like those

basic procedures that take only a few days to learn, but a lifetime

to master. Remember, it is not the techniques that set the

master apart but the meticulous execution of those techniques.

This is not to say knowledge and understanding of skills is

unimportant. It is just that often all we seek is new knowledge to

overcome a problem when what is needed at the bench is

development of the knowledge we already have.

Certainly, learning a helpful tip or a new trick can help anyone

perform better work. However, unless and until the basic

techniques are practiced and mastered, can these new

applications be performed with the perfection deserving the

Master Craftsman title. To accomplish this, spend less time

trying to learn new tricks and spend more time mastering basic

skills.

Strive to accomplish the work of a master. This is a worthy goal

of any jeweler regardless of where they are in the development

of their career. Practice each technique and develop every skill

with the standard in mind that this is the work of a true master.

Even if this ultimate goal is never achieved, the striving for and

the reaching toward it will create in you a better artisan.

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Regarding Pain In The Neck

Thanks for the newsletter, I am an old retired sailor used to

Micro/Miniature electronics repair, I understand the long hours

humped over ill matching benches and chairs staring into a

microscope...BACKACHE!!!. I would recommend you tell folks

about seeing a Doctor of Osteopathy rather than a Chiropractor

for one reason. The D.O. can diagnose conditions and prescribe

medications as well as do the manipulations, which of course the

other folks cannot. A back ache can often indicate another

problem. Thanks again, for your being willing to share your

skills.

D.C. Stager USN Retired.

I have been an avid fan of E-Bench newsletter for over a year

now. I was excited to see your special feature on back pains

attributed to bench work. I have been a bench jeweler for over 20

years and I have been having chronic back pain for the last 4

years. After reading your article, I believe it is attributed to my

present working conditions. I started my present job a little over 4

years ago. I am 6'4" tall. my bench is too short for me, so I adjust

my chair to fit my bench. I honestly believe after reading your

article that I need to do adjustments to my bench and chair. The

pain in my lower back has continued to get worse over the years.

I now have developed pains in my lower calves and knees. I am

going to the chiropractor and show him this article and maybe we

can help my problem. I will keep you informed if this works for

me. This is why I am such an avid fan of your articles. You are

never too old or experienced to learn new things in our trade.

Thanks again for your article.

Sincerely,

Philip Edwards

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<> <> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>

However, 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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<> <> <> <> <> STEWART'S BENCH TIPS <> <> <> <> <>

Bench Tips from Stewart’s International School for Jewelers

http://www.stewartsintlschool.com/

RECOVERING GOLD

By Jim Stewart

To recover gold from the ultrasonic tank, pour the solution

through a paper coffee filter that is inside a strainer. The solution

then runs into a large can or bowl. Next, use a paper towel to

wipe the sludge out of the tank. Place the coffee filter and paper

towel inside a plastic trash bag and when full send it to a

refinery. The used solution may be poured back into the

ultrasonic tank, then add a little non-ammoniated concentrate.

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<> <> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent

will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with

talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The

slogan “Press On” has solved and always will solve the problems

of the human race.

Calvin Coolidge

30^th U. S. President

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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/

SOLDERING VS WELDING

Soldering is usually required when you are working on a multi-

metal piece, such as an 18K and platinum combination. The

metal with the lowest melting point dictates the method used.

When installing minor components to Platinum, such as findings,

soldering is preferred. Whenever you are sizing a ring and need

to use solder, use a 1700 seamless solder to do the task. Lower

temperature solders tend to show a seam.

Sizing a platinum ring is normally done with the welding method,

as long as there are no stones nearby and the ring is made of

platinum.

The exception here is Pt/Co, as cobalt oxidizes. To size a Pt/Co

ring, the 1700 seamless solder is recommended.

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

Drill holes in the top of the side rail on your bench, large enough

in diameter for your torch tips to fit into them. Keep different size

tips there when not in use; it makes them easier to find when

needed.

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When setting a colored center stone with side diamonds, make

certain that the diamonds do not touch the center stone. If one

of the diamonds comes loose and rubs against the center stone,

it will cut a groove into the stone.

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Rings with by-pass shanks are right hand and left hand specific

and are not interchangeable. When creating a ring with a by-

pass shank, the side of the shank closest to the hand should

come from the side of little finger. The ring will then sit straight

on the finger. This is because the skin joining the fingers

together is lower between the little finger and the ring finger than

between the ring finger and the middle finger. If the ring is

created with the shank going the other way, the shank will

contact the hand on the middle finger side first and cause the

ring to twist while wearing it.

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To solder a pin catch, first paint the catch with whiteout making

certain that none gets on the area for soldering. While the

whiteout is still wet move the inside locking mechanism back and

forth to make certain the Whiteout gets down into the catch.

To solder it onto the jewelry use a small pair of locking tweezers.

Grind one tip down to a long point that can be inserted it into the

hole for the pin stem. The other tip is placed on the top of the

clasp (opposite side from the solder pad). This way you can hold

the pin catch for soldering and use the tweezers as a guide to

easily line up the pin catch in the right direction.

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To quickly and easily set diamonds in a flat surface, use an

automatic center punch (a watchmakers tool) to raise the beads.

The spring on this tool is adjustable from very light, for small,

shallow beads, to very heavy, for deeper beads. The tip can be

sharpened to a fine or blunt point. Cut the seat to the

appropriate size, seat the diamond (using bee's wax to keep it in

place), and place the point of the tool at the same spot that you

would if you were using a graver to raise the bead. Place your

fingernail over the stone to keep it steady and apply downward

pressure with the tool until it strikes. Rotate the work piece and

repeat the procedure until all beads have been raised. Finish the

beads with a beading tool.

Rebecca Harris

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If you have a tip you would like to share with our readers send it

in an e-mail to mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com

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<> <> <> <> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>

The people who get on in this world are the people who look for

the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make

them.

George Bernard Shaw

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

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MENTAL PATIENT MAKES $50,000 a year TWISTING WIRE!!!

Yes, it's true and I can show you how to make wire jewelry and

do the same thing. You can make money right from your kitchen

table making wire jewelry and still keep your day job.

Please send a blank email to

mailto:wireworker@royal-responder.com

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

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.

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

Place Your Ad Here

Over 1,700 Bench Jewelers will see your message, plus it will

remain in our permanent archive at www.BWSimon.com

For Information and rates on placing an Ad Go to:

http://bwsimon.com/E-BENCH/E-BenchSponsors.htm

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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

B W Simon
106 South Pinepoint Dr.
Spartanburg, SC 29302
864 - 680 - 4416
http://www.BWSimon.com

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