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E-BENCH <=> <=>
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The E-Mail Newsletter
for Bench Jewelers
July 2005
Volume 6 Issue 7
circulation over 3,700
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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
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E-BENCH is a BENCH MEDIA Publication
BENCH MEDIA is a B W Simon Company
Bradney W Simon – Publisher
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daniel@spirerjewelers.com
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Bench Jewelers SHOW
ME HOW Seminars
Bench Media is teaming up with Platinum Guild
International to bring you a fantastic line up
for a one day seminar. This seminar will be
held in 4 cities across the
Instructors Include:
Topics Covered Include:
Platinum, Stone Setting, Jewelry Repair,
Fabrication, & Bench Tips
Doubletree Hotel San Francisco Airport
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<=>
<=> <=> TABLE OF CONTENTS <=>
<=> <=>
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.
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
WORKSHOP SAFETY FOR JEWELERS
Tips from Charles Lewton-Brian
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<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
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United Precious
Metal Refining
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<=>
<=>
Tips for Jewelers Who Do Repairs
From Alan Revere
Bending Tubing
As every bench jeweler has discovered, bending
tubing is easier said than done. When using
your hands or a clamp, tubing just folds and
creases, like a plastic straw. But unlike
plastic, if you know what you are doing, it is
easy to form metal tubing into a smooth and
even curve.
Let’s say you want to bend a piece of tubing
into a bangle bracelet, which will make it a
lot lighter and less expensive than using a
solid rod of metal. In order to bend tubing
without crushing it, you need to support it,
either on the interior or the
exterior.
Here is a way that works well all the time. Go
to a hardware store and find a steel spring
that fits snugly over the tubing. (You can
even buy springs made expressly for this
purpose in some hobby stores.) You will need a
piece of tubing that is longer than called for
in the final bracelet, in order to gain
leverage. Anneal the tubing and then put the
spring around it. Now use a curved form, like
a bracelet mandrel or piece of plumbing pipe,
slightly smaller than the desired curve of the
tubing. Spread out your fingers and apply even
pressure, as you force the tubing/spring
assembly against the mandrel. It will
naturally recoil a little as you release the
pressure, depending on the alloy and hardness.
Now slide the spring along a little further and
bend the next section, proceeding in this
fashion until the entire tube is formed into a
circle with overlapping ends. Then pull the
spring off; sometimes it is necessary to use a
lubricant and an "unscrewing" tug to remove it.
Amazing!
This Tip is from “101 Bench Tips for Jewelers"
written by Alan Revere and published
by
MJSA/AJM Press.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to
waste it, kill it, and spend it rather than
invest it.
Jim Rohn
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
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Tips CD
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<=>
<=> <=> FEATURE ARTICLE <=>
<=> <=>
Give Me A Break!
Knowing when NOT to work is as important as
knowing when to work.” Harvey MacKay
Research shows that a short break every forty-
five minutes actually increases productivity.
The following are a few examples of ways bench
jewelers can take effective breaks. This is
not a comprehensive list, but is meant to
stimulate your creativity to find ways to renew
your body and mind so that you can work at
maximize productivity during your
work day.
Coffee Break
This is the old standby and just as effective
today as ever. Sometimes you just need to go
get a drink of your favorite beverage and get
away from it all.
Wash Your Hands
Going to the sink to wash your hands and face
can be very invigorating and effective in
giving your mind a change of pace, and it only
takes a minute or two. Also this helps prevent
illness - getting sick is a major
time waster.
Do Chores
For the creative person these menial tasks can
be a break and a change of pace that is badly
needed, and you can feel good about the
concrete and visible fruits of your labor.
Sweep the floor, dust the shelves, vacuum the
shop, change the solution in the ultrasonic,
clean out the polishing machine, put tools
away, organize your bench or shop,
etc.
Maintaining Tools
Sharpen your gravers and drill bits. Clean and
oil your pliers, clean your files, change your
broken saw blades, change your worn out wheels
on your flex shaft mandrels, etc.
Exercise
Get up and stretch or take a quick walk around
the building or block. Exercise and fitness
don’t have to take much time, and it creates a
natural high and can increase your energy for
the entire day.
Planning
Look through a new catalog from a supplier, and
daydream a little of all the new equipment you
would like to have, and plan the future of the
shop.
Socializing with Co-Workers
This is important to do to maintain a good
working relationship among employees, and
should be done on a regular interval. Just
make certain your break does not become an
unwanted interruption to the other
workers.
Study Your Craft
Reading a magazine article or a book can be a
refreshing break and you will gain knowledge in
the process.
Take Time to Be Alone
Creative individuals need time alone; the
amount of time you need varies depending on
your personality and situation.
Take a Nap
You’d be surprised how many people incorporate
a nap (or meditation) into their daily routine.
Winston Churchill took daily naps, even during
the height of World War II. Thomas Edison is
famous for his 10 minute catnaps. 10 to 20
minutes is best. You’ll wake up refreshed,
recharged, and ready to take on the
world.
Daydream
Open your mind and let go. This is what
creativity is all about.
Read a Good Book
A good book can take you to distant places away
from work and other problems. However be
careful with this one. It is easy to get
caught-up in the book and waste away an hour or
so. Before beginning to read your book set a
kitchen timer for 5 or 10 minutes. Then, when
the timer goes off, STOP READING and get back
to work.
Remember
Taking several small well-planned breaks
instead of one longer break helps keeps you
refreshed, and working at maximum
productivity.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
If you really do put a small value on yourself,
rest assured that the world will not raise the
price.
John Carpenter Dealey
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
Jewelry Dealers
World Trade Network
http://www.JewelryDealersNetwork.com
<=> Bench Jeweler
Discussion Channel <=>
Ask questions, share tips, and take part in the
ongoing discussions, or just read and
take in
all the advice from many excellent
jewelers
from around the world.
Membership includes: Topical Discussion
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Bench Work, CAD-CAM, Stone Setting, and many
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You may buy, sell and trade on the
Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More.
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<=> <=> AT THE PLATINUM BENCH <=>
<=>
Tips that make working with Platinum or
working at the bench in general -
easier from
Jurgen J. Maerz CMBJ,
Director of Technical Education
for Platinum Guild International
http://www.pgi-platinum-tech.com
Devesting
Removing the castings from the investment can
be a challenge. The investment, which is baked
at very high temperatures, turns into a glass-
like substance that can be difficult to
separate from the cast pieces.
Most manufacturers use hydrofluoric acid, which
is extremely dangerous and must be handled with
utmost caution. Always use rubber gloves, a
rubber apron, and a respirator that filters
small particles from the air.
A small shop may wish to consider a safer
devesting agent for platinum investment as a
substitute for hydrofluoric acid. Ask your
tool supplier; there are many brand names. You
can also mix your own substitute using the
following formula (percentages are given by
weight): 25 percent sodium hydroxide, 25
percent potassium hydroxide, and 50 percent
deionized or distilled water. (The sodium
hydroxide and the potassium hydroxide should be
in pearl or flake form.) Combine all three
solutions in a stainless steel container, and
heat (do not boil) for 25 to 40 minutes. Be
careful mixing, since the three ingredients
will naturally heat up when combined.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
If you don't set goals for yourself, you are
doomed to work to achieve the goals of someone
else.
Brian Tracy
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
The Ganoksin
Project
www.ganoksin.com
The Gem and Jewelry Pre-Eminent Online
Resources. Open to the public
Free of
Charge.
A substantial library of articles,
publications, reports, and technical
data on
gem and jewelry related topics; as
well as a
sizable collection of art and jewelry
galleries, for both the casual
visitor and the
professional, also host the popular
Orchid
online forums for jewelers.
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<=> <=> <=>
FAVORITE TIPS <=> <=>
<=>
Keep walkways to and from the polishing machine
and sink area open and free from
clutter.
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Write estimates on the envelope - ALWAYS!
Don’t rely on oral estimates. You want to
avoid unprofessional situations when the
customer comes in to pick up jewelry and says
“But when I left it, you said it would only
cost...”
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< < < <> > > > > >
Always mount hand files into handles. Handles
offer far more control and safety than just
holding onto the un-mounted tang of a file.
Needle files have a smooth round tang that
doubles as a handle. However, they can be
awkward to hold for more than brief periods.
It is helpful to fit the file into a larger and
more comfortable handle.
< <
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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 posts, etc. when
soldering.
< <
< < < <> > > > > >
Lay a double edge razor blade over the chain
with the slot in the blade over the break in
the chain. When soldering it will be easy to
find the break and the razor blade will serve
as a heat sink.
< <
< < < <> > > > > >
If you have a tip you would like to share with
our readers send it in an e-mail to
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
Go to the ant and consider its ways and be
wise! It has no commander, no overseer or
rules, yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6 : 6 - 8
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
Southeastern Findings
Southeastern Findings has been a leader in the
wholesale jewelry business for the past 27
years servicing the Independent Jeweler. We
are Findings, Diamonds, Wedding Bands, Jewelry
Boxes, Platinum, Batteries, Tools, and So Much
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Namano / Southeastern Findings
Your Home for Southern Hospitality
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<=> <=> <=>
GERRY’S GEMZ <=> <=>
<=>
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond
Setting
http://www.gemzdiamondsetting.com/index.html
by Gerald N. Lewy
One of the most available items in office
supply stores that are useful for jewelers are
Thumb Guards. What are they good for? Well,
one thing is that they will protect the thumb-
pad so you won’t get cuts from the graver you
use. Imagine receiving multiple cuts and then
using the polishing machine. Think of the
residue that is now being built INTO YOUR
finger?
What kind of guard and what size?
A proper fitting thumb guard must have
ventilation, or your thumb will soften and not
give you proper setting co-ordination. Do not
buy a guard that is too tight, it will restrict
blood flow and compress the sides of your
thumb.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
Manual of Diamond
Setting by Gerry Lewy
This new book and CD set on diamond setting is
geared to the Hobbyist, Student,
Beginner,
Intermediate and Advanced Jeweller/Setter. It
is a compendium of 5 years of writing
for Bench
Magazine and has over 613 pictures taken during
the setting process. This Manual sell for
$69.95 US Special Price for all E-Bench Readers
is only $54.95 plus Shipping and
Handling.
For more information or to order
E-Mail Gerry Lewy at: gemz@ican.net
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
A difficult time can be more readily endured if
we retain the conviction that our existence
holds a purpose - a cause to pursue, a person
to love, a goal to achieve.
John Maxwell
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
101 Bench Tips for Jewelers by Alan Revere
Alan Revere—acclaimed designer, author, and
educator—now shares his most valuable
bench
tips and tricks in 101 Bench Tips for
Jewelers.
Based on the monthly column in AJM, this book
will help any jeweler speed
production, improve
quality, and raise profits at the
bench.
Filled with helpful illustrations, this
publication covers all aspects of
bench work,
from soldering to stone setting,
piercing to
final polish. This book is sure to be a
resource you’ll reference for years
to come.
For more information, visit
www.ajm-magazine.com/pub_press.php
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> WORKSHOP SAFETY
FOR JEWELERS <=> <=>
Workshop Safety Tips From Charles Lewton-Brian
GIVE YOURSELF A GRADE
I am a teacher, and one of the things I do when
I grade my students is to be as objective as
possible, taking into account the individuals
skills, about how much they have personally
developed and pushed themselves, how hard they
worked and how they excelled against their own
goals and aspirations; not just what they did
to fulfill any parameters of the projects I set
for them. This means that I have to judge
myself by the same criteria to avoid being a
hypocrite. As an educator one has to be a sort
of role model as a form of continuous
education. This can be kind of rough. So
grade yourself in terms of your safety efforts.
There is no shame in a mediocre grade, merely
an indication that one can do better-you don't
put yourself down for doing one's best-that is
as good as it gets. So, assuming you are doing
your best for yourself then give yourself a
grade in that regard. Then try again. One
tends to get better and improve this way.
Judge yourself as you would judge another
persons performance given the same problem to
solve or project to carry out. And, give
yourself credit. If it is an 'A' grade then
that is what it is. Enjoy!
For more information on Workshop safety from
Charles Lewton-Brian log onto:
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/safety.htm
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<=> <=> Thank You for
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.
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For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas
or requests, please send an E-Mail to
Bradney W. Simon mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com
Copyrighted, 2005, BENCH MEDIA.
All rights reserved.
BENCH MEDIA
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