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<=>
<=> <=> <=>
E-BENCH <=> <=>
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The E-Mail Newsletter
for Bench Jewelers
March 2007
Volume 8 Issue 3
circulation over 4,700
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
4th
Annual
Bench Jewelers
Conference & Expo
Pre-Conference
Seminar April 26th
For More Information & to Register log onto:
http://www.BWSimon.com/Conference
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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.
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B W Simon International
Bradney W Simon – Publisher
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daniel@spirerjewelers.com
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
For over 60 years,
jewelry supplier, has provided
quality
products, unsurpassed selection and
legendary
service to help professional jewelers
succeed.
* Gems & Findings division offers finished
jewelry, findings and gemstones
* Display & Packaging division offers
innovative display and packaging
* Tools division offers equipment and supplies
Call us at 1-800-545-6566 or visit us at
http://www.riogrande.com
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<=>
<=> <=> TIPS FOR JEWELERS <=>
<=> <=>
Tips for Jewelers Who Do Repairs
From Alan Revere
Put A
Because of their size and shape, some jewelry
tools pose unique challenges. Small punches,
for instance, can cause fatigue if held in one
hand for too long, and once you have put it
down, there is no guarantee it will not roll
away.
So try putting a cork on it! Find a used wine
cork and, drilling from both ends, create a
hole straight through its center. The hole
should be slightly smaller than the diameter of
the punch – for a 4 mm shaft, drill a hole that
is about 3.5mm. Now slide the cork onto the
shaft and use a rasp, a coarse file, or a very
coarse abrasives paper to create one flat side
on the outside of the cylindrical
cork.
Now you have the most comfortable, most grip-
able, and most controllable punch possible.
And it will never roll off your bench.
This tip is from 101 Bench Tips for Jewelers
written by Alan Revere and published by
MJSA/AJM Press.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as
surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
There’s Still Time!
There
is still time to register for the Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo
Go
to www.BWSimon.con/Conference
to register!
NEW
THIS YEAR
This
year at the Bench Jewelers Conference &
Expo,
United Precious Metals will be offering a
tour of their refinery. Don’t
miss this
opportunity to see first hand how your scraps
are
processed and how your precious metal stock
and
solders are manufactured. This tour is
free of charge to the Bench Conference
attendees.
The
Bench Conference was an overall good
experience, with lots of opportunity to network
with other jewelers with a vast knowledge and
experience. The free
sharing of information
was
excellent.
Pablo
Martinez –
Go
to www.BWSimon.con/Conference
for all the
details and to register!
Bench
Jewelers Conference & Expo will be held
at
the Adam’s
Staying
at the Host Hotel provides you the best
opportunity to take advantage of the many
networking opportunities and all that the Bench
Jewelers
Conference & Expo has to offer.
To
book your hotel room, call the hotel
directly and tell them you are attending the
Bench
Jewelers Conference & Expo or log onto:
http://www.bwsimon.com/conference/Buffalo/Show_Hotel_Buffalo.htm
Just
a note to say a BIG THANKS for the great
conference this weekend!
I came away with some
wonderful ideas and information.
Plus it was
nice to be able to talk with others in the
trade.
Jeff
Watson
The 2007 Bench Jewelers Conference &
Expo
is fast
approaching.
DON’T MISS IT – REGISTER TODAY!
Go
to www.BWSimon.com/Conference
for all the
details and to register.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=>
<=> <=> COLORED STONES <=>
<=> <=>
Learn all about handling colored stones from
gemstone cutter
As we continue our discussion of the handling
of colored gemstones at the bench, I would like
to repeat some general guidelines for working
with colored stones for the new readers that
may have missed them, and as a reminder to the
rest of us.
First, proper identification of the gemstone is
mandatory. If you have reason to question the
identity of the stone or you are generally
unsure, you only have two good choices. The
first is to have a proper identification made
so that you can then proceed accordingly, or
remove the stone from its setting. When I ran
my shop, the ironclad rule was to remove all
questionable colored gems from the mountings
when torch-level heat was to be applied to the
piece. When in doubt, take it out! Laser
welders when used properly limit the risk, but
remember that those little facets can act like
mirrors to the laser beam, so be cautious!
In previous articles I discouraged the use of
steam cleaners with colored gems, as the sudden
temperature change they create will often
completely destroy a gemstone and I have proved
it by having some of those accidents!
For the same reason, use caution with
ultrasonic cleaners. Place the gem or jewelry
in a glass beaker with room temperature cleaner
and immerse it in the ultrasonic, letting the
temperature rise gradually. Finally, do not
forget to wait for pieces to cool before
immersing them in pickle.
You can contact
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
There are precious few Einsteins among us.
Most brilliance arises from ordinary people
working together in extraordinary ways.
Roger Von Oech
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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.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> Tips & Tricks from
THE MASTERs 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 Masters 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, 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.
You can contact Brad at Brad@BWSimon.com
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
The credit belongs to those people who are
actually in the arena … who know the great
enthusiasms, the great devotions to a worthy
cause; who at best, know the triumph of high
achievement; and who, at worst, fail while
daring greatly … so that their place shall
never be with those cold and timid souls who
know neither victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
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<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
CLASP - A Convergence of Jewelers
http://www.claspconvergence.com
Clasp is an innovative
conference produced by
Media, Ganoksin (parent to
the Orchid Forums),
Manufacturing Jewelers and
Suppliers of
(MJSA) and The Society of North American
Goldsmiths (SNAG).
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=>
<=> <=> BOOK REVIEW
<=>
<=> <=>
ADVENTURES
AT THE BENCH
Tricks to Overcome a Jewelers Daily
Challenges
In Adventures At the Bench, renowned platinum
smith
information. This book is full of innovative
tips, tricks, shortcuts, and homemade tools to
help jewelers work smarter by being more
efficient and economical.
However, this book is more than just a
collection of bench tips & tricks as it also
contains illustrated step-by-step guides on
everything ranging from the basics of
fabricating to advanced stonesetting. These
guides present traditional bench techniques
which Mr. Maerz traces to his European training
as a certified German Master Goldsmith, as well
as inventive uses of laser welding.
Even more valuable than the gadgets and the new
twists on old techniques are the authors real-
life experiences. Jurgen tales of his earliest
days as an apprentice are sprinkled throughout
the book. These stories are especially
revealing and instructive, offering important
advice and stress the importance of
communication, planning, and working
smarter.
ADVENTURES AT THE BENCH is a must read, and an
essential reference for anyone working on
jewelry.
For more information, visit
www.ajm-magazine.com/pub_press.php
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> 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
PENCIL POWER: Gaining Bur Control
With the help of a modified pencil stub, you
can have a simple little grip that will give
you more control when you are cutting or
grinding with a bur.
To begin, measure along the shaft of a pencil
stub about 1 inch. Cut the stub to the proper
length using a jewelers saw.
Once the pencil has been cut to the proper
length, you must remove the pencil lead
(graphite) from its core. Take a twist drill
that is the size of the bur shaft, or slightly
larger, and begin cutting through the lead.
Once the hole has been drilled through, push
the bur through the pencil stub. You should
have plenty of room to attach the end of the
bur to the flex-shaft handpiece.
Now when cutting or grinding, you can grab the
pencil stub and it will keep the bur still.
This trick also has another benefit: The
leftover graphite from the pencil lead will act
as lubrication, allowing the bur to turn freely
as you work.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=>
<=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=>
<=> <=>
United Precious
Metal Refining
United is a full service refiner for Gold,
Silver, Platinum, & Palladium. We specialize
in Refining for the jewelry Industry,
processing everything from sweeps to
karat
scrap.
Technical assistance on all phases of
manufacturing and jewelry casting is
only a
phone call away. Call us today at
1-800-999-3463 or visit us online at
http://www.unitedpmr.com/
United Precious
Metal Refining
Simply
the Best
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
No lions are ever caught in mousetraps. To
catch lions you must think in terms of lions,
not in terms of mice. Your mind is always
creating traps of one kind or another, and what
you catch depends on the thinking you do. It
is your thinking that attracts you to what you
receive.
Thomas Dreier
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> TAKE-IN NOT TAKEN <=> <=>
Tips for jewelers taking in
jewelry at the
repair counter.
Always give the cus
repair work when the jewelry is
left, allowing
the cus
the repair done before you begin
doing it. If
the price is too high, you can
work with the
cus
done until it meets her budget.
Often you encounter problems
over price because
the cus
would cost. When they pick up the finished
repair, they complain about the
cost. At this
point, the work is finished and
you can do
little about it. Giving estimates at Take-In
eliminates this problem.
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=>
<=> <=> 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
Channels, including
Bench Work, CAD-CAM, Stone Setting, and many
more.
You may buy, sell and trade on the
Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
If a man has a talent and cannot use it, he has
failed. If he has a talent and uses half of
it, he has partially failed. If he has a
talent and learns somehow to use the whole of
it, he has gloriously succeeded and won a
satisfaction and triumph few men ever know.
Thomas Wolfe
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> WORKSHOP SAFETY
FOR JEWELERS <=> <=>
Workshop Safety Tips From
GAS HANDLING
Part 2
Here are some tips for
handling gasses in the
shop:
Do not handle cylinders
with greasy hands or
gloves.
Never position cylinders
near any electrical
equipment.
Never use torch equipment
near flammables or
combustibles.
Never fill one cylinder
from another or refill
a cylinder yourself.
Wear fire resistant
clothing - this is really
important. Tie your hair back, wear
no jewelry
etc. - most standard rules
for using tools
count here as well. Foot
protection is
necessary with most torch work.
Do not use an oxygen tank
near grease or oil,
or handle any part of it, tank, valve,
regulator etc. with greasy hands or with
gloves.
When installing a new hose
blow it out at 5 psi
first before attaching equipment to it.
Never crack a tank valve
near hot work, cinders
or any other possible ignition source.
Always shut cylinder valves
during work breaks,
when leaving the shop and when the cylinder is
empty. Do not leave pressure on
the regulator
when it is not in use.
Never put a torch down with
the gas flow on.
If you use a pilot light
then an appropriate
rack and holder away from combustible materials
(including
your arm and your co-workers) is
necessary.
Open valves slowly and
carefully. Do not use
too much force when closing them.
Never use a
hammer or a wrench to open a cylinder valve.
If a hand wheel controls
the valve on your tank
do not use a hammer, wrench or lever on it.
Never lubricate any valve
or fitting or use
white or red lead jointing compound, oil or
grease. Remember hand soap is
made with fat.
Never use a torch system
that is leaking. If
it leaks around the stem of a small acetylene
tank the packing nut can often be tightened to
stop the leak.
Do not use a full or
partially full lighter as
a striker to light a torch with, either use a
proper flint striker or use an empty lighter
you have drilled into to release any trace of
lighter fluid. It is not wise to
keep
disposable lighters near a torch system unless
they are completely emptied and aired out.
An au
fitted to all oxygen and acetylene cylinders –
needle valves in the torch tip are considered
inadequate. Ask your supplier about
back flow
check valves for your equipment - you should
have them.
Check hoses frequently for
signs of hardening,
fraying, cracking or perishing.
Always use a
top quality hose. The longer
the hose is the
more likely it is to leak. Hose
connections
have to be securely clamped so they will
withstand twice the maximum pressure they are
exposed to when in use.
Use red hoses for acetylene
and green for
oxygen.
Never force fit mismatched
connections - they
are often different on purpose for different
gas systems. Do not force fit matched
connections either for that matter.
Wear proper protective
equipment when using
torch equipment.
Never turn an acetylene
valve on more than 1/4-
3/4 of a turn or place
objects upon it which
could interfere with an emergency shut-off
attempt. Never open it more than one
and a
half turns. Always open
cylinder valves
slowly. Open fully only after
contents gauge
stops moving. Never stand in
front or behind a
regulator when turning it on in case it blows
outwards.
Acetylene pressure should
not be over 15 psi as
fire and explosion can result.
Use recommended
pressure settings, improper settings are
wasteful and can be dangerous. If
pressures
build up high in the regulator by itself then
it needs to be repaired.
If a tank wrench is needed
then leave it in
place while using the cylinder.
Never deliberately start
fires or participate
in horseplay while using a torch system.
Never, for instance,
discharge a flow of gas
pointing at anybody.
To avoid pressure unbalance
and contamination
of the cylinder do not allow cylinders to
become completely empty, especially oxygen
cylinders. 25-50 psig is the point
at which
you should disengage the cylinder.
Check for
adequate gas supplies before starting work.
Never solder, braze or heat
a container that
has contained any flammable liquids or vapors
unless all traces of the flammable material
have been removed.
For more information on Workshop safety from
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/safety.htm
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=>
<=>
The last of the human freedoms is to choose
ones attitude in any given set of
circumstances.
Victor Frankl
((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))
<=>
<=> <=> 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
More.
Call us Today at 1-800-282-8285 or
visit us on
the World Wide Web at:
http://www.sefindings.com
Namano /
Southeastern Findings
Your Home for
Southern Hospitality
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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.
<=>
<=> SUBSCRIPTION
INFORMATION <=> <=>
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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
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the services of a competent
professional person
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< < < < < <> > >
> > >
For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas
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Copyrighted, 2007, BENCH MEDIA.
All rights reserved.
BENCH MEDIA