 |
<> <> <> <> <> <> <> E-BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
The E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers
June 2000
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
<> <> <> <> <> 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. TRADE SECRETS Tips and Tricks to make your work on the bench a little easier and more productive. SIMON SEZ See and hear Bradney W. Simon in person. ON THE BENCH Learn a new technique or brush up on basic skills with this feature article. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> * * * RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU * * * A Pain In The Neck You turn and there it is. You get up from your chair and it happens again. That nagging pain in your neck or lower back. After several years at the bench, one often develops chronic neck or back injuries. Bench jewelers will spend most of the time in the workshop seated at their workbench. Therefore, time is well spent in adjusting the seating arrangement. A poorly adjusted chair and workbench will not only cause discomfort, fatigue, and muscle cramps, reducing worker efficiency, but more importantly, it may develop into leg, back, or neck injury. Many varieties of workbench styles are available from jewelry tool and equipment suppliers. Unfortunately, almost all benches come in a standard height of 39” to 40” and are not adjustable. This one size fits all bench height, fits worse than one-size fits all clothing. Since jewelers are not all the same height, the workbench MUST be adjusted to fit them. Adjusting Your Chair When selecting a chair do not be fooled by the visual appearance. For example, a soft, overly padded chair may look inviting and when you sit in it for the first few moments, it may feel comfortable and soothing. Over an eight-hour workday, however, this chair may not support your back, legs, and spine properly. Once you have purchased a chair, you must adjust it. The best chair in the world is worthless if it is not adjusted correctly. Adjust the height of the chair so that when seated with feet flat on the floor the tops of your thighs are parallel to the floor. You should be able to feel the seat of the chair along the back of your thighs. You should feel enough pressure to support your upper legs, but not too much pressure as to cut off or restrict circulation. The angle between the torso and the thighs should not be less than 90° or greater than 110°. From this position, you need to adjust the height of the workbench. DO NOT adjust the height of the chair to the workbench. A chair too high is awkward for shorter jewelers, and it is hard to reach the foot pedal for the flex shaft. It puts pressure on the thighs, restricting circulation in the legs. Improper support of the legs and thighs lead to chronic back injury. A chair too low is uncomfortable for taller jewelers. Their knees are raised too high, eliminating any support of their thighs. This causes compression of the lower spine and body organs. Alternatively, they bend their legs awkwardly under them, causing fatigue and cramping. Both lead to chronic back injury. A backrest on the chair is necessary to help support the spine. The backrest should support the lower and middle of your back, from your waist to just below your shoulder blades. Less than this does not give adequate support, more than this restricts movement. Adjust the backrest up or down to give this support. Then adjust the backrest forward or backwards so that there is 2" to 4" of clearance between the front edge of the seat and the inside of your knees. Just like your thighs against the chair seat, you should be able to feel the support of the chair backrest along your back. While sitting, your spine is supported either by a backrest or by your muscles. Avoid fatigue from muscular backache and get a chair with a properly adjusted backrest. Adjusting Your Bench If your bench is too tall, you can cut the required amount off each leg. Be certain to cut exactly the same amount off each leg so that the bench does not wobble. If the bench is too short, glue a block of wood to the bottom of each leg to raise the bench. Visors Many jewelers further complicate this problem when someone comes to talk to them while working. Rather than raise the visor, they bend their necks back and look down under the visor to see the person. Over time, a jeweler develops a whiplash type injury from this extreme bending of the neck. A better alternative is to use a magnifier that sets lower in front of the eyes, such as reading glasses. To use, you look down through the glasses and only need to bend your head forward slightly, if at all. Then to see someone you can look straight out over the glasses with out bending your neck. Chiropractor Last, but certainly not least, visit a chiropractor. Find a chiropractor that works with occupational injuries and provides maintenance care. Chiropractors that only work with acute injuries (such as auto accidents) may not be as proficient at working with chronic injury that bench jewelers develop. In addition, find a chiropractor that will take x-rays of your spine before making any adjustments. Any competent chiropractor will want to see just what condition your spine is in before making adjustments. By making a few ergonomic adjustments to your shop, changing some bad work habits, as well as receiving chiropractic maintenance, your back will begin to feelas good as new and you will have one less Pain In The Neck! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> * * * QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING * * * Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. Japanese Proverb +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true. Woodrow Wilson - 28th US president +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The key to happiness is having dreams. Anonymous +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood and will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble and logical plan never dies, but long after we are gone will be a living thing. Lita Bane +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme. Jiminy Cricket +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible. Lawrence of Arabia +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ It may be that those who do most, dream most. Stephen Butler Leacock +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Where there is no vision, the people perish. The Bible. Proverbs 29:18 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> * * * TRADE SECRETS * * * When setting colored stones, it is extremely important to place the stone in the mounting in exactly the same position each time you test fit the stone while cutting the seat. This is due to the fact that most colored stones are cut irregularly. To assist you in this placement, draw a line on the crown of the stone with a fine tip marker. Then line-up this mark with a distinctive design element of the mounting, a similar mark with a felt tip marker on the mounting, or a mark made on the holder holding the mounting (such as a deep file mark filed into your ring clamp). When finished setting any remaining ink can be removed with alcohol. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sometimes it is difficult to see where the stone’s pavilion is hitting the inside of the crown. To help in determining where the stone touches the crown, dust the inside of the crown with talcum powder. Then, carefully place the stone in the crown and press down gently. Carefully lift the stone from the crown and examine the pavilion. Powder will remain on the stone at the points of contact with the crown, allowing you to know where extra metal needs to be removed before setting the stone. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To smooth the channel walls on small channel settings, a roller can be made from an old millgrain wheel. Carefully grind away the metal ridges that form the beads, leaving a smooth channel around the outside of the wheel. Then polish to a high shine. Place this modified wheel in its handle and roll it over the top of the channel wall in the same manner you would use to millgrain an edge. The result is a smooth edge of metal burnished tight against the stones. This modified millgrain wheel works equally well on bezel set stones. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To solder closed a link in a hollow link bracelet, take a small section of wire that matches the color and karat of the bracelet link. Use a wire diameter that will semi-snuggly fit inside the link. Then, place some paste solder in each end of the link and insert the wire. Gently hold the link closed and heat until the solder melts. The wire will provide more surface area for the solder to flow to, making a stronger joint. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When sizing, make the ring 1/8 size too small. Clean the solder joint on the inside of the ring only. Next, place the ring on a ring mandrel and hammer across the solder joint until the ring reaches the correct size. Finally, clean up the outside of the ring with a file, emery, and polish the ring. This will help you to be more accurate in your sizing (if you are a little too large you will need to resize). In addition, this will work-harden the sizing area making a stronger joint, and finishing and polishing will be easier. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When sizing rings with heat sensitive stones in silver, I always place the stone under water. However, the water draws heat off the ring, as if silver was not bad enough on its own. To help the situation, I place a small piece of firebrick through the finger hole of the ring. I use a piece 12 mm X 5 mm X 30 mm. This helps protect the stones but more importantly, it reflects the heat back up to the bottom of the shank. Makes sizings MUCH easier. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For additional Bench Tips check out the New Fully Illustrated ”Tip of the Month” at http://www.bwsimon.com/ <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> * * SIMON SEZ * * * Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker and provides Keynote Speeches, Educational Seminars, and Bench Demonstrations. For information on having him speak for your organization visit us on the web at http://www.bwsimon.com/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ > > > > > > > NET WARS < < < < < < < How To Win The Battles In Cyber Space This exciting Internet Marketing Seminar by Bradney W. Simon 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 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ See and hear Bradney W. Simon at a This new all-day seminar will be offered in 22 cities during 2000. Memphis, Tennessee <=> June 21 St. Petersburg, Florida <=> July 14 Fort Lauderdale, Florida <=> July 15 Virginia Beach, Virginia <=> August 12 For additional Seminar Dates and Locations go to 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 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ We would like to thank the following Sponsors who help make these seminars possible. Rio Grande <=> 800–545–6566 Impact Specialties, Inc. <=> 770-458-9077 Southeastern Findings & Namano <=> 800-282-8285 Gesswein Co, Inc. <=> 800-243-4466 Southern Jewelry News <=> 704-827-2171 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
* * * ON THE BENCH * * * Wrigley Field, Home Runs, And Jewelry Repair Two summers ago, I stood with my sons in the aisle near the left field foul pole of historic Wrigley Field. The St. Louis Cardinals were in Chicago to play the Cubs. We came early to the game as most of the fans did, to watch Mark McGuire take batting practice. Although he did not hit a home run during the game, he did not disappoint the fans during batting practice. With the smell of the ivy on the outfield wall in the air, McGuire hit eight home runs - or more correctly he slugged 8 towering blast that left the park, crossed Waveland Ave., and landed in the yards of the houses across the street. As we watched, I was amazed at two things. The first was how high and far he could hit the ball. We were standing near the outfield wall and balls were sailing over our heads as if we were standing by third base watching a normal home run. The second thing that amazed me was: Why did one of the greatest home run hitters of all time need batting practice? He would go into the batting cage, hit a few home runs. Then, while a teammate hit, he received instructions from the batting coach. Then, back in the cage to hit some more. I'm even told he has a batting tee at home where he practices even more. Why would he need to practice something as simple as swinging a bat? Why anyone can pick up a bat and swing it. Of course, the answer is there are certain techniques that must be executed perfectly to consistently hit home runs. If your feet are not planted properly, if your hips rotate too early or too late, if your hands are not positioned correctly, or if your head moves, all you have done is swing the bat, not hit a home run. In Mark McGuire’s chase of Roger Maris’ single season home run record, he had a limited number of plate appearances before the season ends. Therefore, he practiced to make certain each time he stepped into the batters box during a game he made the most efficient use of his swings. By now you're probably wondering what Wrigley field and home runs have to do with jewelry repair? Well, in working on jewelry, like swinging a bat, there are many tasks that seem simple; you just do it and don't think about techniques. Milling is a prime example. You stick a bur in your flex-shaft, step on the pedal, and away you go. However, as simple as cutting with a bur seems, there are techniques to use that will improve the efficiency of cutting and avoid waste in the shop. Proper milling techniques allow smoother cutting, resulting in less cleanup; more accurate cutting, resulting in higher quality work; and longer tool life, resulting in saving money. Burs are used for a variety of tasks. They can be used for functional or merely decorative task. Functional items include cutting notches in prongs or channels in plates for stone setting. Decorative uses include creating surface textures or decorative patterns. A quick look through a jewelry tool catalog will reveal that a variety of shapes and sizes of burs are available. A well-equipped jeweler's bench has an ample supply of these. In jewelry work, the piece of jewelry is generally held steady and the bur is moved freehand over the jewelry. Because in all milling actions metal is removed, the chips should be gathered and save for reclaiming. Wear goggles when using a bur, to protect your eyes. All cutting tools must be kept sharp. Dull cutting edges are dangerous to use as they have a tendency to slip off the metal rather than bite into it. Burs that slip can cut or pierce your fingers. Dull cutting edges take longer to perform the work resulting in lower productivity. They cause excessive heat buildup that could damage some jewelry or the tools themselves. Dull cutting edges produce poorer quality work. They leave more burs on the metal rather than cutting cleanly. In addition, they do not always cut true, resulting in off centered holes, and uneven cutting. When burs become dull, replace them or send then off to be re-sharpened. Keep the cutting edge cool - at least within an acceptable temperature range. To do this, always use a lubricant while using your burs. You can use oil based or solid wax based cutting lubricants. This helps keep the cutting edges cool, prolonging tool life. Also it helps the metal chips flow away from the cutting edge preventing the teeth from clogging. Use a steady, slow to medium speed. Flex-shafts can operate at speeds up to 14,000 rpm. Burs should not approach this speed while cutting metal. You should operate the flex-shaft at no more than medium speed, and The Larger The Bur The Slower The Speed. High Speed burs are a description of the type of steel used and not indicative of the speed used to operate. Use light even pressure. Excessive pressure to vigorously cut metal will overheat the burs. This heat will remove the temper from the tool and it will no longer be able to keep a sharp cutting edge. Let the tool do the work. Do Not Use Excessive Speed Or Pressure To Force A Dull Bur. Insert the shank all the way into the handpiece. The chuck should hold the shank as close to the bur head as possible. This will provide more accurate control and is safer to operate. Always use a steady speed and even pressure. Varying the speed by pumping the foot pedal or uneven pressure while using will cause uneven cutting and wear out the flex-shaft prematurely. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> * * * EMPLOYMENT NEWS * * * AGS store in Upstate New York. Good quality of life with lots of lakes and outdoor activities. Looking for a good Bench Jeweler to do repairs and some custom work. Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Benefits, Good Working Environment, and opportunity to earn some money depending on ability 30K +. Contact Lou at: lou@superior.net <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> * * * READERS RESPOND * * * Thanks for the recent issue of E-Bench. I always learn several things from each of these. I especially liked your talk on motivating employees. Having been an employee in several organizations, I can tell you that what passes for effective supervision is often merely neglect, followed by some shaming and punishment when problems, which you should have anticipated, develop. I remember a jewelry store where I worked part time doing appraisals. I really wanted to learn from the very good bench jeweler there, but I was instructed not to talk to him so that he could get his work done. Far better to give me some jobs assisting him or schedule a time when we could talk (maybe off the clock) than to wag a finger at me like a first grade teacher. On the issue of the bench jeweler who came in late, possibly it isn't necessary for him to work the same hours as everyone else, and possibly he operates better on a later schedule. (Kids and employees are famous for expecting parents and employers to treat everyone equally rather than equivalently and fairly given their abilities and functions.) It is interesting what motivates people --- it isn't always money. If he can come in later and still get the work done, maybe you will end up paying him less, or maybe you should pay by the job and let him come in when he wants and work as fast as he likes. I look forward to your next issue. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I wanted to drop you a quick line to compliment you on your efforts regarding E-Bench. After 22 years at the bench, I know it gets hard to run across a new trick or tip, but I've picked up several from you. I've got one to add to your "Gone Platinum" article. Since the cobalt/platinum alloy is magnetic you can use a magnet to help distinguish it from other alloys, and to avoid inappropriately using small pieces for sizings. I thought that your idea for attaching a filter to the torch was a good idea, too. Thanks for all the good advice, <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Thank You for Reading. For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas or requests, please send an E-Mail to Bradney W. Simon SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: To subscribe, send an E-Mail with Subscribe as the subject If you do not wish to continue receiving this newsletter send an +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Copyrighted, 2000, B W Simon. All rights reserved. |