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<> <> <> <> <> <> <> E-BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
The E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers
June 2001
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<> <> <> <> <> 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
SIMON SEZ See and hear Bradney W. Simon in person
REVERE FINDING TIPS This new column contains useful tips to help you find things in the studio from Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
TRADE SECRETS Tips and Tricks to make your work on the bench a little easier
ON THE BENCH Learn a new technique or brush up on basic skills with this
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If you like E-BENCH You’ll LOVE BENCH 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 will be filled with high-quality instructional articles enhanced by line drawings, color renderings, or photographs from a variety of actual jewelers. Subjects covered will include new technologies such as laser welding and CAD, as well as traditional techniques in jewelry repair, fabrication, casting, and stone setting. In addition, each issue will contain motivational quotes, and bench tips. Subscriptions will be free to jewelers in the USA and Canada, and $40 per year for overseas delivery.
To subscribe: US or Canada - send a post card with your name and complete mailing address to:
BENCH
Overseas – send your check for $40 US along with your complete mailing address to:
BENCH
The first issue will be mailed mid August.
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<> <> RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU <> <>
The Master's Touch
The difference between a Master Jeweler and an average jeweler is not so much learning advanced techniques as it is 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 basic techniques.
The downfall of many bench jewelers is not a lack of skills, but a lack of 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; to hurry through our work or skip 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 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, then critically examined the results to find areas that need improving, and then practiced more to improve? (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. Get back to the basics and practice those fundamental techniques that seem so simple and easy - 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 that does.
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 we need 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 preformed with the perfection deserving a 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 after it, the reaching toward it, will create in you a better craftsman.
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Impact Specialties Introducing our new form filling and repair management software We have developed this new software to be used in conjunction with our laser repair envelopes, cut sheets and cards. This software will enable jewelers to computerize their process. Impact Repairware features repair location tracking, parts and inventory database, customer database, special occasion tracking and a variety of reports. It is available in single user or multi user and features a watch repair and jewelry repair form. Impact Repairware can be used to provide estimates, appraisals and receipts.
For more information or to receive a FREE trial disk, visit us at http://www.isiprint.com or call Impact at 800 – 543 – 4264 Impact – For All Your Jewelry Store Form Needs
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<> <> <> <> QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <>
Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.
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Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it – but sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor. Oliver Wendell Holmes
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There is never a crowd on the extra mile.
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Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.
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The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore… unlike the mediocre, intrepid, spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible… it is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors… to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown Ferdinand Magellan
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He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.
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<> <> <> <> <> SIMON SEZ SEMINARS <> <> <> <> <>
Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker; providing Keynote Speeches, and Educational Seminars. onto; http://www.BWSimon.com
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> > > > IJO Conference < < < <
August 4 - 8, 2001 Bradney Simon will conduct seminars and Bench Demonstrations at the Independent Jewelers Organization Show in Salt Lake City.
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> > > > New Hampshire Jewelers Association < < < <
September 15, 2001 Bradney Simon will be presenting Trade Secrets – Tips Tricks and Techniques of a Master Jeweler. For more information call Paul Richter 603-437-2655
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> > > > Two Great Seminars for Jewelers < < < <
=> Run Your Shop Without It Running You
This seminar will help jewelers increase profits by operating
=> Trade Secrets
Making and repairing jewelry encompasses only a few basic techniques. However, there are numerous tricks to use in mastering those techniques. In this interactive seminar you will learn tips, tricks, and techniques on jewelry repair, fabrication, and stone setting from a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler.
“No matter how much one knows it is always enlightening and stimulating to sit back and listen to a Master share his own personal tips. This is an excellent presentation.”
To see what others are saying about this seminar go to: http://www.bwsimon.com/Testimonials/TradeSecretsSeminar.htm
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> > > > Attend Both Seminars < < < < Run Your Shop on Friday and Trade Secrets on Saturday
Seattle WA < > September 7 & 8, 2001
Chicago IL < > September 28 & 29, 2001
For additional information on these seminars or to register go to http://www.bwsimon.com/SimonSezSeminars/simon_sez.htm
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HAVE YOU INVENTED A NEW PRODUCT
Now you can have it evaluated by professional marketing experts.
MVI Marketing LTD., THE Market Intelligence Company for the Worldwide Gem and Jewelry Industries, is now offering its unique NEW PRODUCT EVALUATION (NPE) directly to bench jewelers and independent retailers.
MVI’s NPE will review your innovation in complete confidence and provide you with a report, honestly evaluating its commercial potential and marketing options.
MVI is the only business consulting organization working exclusively in the worldwide gem and jewelry industries. For more information about MVI’s New Product Evaluation visit us at www.mvimarketing.com or email us at info@mvimarketing.com
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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 pieces of solder By Alan Revere
When you first get a new piece of sheet solder color code it. Use Sharpie permanent marking pens to completely cover both sides: red for hard, black for medium and blue for easy. Then when you cut snippets you can easily locate them if they drop into your tray as well as identify their melting temperature. The ink disappears without a trace when heated during soldering. Do this on all your solders; color coding wire solder and even tubes of paste solder.
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<> <> <> <> <> TRADE SECRETS <> <> <> <> <>
Take a warm ball of Jett Sett (the plastic substitute for shellac) and place in a 2” X 3” plastic bag. Spread it out to fill the bag approximately one sixteenth inch thick, then fold the bag in half to 2” X 1 1/2 “. When hardened trim off the top of the bag. Then, when you have a ring shank or other jewelry that is too thin to hold tightly, place the jewelry between the two halves of the bag and insert in your ring clamp. John Cothern
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When a customer brings in a coin pendant with the screw stripped, clean the threads from the pendant with a Krause bur then fit a wire in the hole and rivet it closed.
Do Not solder the wire in, actually rivet the ends down. The tubes are soldered to the frame and will move or come off easily if you try to solder the wire in. Also if the customer ever wants to change the coin you can cut the rivet head off and replace the rivet.
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If a coin is loose in a coin frame, take a piece of wire and roll it out with a rolling mill. Then cut pieces to wedge between the coin and the frame. The length of piece and thickness depends on how loose the coin is.
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To keep from marring a coin when pushing down on the tabs to hold them in, make a pusher by inserting a wooden dowel rod in a graver handle, or make a pusher from the plastic handle of a tooth brush.
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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 come loose and rubs against the center stone, it will cut a groove into the stone. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Place a millgrain wheel in the handpiece of a Gravermeister, GraverMax, or GraverMate. This makes it easier to use and you will be more efficient. Blaine Lewis – New Approach School for Jewelers http://www.newapproachschool.com
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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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<> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <>
CEIA USA
CEIA specializes in the manufacture of Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines and Medium Frequency Induction Melters. CEIA Ultrasonics are designed using the latest technologies. The high efficiency of the generator and the absence of moving mechanical parts guarantee the machine an extremely long lifetime. All functions are microprocessor controlled which allows for adjustable cavitation, temperature and time. Call us for a free trial.
CEIA Induction melters have achieved widespread recognition in the field of precious metal casting. All functions of the furnaces are microcomputer controlled. Digitally adjustable power gives the possibility to optimize melting times. CEIA melters offer speed of melting, purity of the alloy and very low cooling water consumption.
CEIA USA Tel: 609-631-8802 Email: jbruns@ceia-usa.com Web Page http://www.ceia.net
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<> <> <> <> <> ON THE BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <>
Maintenance Do's - Don'ts For Your Ultrasonic Cleaner By Ken Kotoski
I would first like to clarify how an ultrasonic cleaner works. The ultrasonic produces ultrasound waves. Ultrasound is not audible. The ultrasound waves are very high frequency waves that are transmitted into the solution and are responsible for “tearing” apart the dirt and grime. The statement that tiny air bubbles are responsible for cleaning is not accurate. Actually, air in the liquid hinders any cleaning. You may notice after placing fresh tap water into an ultrasonic that a lot of air will be forced out of the water right away. As all of the air is removed, the ultrasonic will clean better. Anything you put into the ultrasonic that is not a rigid solid (for example plastic) will greatly reduce the cleaning ability. That is why glass beakers and steel trays and baskets are used. They pass the ultrasonic wave right on through without impeding them.
Don't drop anything heavy on the bottom of the tank. The transducers are ceramic crystals that are fragile. They can be broken if this happens. Other ways crystals get broken include running the cleaner with little or no solution in the tank. In addition, when changing the solution be sure the old solution has cooled down before replacing it. When an ultrasonic has been running the transducers get hot and if they are suddenly cooled it can crack them.
I understand that equipment upkeep is time consuming, but it is essential to the overall longevity of your equipment. As with all equipment regular service and/or care needs to be done. An ultrasonic should be wiped down with a water-moistened cloth each day to remove the soap that has been splashed and dripped. Most soaps are caustic and if left on the unit will start to eat away the metal parts. In addition, if they are allowed to build up they can eventually get to the circuit board and cause short circuits. When cleaning the unit DO NOT ever put it under water (running or otherwise). The ultrasonics are not sealed and when water gets inside, it will get to the circuit.
The lack of wiping the unit down daily is the cause of the majority of ultrasonics failing. This is an ongoing problem that happens over time, not right away.
When running the cleaner be sure the liquid is at the proper level. If using a heated unit the liquid should not be less than 1" below the rim of the tank. The heating elements are placed on the side of the tanks and on smaller units (less than 1 gal.) the heating elements normally are about 1" down from the rim. The heating elements are designed to produce a significant amount of heat for their size and without the solution covering them they will burn out. If using an unheated unit the same liquid level is suggested, however it is not as critical. The level could go down an inch or so before you endanger the transducers.
The type of solution you use can cause problems for your ultrasonic. Water with a very little amount of soap is the recommended solution. Unless you have specifically purchased a unit from the manufacturer that is made for ammonia or other degreasers do not use them. The ultrasonics that are sold in the jewelry and dental industries are not made for it and when placing ammonia in one, the cleaner will change it into a mild acid.
When adding soap to the water in the tank it is better to have too little than too much. The first and most important job of the soap is to reduce surface tension so the water will degas. Remember, any trapped gas in the solution will hinder the ultrasonics ability to work at top efficiency. After degassing, the soap will have some ability to help clean, however, too much will reduce the overall effectiveness of the ultrasonic activity. The ultrasonic action uses the molecules in the solution to clean or tear the dirt off the item by stretching them and then collapsing them rapidly, so any trapped gases will act as a cushion and will not allow the ultrasonic to work as well as it should.
When running your cleaner don't let anything rest on the bottom. If metal is placed on the bottom of the tank the vibration will eventually rub a hole in the tank. The last thing you want to replace on an ultrasonic is the tank. The reason is that you can't just replace the tank. The transducers have to be replaced as well - they cannot be salvaged. In addition, baskets that sits on the bottom of the tank rather than being suspended should not be used as anything that sits on the bottom of the tank will reduce the ultrasonic activity as it dampens the ability of the transducers to move the tank bottom. This will overheat the transducers, which leads to broken transducers. The best way to clean parts is to suspend them.
Plastic will absorb the ultrasonic waves, and should not be used as a container to hold parts in the ultrasonic. The only good containers are beakers, metal baskets and metal trays. I don't recommend glass jars because they are not made to withstand the ultrasound and I wouldn't want anyone to be cut by a glass container that shattered. Beakers are okay because they are made to withstand many stresses. Any container has to be 'rigid' so that it will not absorb the waves and instead allow the waves to pass right through. This means you shouldn’t use plastic or rubber items. Another method is to suspend a piece from a wire or rack hung across the sides of the ultrasonic. Ideally, nothing should set on the bottom of the tank. The best containers are those that are suspended from the rim of the ultrasonic. Special beaker plates are made for suspending them. Trays and baskets are also made that suspend from the rim of the ultrasonic. You will always maintain the quality and efficiency of your ultrasonics cleaning when the transducers are allowed to move the tank bottom freely.
Always make sure the ground prong on the plug is in good shape. Don't remove it. It needs to be there for safety. If your outlet doesn't accept a 3 prong plug change the outlet and make sure it is grounded.
I would always suggest repairing a piece of equipment rather than buying a new unit. It will always save you money. I believe it is in your best interest to buy new equipment only when yours can't be repaired economically or when a new piece of equipment does something that your current one does not do or the new one does it better.
Ken Kotoski is owner of MPG Repair http://www.mpgrepair.com/ You can reach him at ken@mpgrepair.com or call toll free at 877-262-2185 We Repair The Tools Jewelers Use.
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<> <> <> 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. List B W Simon as your sponsor on the membership application and you will receive: ** ** 30 DAYS FREE MEMBERSHIP ** **
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For Information and rates on placing an Ad Go to: http://bwsimon.com/E-BENCH/E-BenchSponsors.htm
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