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<=> <=> <=> <=> E-BENCH <=> <=> <=> <=>
The E-Mail Newsletter
for Bench Jewelers
November 2004
Volume 5 Issue 11 circulation over 3,300
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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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<=> <=> <=> 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.
STEWART'S BENCH TIPS
Bench Tips from
Stewart’s
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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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
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Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More.
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<=> <=>
Tips for Jewelers Who Do Repairs
from Alan Revere
MAKING A FILE-GRAVER
A great tool adaptation is to turn the tip of a
needle file into a graver, so that it
can both
gouge and abrade. This can be done with any
shape needle file (round, square,
flat, etc.)
Take a sharp, fine-cut needle file and, with a
sharpening stone grind a facet at the
end as
you would on a graver. (I prefer to use a
middle-grit
Once you have a flat face, sharpen it just as
you would a graver, at an angle of
about 55°.
You now have a file that cuts like a graver—or
a graver with file cuts on the
belly. Either
way, this cool hybrid tool removes
more metal
faster and with greater control than
either a
file or a graver alone. By holding the file-
graver at a low angle against the
metal and
pressing downward on the forward
stroke, it
cuts like a graver. Then, by decreasing the
pressure and lowering the handle, you
can file
with control and precision—and have
the
benefits of two tools in one.
This Tip is from the forthcoming book
"101 Bench Tips for Jewelers"
written by Alan Revere and published
by
MJSA/AJM Press.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening
the axe.
Abraham Lincoln
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
New from
MJSA/AJM Press
The AJM Guide to
Lost-Wax Casting
Learn from the masters how to achieve smooth,
porosity-free castings! The AJM Guide to Lost-
Wax Casting offers an abundance of best
practices, handy tips, and
troubleshooting
techniques. How to create trouble-free master
models to proper breakout
procedures.
Contributing experts include:
Charles Lewton-Brain, Jurgen J. Maerz,
Gregg Todd, Michael Bondanza,
and many more.
For sample chapters and more information, go to
http://www.ajm-magazine.com/pub_press.php
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<=> <=> <=> FEATURE ARTICLE <=> <=> <=>
CREATIVITY Part 2
Brad Simon
This article continues our look at some of the deterrents to creative problem solving and some solutions to increasing our creativity. Part 1 of this article was in October 2004 issue and can be found in the E-Bench archive at: www.BWSimon.com/E-Bench
Tunnel Vision Thinking
Once we begin thinking of different solutions we often fall into the second problem which I call Tunnel Vision. Here we do think of different solutions; however our thoughts are narrowly focused around one solution and offer us little help in finding the best
solution.
Recently I was installing a ceiling fan at my mother-in-law’s house. I’ve installed many ceiling fans in the past and consider it a relatively simple task. The house is an older one and the electrical box in the ceiling from the existing light was not sturdy enough to handle the torque of the fan. The kit I purchased to install the ceiling fan came with two lag screws to fasten the new electrical box in the ceiling.
The problem I faced was that the wood in the ceiling joist was old and very hard, plus the 4 inch hole in the ceiling that I had to work through created a steep angle to the screws. Lag screws are heavy, thick screws. Under normal circumstances it would be difficult to screw them into the hard wood, and the steep angle made this nearly impossible. The first power driver I tried to use would not fit through the 4 inch opening. A short flexible shaft on the driver allowed me to get through the hole but the angle on the screws kept them from screwing into the wood. I tried using a socket wrench, and was able to hold the screws straight, but the 4 inch opening did not allow me to swing the handle far enough to screw the screws in. I tried drilling pilot holes so that it would be easier to screw the lag screws into the hard wood on an angle, but the drill would not fit through the opening. After using an extension on the drill bit I finally got the pilot holes drilled, but still could not screw the lag screws in. On and on the work went with numerous new solutions to my problem. However, each one ended with the same results.
After an hour of work my brother-in-law came in from a back yard project he was working on and asked how it was going. I left out no details as I told him of all the problems I was having, to which he replied, “Why don’t you just use wood screws instead of the lag screws?” Wood screws are thinner and sharper and had no trouble screwing into the hard wood on an angle. The electrical box was securely screwed to the ceiling joist and the ceiling fan was installed with no further trouble.
In attempting to install this ceiling fan I suffered from what I call Tunnel Vision Thinking. I had come up with numerous ideas to solve my problem, but my solutions were so narrowly focused I missed solving my real problem. My focus was on the lag screws and I saw my problem as getting them screwed in. My brother-in-law saw the real problem of securely fastening the electrical box in the ceiling. By not having the narrow focus on the lag screws he easily found a better
solution.
Thinking outside the box is a phrase we are all tired of hearing, but is the solution to Tunnel Vision Thinking. When thinking of different solutions to the problems we face, look to see if all the solutions have something in common. Do the ideas all fit neatly into a ‘box’ or ‘tunnel’? If they do, think outside that box, get out of the tunnel; force yourself to come up with solutions that are completely different in your approach, and tools & materials used. Try to think of ideas that may seem ridiculous. Often it is after we think of ideas that are totally absurd and have no chance of solving our problems that we then think of the best solutions. It’s not because the absurd ideas have any chance of working, rather it’s because those ridiculous ideas gets us thinking in different directions. It gets us out of our box or tunnel and allows us to find the solution that will best fix our problems. And then again, sometimes those ideas that at first seemed so absurd, after giving more thought to them, end up being the best solution.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
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BENCH
ROM
The Multi-Media
Magazine for Bench Jewelers
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Discover New
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Learn New Tips to
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See New Products and Technologies Demonstrated
All right from your home or shop without having
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<=> <=> STEWART'S BENCH TIPS <=> <=>
Bench Tips from Stewart’s
for Jewelers
http://www.stewartsintlschool.com/
CHAIN REPAIR
by Jim Stewart
Take time to clean the chain because the oils
and hairspray that get inside the
hollow links
can affect the ability of solder to
flow. You
may have to clean the chain using a
tablespoon
of Red Devil Lye to a few cups of
water at
180F. You will need ventilation while
doing
this. You can cut through one link on both
sides using an ultra thin cutoff disc
or you
can lay the gold chain down on a flat
piece of
copper and cut the links with an
X-ACTO knife.
It is less costly to replace an X-ACTO blade
than a flush side cutting
pliers. Now weave
links together and solder using paste
solder.
Paste solder is not necessary but it is a
little faster.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.
Woodrow Wilson
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
CALL FOR ENTRIES
The first Bench Jewelers Passion Award Design Competition will be held in conjunction with the Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo April 22 – 24 in
per category in up to three categories in both the Finished Jewelry and CAD Rendering Divisions. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2005.
For details Contest Rules and to enter log onto: www.BWSimon.com/DesignContest
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<=> <=> AT THE PLATINUM BENCH <=> <=>
Tips that 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
Selecting the proper fuel to cast platinum is of utmost importance. Do not use acetylene, since it has a high carbon content and expels carbon in the flame. The platinum will absorb the carbon, leading to contamination and brittle castings.
Although propane, or LPG, is also a carbon- based fuel, it does not have the high carbon content that acetylene does, and therefore can be used for platinum casting. Be aware, though, that even when mixed with oxygen, propane does not burn as hot as hydrogen and thus requires more time to melt the platinum. This longer melting time can lead to porosity caused by gas absorption or debris - a direct result of keeping the metal in the melting crucible too long. If you do use propane, pay particular attention to the flame: It should be no larger than 6 inches with a high oxygen setting. A sample regulator setting would be 5 lbs. of propane with 40 lbs. of oxygen.
The most efficient way to melt platinum is with hydrogen combined with oxygen. This fuel is carbon-free, and the high heat created by a proper hydrogen/oxygen mix melts platinum in seconds. But even with hydrogen, a proper flame is crucial: If it’s too big, the flame will heat the surrounding crucible, adding to the melt time-and creating the same problems as those with propane. Use as much oxygen as necessary to make a relatively small but oxidizing flame. A sample regulator setting here would be 50 lbs. of hydrogen and 50 lbs. of oxygen.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Success is never permanent, and failure is never final.
Mike Ditka
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SIMON SEZ
SEMINARS
Bradney W. Simon is a JA Certified Master Bench
Jeweler with over 26 years experience on the
bench. He is the Editor and Publisher of
E-BENCH, BENCH Magazine, and BENCH ROM, and 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 <=> <=> <=>
A great tip for untangling fine chains. The "U" pin that I use to hold a pendant or charm in a jewel box is the best tool to untangle a fine chain. Use the point of one side of the "U" pin to gently wiggle into the knot. When you can see a slight hole in the knot, squeeze the "U" pin so that both needle points are now in the center of the knot. The tension of the "U" pin will pull the knot apart. NOTE: Control the pressure of the "U" pin to ensure you do not stretch the chain.
Steve Beach
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Use silicone to mount a rheostat to the floor or a piece of wood. This makes it removable, but still holds extremely well. Apply the silicone before you go home at night, and when you return in the morning it will have cured and be ready to go.
Steve Black
Goldsmith Jewelers,
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I had always been at a loss as to what to do when it came to securely holding things (small pieces of gold or Platinum stock) while I worked on them with my files or sanding disks etc. I took a pair of vise grip pliers and started using them, but they had serrated teeth that when clamped down on these pieces, could really do damage to the pieces. Not wanting to give up too easily on my newly found cool tool, I ground down the teeth with a separating disk. Then further at the back of the jaws I ground down the wire cutters that are there. Granted I did not need to completely grind down the front jaws because I found out that just coming close made it so it no longer marred my metals. This is the best clamp I've ever come across and is worth its weight in gold to me. It's a very speedy tool indeed! It adjusts quickly, the hold is very adjustable, and vise grips come in a number of sizes.
Paul Rex
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< < < <> > > > > >
Before gluing large pearls onto a post
cut
grooves into the inside of the hole in the
pearl for the glue to grip into. The grooves
can be cut with a small hart bur.
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> > >
Keep two saw frames at your
bench for two
different size saw blades. Both are always
ready for use, and you will not have to change
saw blades just because the wrong size blade is
in the frame.
< <
< < < <> > > > > >
If you have a tip you would like to share with
our readers send it in an e-mail to
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
Mark Twain
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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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<=> <=> <=> GERRY’S GEMZ <=> <=> <=>
Stone setting tips from Gemz Diamond Setting
http://www.gemzdiamondsetting.com/index.html
by Gerald N. Lewy
To remove burs of gold off of a claw after the bearing-cut is made don’t use a needle file, not even a #4 cut. You will be leaving a roughened surface and you just might have to polish the claws again. Have you ever thought of using a Flat graver #40 just for this operation? What you do is sharpen the graver’s cutting edge and place that edge just a little above the bearing cut. Then with a slow and deliberate manner in a careful downward motion, cut right to the base of claw itself. You will now observe two things. First no filing has taken place and there is little need for polishing, and second there is a very bright angled edge on the inside of the claw. This will make a definite finish for the light to bounce off from the pavilion of the
diamond.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Don't spend your precious time asking 'Why isn't the world a better place?' It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?' To that there is an answer.
Leo F. Buscaglia
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YOU CAN!
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Jewelry, PLUS numerous tips to make your work
at the bench easier, and more
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Simon. Each Bench View
CD Rom contains
approximately 50 minutes of video you
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Only $24.95 each or All 5 for $100
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<=> <=> WORKSHOP SAFETY
FOR JEWELERS <=> <=>
Workshop Safety Tips From Charles Lewton-Brian
YOU ARE YOUR OWN CANARY
In coal mines there used to be caged canaries. If the coal gas built up the canary, being more sensitive to the gas, would keel over thus warning the miners that they should escape before they too succumbed. It is your job to be aware of your own body and mind; you have to be the canary in your shop. If you feel a headache or feel ill or dizzy or have skin rashes, a sore wrist or any symptom that something may be wrong it is your own responsibility to listen to yourself and stop what you are doing to see what is the matter. Your body and mind usually hints that something is the matter before there is permanent damage. Listen to yourself.
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
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Copyrighted, 2004, BENCH MEDIA.
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