[Jewelry making - Article 00089] - Re: [Orchid] Best Saw Blades

[Alden & Glenda Blood]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    I have purchased saw blades from just two sources, namely Swest and
    Rio. The Rio Laser Gold blades quickly became my choice because of
    excellent performance in a project that provided a demanding test. I
    used to make 15 different salt water fish earrings.  these ranged in
    size from 1" X 1 and 5/16"  to 1 and 9/16" X 2 and 1/4". Most of the
    fish were done in sufficient detail for a person knowledgeable of
    salt water fish to be able to name specific species. For example, a
    Forceps Butterflyfish rather than simply a "Butterflyfish" or an
    Atlantic Spadefish instead of just a "Spadefish", etc. Three pairs
    were cut out at a time by stacking six pieces of 26 ga sterling using
    shellac to hold the stack together. A label was put on the top piece
    and the fish outline was drawn on the label using a very sharp
    drafting pencil and a brass silhouette. The fish were sawed out using
    an 8/0 blade usually in one sitting. Many of the fish had complex
    dorsal fins which required the execution of several successive 170 to
    nearly 180 degree turns. The dorsal fin area provided the perfect
    place to practice breaking blades!  It did not take very long until
    there were very few saw blades broken when using the Rio Laser Gold. 
    One blade was usually good for one and a half to two stacks before it
    was time to replace it. 

    Gold earrings were cut out  one pair at a time using 28 ga metal. At
    last count a total of 331 pairs of these earrings were made in
    sterling alone. I have not felt the need to investigate other saw
    blade brands or makes. Are there any out there that will do three
    stacks, or four stacks? 

    The usual disclaimer.  Just a very satisfied Rio customer since
    1986. 

Captain Blood
"Marlinespike Seamanship in Precious Metals"
mariner AT tgtel.com

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________