When we replaced our vacuum tubes for the buffer system I chose to run PVC again. The PVC is easy to acquire and assemble and the smooth sides promote air flow. Most fittings are cemented but a few strategic points are just tight press fits to allow…
These pliers are used to pull back bezels on channel set rings. This allows you to drop in the stones without thinning the edge to allow the stone to drop in. It works especially well with the continuous channel method that the all-set tool creates.…
Steve Satow describes the procedure on creating a 14KW Rubellite Tourmaline Pendant. Creating a 14KW Rubellite Tourmaline Pendant Beginning components are two 14kw pendants, a lobster claw, a 6mm jump ring, a 16 inch strand of 6mm pearls…
Steve Satow shares his procedure for customized 3 Jaw Chuck to mount on a Benchmate for hands free trimming & earring holder. In this view you see the chuck in its package from Harbor Freight. I like this chuck because it opens without a…
Steve Satow shares his procedure on how to customize bench tools like a beading tool retipper, small parts trays and hand held polisher, and a tip for your Solder Station. Beading Tool Retipper Refinishing beading tools is more convenient…
Steve Satow shows the procedure for a customized earring setting pliers using a normal setting pliers. Normal setting pliers can be modified to set stones in loose heads and earrings. Please wear your safety glasses. Most setting pliers have…
This article describes a step by step procedure of a pair of simple pliers to become a pair of customized head polishing pliers. These pliers are just simple by pass style but are heavy enough to hold heads for polishing. They just need to be…
Steve Satow shares his procedure for customized light box for your jewelry photography projects and customized bench shelf for more storage spaces on your bench. Customized Light Box This is a picture of the Light Box in use, using 4 of…
With these pliers you can pre polish platinum and gold peg heads of any shape. Remove any nicks one prong at a time at your bench with a pumice wheel then off to the polisher and right into the sonic, them steamed all while clamped in the same plier.…
I like to hold small pieces of metal with a clamp that allows me to file hands free. I feel it gives me better control, which means faster jobs and better fits. I took a plain mini hand vise and a 3/8 inch fine thread nut for the first part…
Steve Satow shares his procedure on customized bench tools such as 3 prong or peg head holder & wax stone holder used for stone setting and prong works. 3 Prong or Peg Head Holder Many times I have needed a way to hold a 3 prong earring…
Steve Satow shares his procedure for customized robo grip pliers to add parallel action and more leverage to standard bow bending pliers. Modified Robo Grip Plier The robo grip pliers have parallel action and more leverage than standard…
Steve Satow shares his procedure for customized solder holder and blast shield, and how to make using a Jet Sett easier with a melter and holder. Solder Holder When I was in school we used to do a lot of sterling silver soldering. I got into the habit…
The purpose of this steamer bucket enclosure is to prevent stones from being blown out by the steamer and flying across the room. To minimize the exposure to employees to a steamer accident, I mounted our steamer on wood blocks just above the…
I have found this to be a most useful tool to use when rebuilding a bezel using a Laser Welder. It is made from a watchmakers screwdriver and is used to deflect the excess energy reflected at a sensitive stone to prevent damage to the stones surface.…
Find a turntable that is size appropriate for your bench. In this case mine is 18 inches wide. If possible find one with ball bearings to make it work smoother. Buy a 1/4 sheet of sanded on one side 1/2 inch plywood …
This article by Steve Satow shares a step by step procedure on how t o make a customized ultrasonic sediment bucket. These are the parts you need for this project: A Gilmore plastic ball valve (that unlike regularball valves doesn’t choke…
I received this opal from a woman who had cut it years ago. Her customer was aware it had a small chip on the corner and she was leery of setting it. I wasn’t sure if it had been kept hydrated or if it was more brittle that usual. She…
This article “Filigree Remake” provides step by step instructions on resizing a pre-existing ring mounting to make way for a larger round diamond. This is a picture showing the top and side view of a customer’s mounting…
These tweezers are great for gripping melee when straight tips don’t give you enough clearance. They allow you to slide melee down the channel without loosing your grip.
These tweezers are great for gripping melee when you slide then into position in continuous channel setting jobs. Here you see the very fine tips on these tweezers.
Customize a standard insulated tweezers to easily hold small objects much tighter…
Stuller had the foresight to offer straight wire that we don’t have to remove the bend from before we use it for straight projects. I know we have many curved projects also but the wire is never the right curve, so we have to bend it anyway.…
Steve Satow shows how to modify Standard insulated tweezers to become effective ring separating tweezers.
The traditional Mokume process yields very beautiful results but is extremely labor intensive. Along with the high price of labor is the large amount of waste. The shape of the finished product is also limited to the limits of the ancient process,…
The traditional Mokume process yields very beautiful results but is extremely labor intensive. Along with the high prize of labor is the large amount of waste. The shape of the finished product is also restricted to the limits of the ancient…
This article provides a step by step procedure on how to do laser welding prong repairs on a ring. Laser Welding Prong Repairs Project Use a separating disk to grind the prong flat. Place a redi-prong on a metal surface and tap gently to…
This article is a step by step procedure in Laser Welding Solid Back on Opal Ring. The customer wanted a solid back on a ring in which the center stone wouldn’t take heat or where you would have to butcher the mounting to remove the stone.…
In laser welding of Sterling Silver ‘ lower silver bearing alloys (coin silver) we have about seven choices in laser wire.
This is a beautiful old 14k yellow gold pocket watch. The outside view of the hinge shows bowing at the ends and small tears. Step by Step Pocket Watch Hinge Repair This picture shows considerable discoloration from rust and a hinge that…
This article describes the different tool alterations that any bench man needs to know and learn as guidance for their work and workmanship. These are simple chain nose pliers that are trimmed like in picture then the tip bent. After the seat…