Hi Andrew. It's a rainy Saturday and I'm using my data to the limit watching your wonderful videos - and picking up some great tips. Now I need to spend some time putting into practice what you've demonstrated before I forget!! Thanks so much for sharing.
I try to watch a lot of videos. Read a lot. Asking a lot of questions on google. But your videos answers most of my questions. Some straight on, and others related to what i need to know! Thanks!
Bristle brush = (look up) radial polishing wheels. AWESOME ITEM! Forget just white, i use 180(red) 400(grayblue) 1000(green) 2000(gray) 5000(white). Finished with a Blitz silver polish. This will resurface to a insanely nice mirror finish you can see yourself in. A 35$ dremel and these for $1 each, is how i started out. They last a super long time used correctly, they are dry the dust flys away so use a mask, but much less clean up.
You, sir, are a gifted artisan and teacher. I am an amateur's amateur but learned an abundance of information from you. I have what I call fun making my jewelry but wish I was more accomplished so will be watching for more tutuoria;s by you. Thank you, 1926lady
Awesome! I watched this video a couple months ago. I came back today to see what number optivisor you said to get. I have it in my cart now. Thank you! 👍
I bought my saw in 1986,,,,its a unique frame,,with no screws! I bought many saws through the years,,,but I always go back to my college saw :)) THanks for the tips xx
Thank you so very much for all of your videos. I have been making artisan style jewelry for around 2 years now, and I've learned so much from you. So thank you for all you do to teach us about traditional jewelry making....
Hi Andrew! Thanks for the great videos! Could you explain how to make the felt pad? I'd love to make one but I couldn't find a how to anywhere. Thanks!
I definitely need this...I have made a lot of chain mail jewelry and yes I did not solder the silver ones I made and yes they came undone. So now I have to go back and solder the jump rings. Duh! Me! Thank u sir...now to build my solder kit.
hi andrew, i'm piero from italy, i used to be suscribed to atthebench and we even met briefly in person years ago at baselword.. very nice video you've done here, i agree 100% i have and use almost daily every single tool you showed, modified in the same way!
You way of teaching is the best I have ever seen my grandfather was a silver Smith in Cornwall 60 years ago I have just found most of is old tools I have just started making jewellery with my grand daughter if I joined at the bench is it allowed for tamszen to watch the course at her home using my account
Yes but measures are in place to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Ie sharing log in details. Contact me by opening a ticket on the website once you have joined up and I will sort it out for you
Excellent as always. One problem I have is keeping my bench in order. How and where to keep my tools sorted so I can access them without looking all over for them. One thing I use is the foam on a water wienie. I slit it down the middle so it will fit over an edge. Then I stick my die grinding tool, paint brushes what ever in the foam. My goal is to be organized. Not hardly there yet. Any suggestions?
I haven’t tried the new concepts saws but I did recently get a green lion saw and I absolutely love it!! Such an amazing saw! Not sure if you have tried these but they are lovely ❤️
Julie Peck I just bought the Knew Concepts saw and then noticed that so many people I follow on Instagram use the Green Lion. I'm getting that one ASAP! Today is my first day trying the Knew Concepts but I can't wait to try the other :)
I find 600 grit too fine for taking out scratches, especially if they are a bit deep. I use 320 grit for general finishing work and go to brass-wire brush after that, then polishing. I have used buff sticks but like using sandpaper in my hands. I fold them over a few times to get some stiffness. I can control the sandpaper better in my hands, especially around curved surfaces and when I want to soften the edges. I enjoy watching your videos.
Andrew, this is exactly what I was looking for. However, went to Amazon and says Optimizer #4 is 2x magnification. Made by Donegan. Is this the correct one, or do you recommend 4x power. Thank you for clarifying sir.
What are your favorite flux's & polishing compounds for finishing a piece ? Flux I'm having a hard time with. It either drys up in a container with a lid on and the liquid flux leaves a residue all over the container I squirt it out of which eventually clogs the needle tube on top. Thanks, Love your videos !
Excellent! I have a friend just starting out and all these tips will help her. For me? I'll be ordering numerous white bristle brushes:) Two things I find I'm always using - 3M radial brushes with my Foredom & blue painter's tape 💎
Hi...I have bought a Smith Little Torch and a reconditioned Oxycon. I have had it for months because I seem to be missing one part......do you have any experience of this Andrew. I need help please
I'm just setting up a workspace at home. Do you have any suggestions on what tools I should get first to get myself started? I do already have a bench and a few other tools. I have a small butane torch, burnisher, a ring file, needle files, the third hand, and a few other things. I'm just finding it a bit overwhelming to decide what else I need to purchase and what is most important.
Is it possible to repair a hairline crack which occured on a cuff bracelet after a second bending.? The 8 gauge rail slightly (1/2") separated from the backplate.
great videos - could you update on what the name of the polish you mention is after "tripoli". It sounds like you are saying something like "menzula" but that must not be quite right. Thanks again for your time!
As a wannabe home hobby jeweller I'm loving your videos. My question is, could we use flexshaft/rotary tool sanding disks/abrasive wheels and sanding drums instead of files and buffing sticks?
@@Atthebench What took you so long to respond? Kidding! Only kidding! Many thanks! BTW - isn't the use of oxy acetylene potentially dangerous, especially compared to butane?
hi andrew. i see that you are based in south wales, and i am wondering do you teach at all please? i'm not far away in gloucestershire, and am just begining in silversmithing/metalwork, although i have been making jewellery with various techniques for several years.
Hey Andrew, been a subscriber for a while and love the channel! I was just curious what's the black bottle on your bench? Cought my attention an curiosity 😂. I know it's not related to the video but now I have to know... Haha. Thanks in advance for sharing! ♥
I am an absolute RAW beginner in making jewellery, so I freely admit that this may well be a daft question, but I am also a firm believer in the old adage "how can you find the answer, if you don't ask the question", I would like to know the answer, so I'm asking the question. Is there a way to make a chain WITHOUT soldering the individual links ?. I heard that someone had managed to do it, but I have no idea whether they were just yanking my chain, but after several attempts I have thus far had no success in finding any mention of it. Can you please help ?.
That's not a stupid question at all, especially not to another beginner. If you are successfully soldering jump rings together then you are braver than me but on saying that I have seen chains without each link soldered but it was made with quite thick sterling silver wire and "work hardened" using a tumbler. What gauge wire are you using? I'll see if I can find anything
Hi Andrew, firstly, thanks for your videos, they are very educational :) I was wondering whether you'd know if there is a vegan product similar to the OptiVisor - it looks like the OptiVisor has a leather part (the head-band). However, I haven't managed to find anything that would seem to be a good replacement as of yet.. Thanks in advance!
Felt pad is the best advice. I use a 72 ring travel tray. Keeps all your priorities and projects laid out visually. You can dremel resurface rings each grit all at once. I also use the ring slots to hold rings for setting stones if they need glue to dry, and it holds them upright when you apply the glue. It seems like a useless tool, but it's about production, you'll get sick of seeing the same items on your pad and be motivated to complete them. You forgot one of the most important overlooked tools, the chair. If it's uncomfortable you will be less likely to make jewelry. The safety needle file would be helpful cleaning up sharp edges where a split shank band attaches to the back of the bezel. I had a whole batch of rings like that, and the dremel scratched up the backs good lol.
I just bought a 6" size 2 for 'coarse' work. The teeth are microscopic (but then again, I'm half blind so,..... your mileage may vary), but the clean up solder and metal like mad. A little work with a 600 grit buff stick afterwards and I'm ready for polishing. As the number gets higher, the teeth get finer so a #2 for coarse and a #4 for fine. If you just want to buy 1 file, you couldn't go wrong with a #2.
I’ve been making jewelry for 50 years! I find your videos inspiring and spot-on! I’ve gotten many good tips from you!
Thank you!!
Thank you for the top tool needs for the bench far shorter list then I thought. Now I have a list thanks again.
Awesome
Great starter kit list. Don't need tons of tools. Although rolling mills are very handy a bit later.
Thank you so much you make things are easyer for me to begin set up my bench.
One of the best instruction channals for jewelry making period !!!
Stay healthy. Don't die yet.
U are too generous with your experience n knowledge. Thank you so much.
Hi Andrew. It's a rainy Saturday and I'm using my data to the limit watching your wonderful videos - and picking up some great tips. Now I need to spend some time putting into practice what you've demonstrated before I forget!! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you for showing all of tutorials，really clearly and helpfully for us！
Great tips. I never thought of removing the tips of the pyramid file.
Glad it was helpful!
I try to watch a lot of videos. Read a lot. Asking a lot of questions on google. But your videos answers most of my questions. Some straight on, and others related to what i need to know! Thanks!
Thank you Andrew
Bristle brush = (look up) radial polishing wheels. AWESOME ITEM!
Forget just white, i use 180(red) 400(grayblue) 1000(green) 2000(gray) 5000(white). Finished with a Blitz silver polish. This will resurface to a insanely nice mirror finish you can see yourself in. A 35$ dremel and these for $1 each, is how i started out. They last a super long time used correctly, they are dry the dust flys away so use a mask, but much less clean up.
Thank you!!! Your videos are very helpful!!
You are an amazing professional person. Very easy to watch thanks
You, sir, are a gifted artisan and teacher. I am an amateur's amateur but learned an abundance of information from you. I have what I call fun making my jewelry but wish I was more accomplished so will be watching for more tutuoria;s by you. Thank you, 1926lady
Thanks! New at the jewelry repair business and you are very informative and these tutorials are excellent!
Awesome! I watched this video a couple months ago. I came back today to see what number optivisor you said to get. I have it in my cart now. Thank you! 👍
I bought my saw in 1986,,,,its a unique frame,,with no screws! I bought many saws through the years,,,but I always go back to my college saw :)) THanks for the tips xx
I am starting out and this has been one of the most useful videos I have found. Thank you!
wow nice jobb
Thanks for this, Andrew. The information about the Optivisor is exactly what I was looking for. :-)
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you verry much.
Thank for another great video 😊
Very useful advice. Very well explained.
I am starting, I enjoy your tips and style of teaching, thanks
Thank you so very much for all of your videos. I have been making artisan style jewelry for around 2 years now, and I've learned so much from you. So thank you for all you do to teach us about traditional jewelry making....
I'm a beginner and enjoying your videos, information & style, thank you
Thank you for shering.
Hello Sir, thank you for this wonderful videos. Do you have one on how to select the right Jeweler's Bench for a beginner??
Thank you for sharing your expertise! Keeps me going
Do you know where I can find the white nylon brushes in the USA? I buy most of my tools at Rio and the only ones they have are the 2"
Hi Andrew! Thanks for the great videos! Could you explain how to make the felt pad? I'd love to make one but I couldn't find a how to anywhere. Thanks!
I am a huge fan. Respect
Thank you so much! I needed to understand magnifying lens and you answered a question!
thx - good info
I definitely need this...I have made a lot of chain mail jewelry and yes I did not solder the silver ones I made and yes they came undone. So now I have to go back and solder the jump rings. Duh! Me! Thank u sir...now to build my solder kit.
Love the videos. Was wondering where the best place to get silver is in the US.
hi andrew, i'm piero from italy, i used to be suscribed to atthebench and we even met briefly in person years ago at baselword..
very nice video you've done here, i agree 100%
i have and use almost daily every single tool you showed, modified in the same way!
You way of teaching is the best I have ever seen my grandfather was a silver Smith in Cornwall 60 years ago I have just found most of is old tools I have just started making jewellery with my grand daughter if I joined at the bench is it allowed for tamszen to watch the course at her home using my account
Yes but measures are in place to ensure that this doesn’t happen. Ie sharing log in details. Contact me by opening a ticket on the website once you have joined up and I will sort it out for you
Great advice for me as a beginner! Thanks
Awesome tips. I was counting down to #1 and thought you would say your torch. Surprise end.
Ty
such a great teacher... (y)
absolutely love your videos, very informative.
Very very very practical session. Thank you so much
Highly impressive and extremely informative. I feel as if I should have paid for this lesson. 😁Thank You!
any idea where i can purchase the white bristle brushes in America ?
lovely content Andrew! Super helpful and informative
Andrew, regarding ring files, which coarseness number do you use most often, or do you keep more than one around? Do you ever use needle files?
Great yes i got some tools already cool thank u
Is a warding file similar to your “doctored” triangular file?
Thanks Andrew for your wonderful information. Your newest American fan, Gary K.
as always brilliant,
Excellent as always. One problem I have is keeping my bench in order. How and where to keep my tools sorted so I can access them without looking all over for them. One thing I use is the foam on a water wienie. I slit it down the middle so it will fit over an edge. Then I stick my die grinding tool, paint brushes what ever in the foam. My goal is to be organized. Not hardly there yet. Any suggestions?
They also have a dapping block and multiple stakes.
thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge!
I haven’t tried the new concepts saws but I did recently get a green lion saw and I absolutely love it!! Such an amazing saw! Not sure if you have tried these but they are lovely ❤️
Julie Peck I just bought the Knew Concepts saw and then noticed that so many people I follow on Instagram use the Green Lion. I'm getting that one ASAP! Today is my first day trying the Knew Concepts but I can't wait to try the other :)
10. 600 grit wet/dry Emory paper
9. RING FILE -flat and curved combo
8. RING CLAMP
7. Parallel pliers (Box Joint not overlap)
6. Eye piece magnifier (6 power)
5. 8” X 12” felt covered “Layout” work pad
4. Piercing saw (British)... aka Scroll saw
3. Tweez -multiple types
2. Triangular Needle File - “safety Edged” ...”Safety File”
1. White Nylon Bristle Brush -thin bristle brush splays well and won’t shed
What brand are the two torches you have on your bench. Also what models please ?
Hi. If you go to our tool store www.atthebench.store and search for Durston torch they appear in the search results
Which coarseness would you recommend for a general use ring file as demonstrated in the video? (number 9)
Thank you
I find 600 grit too fine for taking out scratches, especially if they are a bit deep. I use 320 grit for general finishing work and go to brass-wire brush after that, then polishing. I have used buff sticks but like using sandpaper in my hands. I fold them over a few times to get some stiffness. I can control the sandpaper better in my hands, especially around curved surfaces and when I want to soften the edges. I enjoy watching your videos.
Andrew, this is exactly what I was looking for. However, went to Amazon and says Optimizer #4 is 2x magnification. Made by Donegan. Is this the correct one, or do you recommend 4x power. Thank you for clarifying sir.
What are your favorite flux's & polishing compounds for finishing a piece ? Flux I'm having a hard time with. It either drys up in a container with a lid on and the liquid flux leaves a residue all over the container I squirt it out of which eventually clogs the needle tube on top. Thanks, Love your videos !
I use handyflux and you can just add distilled water to it to bring it back to the right consistency
I love this video! Just what I needed to see! And books or educational resources you can recommend for the beginner bench jeweler?
How does the emery paper stick to the buff sticks?
It is wrapped around the stick and then the ends wrapped with tape
@@Atthebench Than you!
Excellent! I have a friend just starting out and all these tips will help her. For me? I'll be ordering numerous white bristle brushes:)
Two things I find I'm always using - 3M radial brushes with my Foredom & blue painter's tape 💎
What filers would you use to file ring prongs? And what tool is used to push the prongs in?
Hi...I have bought a Smith Little Torch and a reconditioned Oxycon. I have had it for months because I seem to be missing one part......do you have any experience of this Andrew. I need help please
I'm just setting up a workspace at home. Do you have any suggestions on what tools I should get first to get myself started? I do already have a bench and a few other tools. I have a small butane torch, burnisher, a ring file, needle files, the third hand, and a few other things. I'm just finding it a bit overwhelming to decide what else I need to purchase and what is most important.
Desert Island...with electricity. LOL! Thanks Andrew!
HI, I live in Europe and my question is: What is the acid name that i need to use and dosent it damage the ring gems?
Hi what would be the best place to start for someone who a beginner
I would love it to be a third of length =) Thanks for the info!
Would you know what the nylon bristle brush is called when ordering from Rio Grande? Thanks.
Is it possible to repair a hairline crack which occured on a cuff bracelet after a second bending.? The 8 gauge rail slightly (1/2") separated from the backplate.
wondering what cad software to buy and pricing
Do you have any suggestions on where to purchase these items?
We sell most of them. Www.atthebench.store
very enlightening, most tell you that you need five different versions of everything or you can't work this proves that is not so
great videos - could you update on what the name of the polish you mention is after "tripoli". It sounds like you are saying something like "menzula" but that must not be quite right. Thanks again for your time!
rouge, or jeweller's rouge. Dialux makes a nice small bar
As a wannabe home hobby jeweller I'm loving your videos. My question is, could we use flexshaft/rotary tool sanding disks/abrasive wheels and sanding drums instead of files and buffing sticks?
Stephen Fuller yes and no, I like having both.
Loved this video. Can I ask what you think of adjustable piercing saws?
William Baker Personally I don’t like them as they are heavier and cumbersome for a beginner
Thank you!
What strength Optivisor lens magnification do you recommend, please?
I use a 3 diopter and it is on all day
@@Atthebench What took you so long to respond?
Kidding! Only kidding!
Many thanks!
BTW - isn't the use of oxy acetylene potentially dangerous, especially compared to butane?
Cheap as Chips! Love it, so English
How do you “fix” your tweezers?
May I ask if your Optivisor is a Donegal? I’m trying to decide which Optivisor is best. Thanks, Andrew!
Yes they are Donegan optivisor
Andrew Berry Thank you!
Andrew Berry Haha! I meant Donegan, not Donegal. 😊
hi andrew. i see that you are based in south wales, and i am wondering do you teach at all please? i'm not far away in gloucestershire, and am just begining in silversmithing/metalwork, although i have been making jewellery with various techniques for several years.
Hey Andrew, been a subscriber for a while and love the channel! I was just curious what's the black bottle on your bench? Cought my attention an curiosity 😂. I know it's not related to the video but now I have to know... Haha. Thanks in advance for sharing! ♥
If youre talking about the brown bottle between the torches, its filled with water. For the borax cone he uses for flux. Kinda anticlimactic.
Spot on. You are absolutely right 👍🏼
I am an absolute RAW beginner in making jewellery, so I freely admit that this may well be a daft question, but I am also a firm believer in the old adage "how can you find the answer, if you don't ask the question", I would like to know the answer, so I'm asking the question.
Is there a way to make a chain WITHOUT soldering the individual links ?.
I heard that someone had managed to do it, but I have no idea whether they were just yanking my chain, but after several attempts I have thus far had no success in finding any mention of it. Can you please help ?.
That's not a stupid question at all, especially not to another beginner.
If you are successfully soldering jump rings together then you are braver than me but on saying that I have seen chains without each link soldered but it was made with quite thick sterling silver wire and "work hardened" using a tumbler. What gauge wire are you using?
I'll see if I can find anything
Andrew what are the essential jewellers tools I need in my tool box to take with me to my club?
What’s the most affordable Dremel type machine I need? The one that holds the “white Bristle Brush”...
Hi Andrew, firstly, thanks for your videos, they are very educational :) I was wondering whether you'd know if there is a vegan product similar to the OptiVisor - it looks like the OptiVisor has a leather part (the head-band). However, I haven't managed to find anything that would seem to be a good replacement as of yet.. Thanks in advance!
Tereza Soralova the headband is still plastic Tereza so you should be fine with it.
Thanks a million for your reply, Andrew :)
Andrew Berry I'm trying to find. supplier for sizing stock and stuff to practice any idea for the best place ?
Felt pad is the best advice. I use a 72 ring travel tray. Keeps all your priorities and projects laid out visually. You can dremel resurface rings each grit all at once. I also use the ring slots to hold rings for setting stones if they need glue to dry, and it holds them upright when you apply the glue. It seems like a useless tool, but it's about production, you'll get sick of seeing the same items on your pad and be motivated to complete them.
You forgot one of the most important overlooked tools, the chair. If it's uncomfortable you will be less likely to make jewelry.
The safety needle file would be helpful cleaning up sharp edges where a split shank band attaches to the back of the bezel. I had a whole batch of rings like that, and the dremel scratched up the backs good lol.
Whats the best way to make a cat pours on a ring
Hi Andrew. What Number is that Ring File's Teeth? I am looking into buying one and wondered what you thought the best tooth size was. Thanks.
I just bought a 6" size 2 for 'coarse' work. The teeth are microscopic (but then again, I'm half blind so,..... your mileage may vary), but the clean up solder and metal like mad. A little work with a 600 grit buff stick afterwards and I'm ready for polishing. As the number gets higher, the teeth get finer so a #2 for coarse and a #4 for fine. If you just want to buy 1 file, you couldn't go wrong with a #2.
@@ffaubert1 You beaut!
Thanks.
I'm racking my brains out trying to find what uk site you buy from
+Travis Beard I use Betts Metal Sale, H S Walsh and Cooksons
@Marco Polo - Diamonds may be hard, but they are brittle and chip easily. Hardness doesn't equal toughness.
Hi Andrew, what's the throat depth of the knew concepts saw frame 3" or 5"
Thanks!
I would like to know as well !!!
I have the 3 inch