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THE BEST Jewelry and Metalsmithing Tools, Supplies, and Books
27
items These are my tried-and-true bench favorites that make work a pleasure and get things done right the first time. From tools to books and everything in between…
Sections
5
Bench Tools
Power Tools, ETC.
Studio Necessities
Studio Bookshelf Must-Reads
Enameling
Bench Tools
Solder cutting pliers cut perfect, consistent solder chips from wire or sheet. The little chips are stored in the base of the plier head until you dump them out!
Solder Pliers
This Forca miter jig is a tool I can’t be without. Watch out for cheap versions, this is the one you want! Cut tubing, bezel strips, and wire accurately and precisely at various angles while this jig holds your metal securely. File edges perfectly sq...
Forca RTGS-405 Jewelry Joint Miter Tubing Jig
This is an inexpensive, but good quality bench block. The rubber base helps absorb shock and keeps the block from skidding around while you work. It also protects your bench top!
Steel Bench Block with Rubber Base 2-1/2 x 2-1/2” (AN520)
A good rawhide mallet will be your best friend for shaping metal without marring its surface. These are made in USA and very good quality.
Rawhide Mallets by Garland (USA Made) (37.70X) **Choose Size**
This is my go-to saw frame for almost all the sawing and piercing I do. It’s so well balanced, holds my blades tight, and makes sawing feel natural.
GreenLion Saw Frame (SW4500)
These are my favorite needle files for metal. There are cheaper sets out there, but save those for filing wax and plastic things. Grobet files are the ones you want for metal.
Grobet Swiss Pattern 6pc Needle File Set (FI390X) **Choose Cut**
These sprue cutters make light work of cutting sprues out of castings. They’re easy on your hands, and the blades cut through thick sprues with ease.
Keiba Sprue Cutter (PL7911)
Designed by my classmate, Michael Nashef, this Kerf sawblade organizer will keep your blades organized and tidy on your bench. The top rotates an open hole to access the precise blade you’re looking for. There are slots for each size blade, along wit...
KERF Jeweler’s Saw Blade Organizer and Dispenser (HO5100)
A 6”, #2 Half-round ring file is a staple in everyone’s bench. This is a nice one.
Half Round Ring File 2 Cut 6" Swiss Pattern (31.130)
THIS Brass Brush is queen in my studio. I use it to prep the metal surface between dips in liver of sulphur patina. The bristles are dense and not too hard. Hardware store brass brushes are too stiff.
Brass Hand Brush with 4 Row - Made in Germany (BU968)
This torch lighter is so handy and quick! Light your torch single-handedly, without fumbling with a flint lighter.
Automatic Torch Lighter (14.204)
This is a great pair of dividers. Don’t skimp on this tool if you want your future self to be happy😊
A good sharp pair that holds a precise dimension is key to a great tool.
277-6 Toolmakers' Spring-Type Caliper and Divider, 6
NC Black Hammers are my favorite for shellforming, making spiculums, and tiny sculpture. Made in North Carolina, USA
NC Black Macro Spiculum Hammer #1032 (HA7602)
Power Tools, ETC.
This Foredom Flexshaft is an absolute necessity in my studio. Useful for sanding, drilling, cutting, stone setting, polishing, grinding… You name it! A quick change handpiece can make your life much easier too.
Foredom Flexshaft - SR Motor with FCT Foot Pedal & #20 Handpiece (MO2512)
Studio Necessities
Drop a few of these into your findings storage box, your wire and solder storage bags, or in jewelry boxes with finished work to protect them from tarnish. Great time-saver!
Anti Tarnish Squares 1"x1" (Pkg of 100) (CL1384)
These are the BEST polishing solution for getting tarnish off your metals without leaving tarnish-attracting residue. They last forever, and both sides work. Fold one in half and pull chain or wire through for a polished, clean piece.
Ultra Polish Pads (PS6950)
Your eyes will thank you for this. Optivisor is the brand you want, and you can order different lens strengths. Optivisor is the sturdiest and most comfortable wearing magnifier I’ve used.
Optivisor LX Headband Magnifier (Choose Your Magnification) (EL50X)
Designed by my classmate, MIchael Nashef, The BORE Drill bit organizer is a game changer for anyone who hates mixed up bits. The top rotates to dispense the bit you need, and the numerical size and measurements are printed into each storage section f...
BORE Jeweler's Drill Bit Organizer and Dispenser (HO5102)
This pocket gram scale is handy for weighing your casting grain, scrap metal, and other small things that need precise measurement.
Pocket Scale 500gram x 0.1g with Lid (SC9715)
This is my favorite liver of sulfur for patina on copper, bronze, and silver. It lasts longer than LOS chunks, and it’s easy to dilute.
Liver of Sulphur XL Gel in 2oz Squeeze Bottle (45.695)
These sanding sticks are so handy and efficient for getting nice sharp, clean edges without a lot of physical effort. I have them in several grits, and occasionally make my own.
Emery Sanding Sticks (11.34X) **Choose Grit**
Studio Bookshelf Must-Reads
This book will inspire you to make metal move. Learn which hammers and techniques you need to form synclastic and anti-clastic forms in jewelry and small sculpture. One of the best books on my shelf!
Creative Metal Forming
This E-book is a gold mine of information, and a bargain at less than $10!Written by Tim McCreight, a master metalsmith, it has everything you need to know about casting models in metal.
Practical Casting|eBook
Make your future self happy and GO BUY THIS E-book, it may be the best $10 you ever spent!
Beautifully illustrated, and expertly explained, this E-book will teach you how to connect things- From cold connections like rivets, to making hot connection...
Practical Joining|eBook
This reference is for all levels of jewelry makers, with expert advice on creative design, problem-solving, tips to create a more efficient workflow, and tricks of the trade taught by the masters.
Bench Magazine's Guide to Jewelry Making|Paperback
This is the most comprehensive guide to chain making I’ve ever read, and is an often-referenced book on my shelf. It will teach you how to plan and fabricate your own chains with step-by-step instructions, measurements, and illustrations, along with ...
Classical Loop-in-Loop Chains: And Their Derivatives|Paperback
Enameling
Thompson enamels for silver, copper and steel and lead-free and consistent. This color chart is helpful to note variations in color when firing on different substrates. It’s a great studio resource!
Color Chart