Noteworthy Jeweler’s Bench Tools
A question that comes up in every class is about what tools I use. Most jewelers are serious tool collectors and seeing someone’s bench can be both inspiring and overwhelming. I put together this list of tools I would rather not live without to help you get your workspace best outfitted for any project.
From calipers that make measuring painless to the soldering set up that will help you ditch your butane torch that doesn’t quite cut it- read on and happy shopping!
Don’t make marks that you don’t intend to keep. I prefer having 2 pairs of these non-maring pliers to help straighten wire, close jump rings, and line up the ends of a ring blank before soldering.
This jig is the key to getting a perfectly straight end on wire or sheet metal. Just close the material between the jaws, tighten, and file the end down until it meets the jig surface. Trust me you won’t know how you lived without this!
Make cutting wire and tubing an absolute breeze.
There is no better measuring tool to use at your bench. Toggle between inches and mm to measure precise lengths.
Measure and scribe precise straight lines with this affordable square.
This wheel is my go-to for deburring, firescale removal and shaping metal. It doesn’t get too hot and is a medium-fine abrasive. Make sure to buy a mandrel so you can use it with a flex shaft.
Screw Mandrel for Gray Unitized Wheel
Once you know, you know, This is a life changing workhorse for any jeweler. Drill, sand, texture, burr, and polish with this essential tool for the bench. Foredom is a high quality brand that is found in most jeweler’s workshops.
Foredom SR Flex Shaft Kit
Prodigy is a more affordable option available exclusively at Rio Grande
Get this kit along with an Acetylene B Tank you can purchase at your local welding supplier to conquer any soldering operation.
This is an upgrade on a regular jeweler saw. It is beautiful, made in the USA, has an ergonomic handle, and the screws to mount a saw blade are reversible making it a better fit for left-handed jewelers.
Green Lion Saw Frame
This is the size I always have around as it is a perfectly fit for 20-22 gauge metal.
A great pair of affordable flush cutters for precise cutting of wire.
Dedeco Silicone Polishers and Radial Discs
These kits require a rotary tool like a Dremel or Foredom and will transform your finishing game. The silicone polishers are what you need to remove excess solder or smooth out surfaces. The radial discs will conform to your part and help you sand in the smallest of spaces like the solder line around the base of a bezel.
