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The Essential Jewellery Bench Setup: A Guide for Artisans and Beginners Alike

Date: 21-02-2025
Tool Tip

 

For any jeweller, whether a seasoned artisan or an aspiring craftsperson, setting up a well-equipped bench is the foundation of their work. Bill the qualified jeweller takes us through the fundamental tools required for a jewellery-making setup, offering technical insights and expert tips to ensure efficiency and precision. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements featured in the video.

Bench Layout and Organisation

A well-organised bench ensures that tools are within easy reach, particularly for your dominant hand. Bill arranges frequently used tools on his right-hand side, with forming tools positioned to the left for accessibility. This setup minimises strain and maximises efficiency.

Forming and Hardening Tools

A steel block is a staple for any jeweller, essential for tasks such as forming, chasing, and hardening wire. To maintain its condition, Bill recommends using a synthetic machine oil to prevent rust. Complementing the steel block is a mini anvil, which provides additional shaping capabilities, including a swaging section for gentle curves and three-dimensional shaping.

Precision Marking and Measuring Tools

Jewellery-making demands precision, and Bill highlights several indispensable tools. The parallel pliers apply even pressure without leaving pinch marks, making them ideal for forming ring shanks. The double-ended scribe ensures crisp, clean lines, while an automatic centre punch eliminates the need for a hammer when marking drill points. Dividers allow for accurate measurements and arc markings, while an engineer’s square guarantees perfect 90-degree angles, particularly useful when preparing ring shanks for soldering. A reliable steel ruler rounds out the set, providing a straightforward means of measurement.

Essential Hammers

A jeweller’s toolkit isn’t complete without a selection of hammers. The rawhide mallet moves metal without stretching it—ideal for shaping rings without damaging the surface. The chasing hammer features a broad head for texturing and stippling work, while its ball-peen end is excellent for riveting. Lastly, the goldsmith hammer is a versatile option, with a tapered end for forming and texturing delicate metal pieces such as copper leaves.

Sawing and Cutting Tools

A quality saw frame with an adjustable tensioner provides the jeweller with precision cutting. Bill recommends a variety of saw blades, from coarse to fine, depending on the thickness of the material being worked. The addition of Pro-Cut Lubricant reduces friction and extends the lifespan of blades and burs, making sawing smoother, particularly when working with tougher metals like brass.

Filing and Finishing

A solid selection of needle files (cut 2) offers a range of profiles for refining jewellery pieces. A half-round file is especially useful for cleaning up inside ring shanks, while a pillar file provides crisp, squared edges. For a secure grip, a screw-on handle makes file swapping effortless. To remove file marks and refine surfaces, emery sticks and abrasive buff sticks in various grits help achieve a polished finish.

Forming and Dapping Tools

For those looking to add curves and domes to their work, a dapping block and punch set provides a range of sizes to create consistent, smooth domes. Bill also highlights the importance of a ring clamp, essential for securely holding small components while filing or setting stones. A steel ring mandrel is another must-have, providing a reliable taper for shaping rings.

Magnification and Visibility

As fine detail work can strain the eyes, head loupes with a 1.75x magnification allow for comfortable, precise craftsmanship. Bill notes that higher magnification results in a shorter focal distance, so jewellers should choose a lens that suits their working style.

Pliers and Hand Tool

A five-piece plier set provides a jeweller with a comprehensive selection, including half-round, flat, round-nose, chain-nose, and cutters. This set is perfect for shaping, bending, and assembling jewellery components with ease. 

Bench Pegs and Work Surface

The bench peg is the heart of a jeweller’s workspace. Bill suggests customising the peg by adding a v-cut for enhanced control when piercing. Options range from a basic peg to a combination peg, featuring pre-cut slots and guides for jump rings and piercing work. Ensuring the bench itself is made from solid hardwood (but not overly expensive material like mahogany) guarantees durability while accommodating inevitable wear and tear.

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive setup provides jewellers with a strong foundation for their craft. Whether you're just starting or refining your workspace, these essential tools will enhance your precision, efficiency, and overall craftsmanship. For more details and to purchase these tools, visit AJS online or speak to an expert at your nearest showroom.

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