Bench Jeweler: Library: Articles: Bench Practices: Basic Essential Bench Tools

Best Practices: Basic Bench Tools

As all bench jewelers will attest, the set-up, maintenance, and equipping of their bench is key to their craft. Though many master jewelers continually add to their tool and equipment stock throughout their careers, most would agree on certain essentials that ensure both everyday and long-term success in their work.

Bench jewelers acquire many things as their career grows. A jeweler of 20+ years may have a wealth of tools, but for a new bench jeweler, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Below are some essentials.

(Note: Depending on your type of work, you may not need everything below. However, this is a good starting point.)

1

The Setup Itself: Bench, Chair, & Work Light

Your workstation is your most important tool and directly affects your health, so invest in something ergonomic. The bench should have enough drawers and space to store your tools and handle your workload.

Premier Workbench

Well-crafted, all-wood bench that is built to last. Has a solid hardwood work surface with reinforced side railings and full skirted sides and rear. Seven side drawers, two top drawers with security locks, one formica-lined, "catch" drawers right and left arm rests, slot for bench pin and layout shelf.

2

Safety Gear

Safety goggles, aprons, gloves, full-face shields, and more are necessary to ensure you have many years working uninjured at the bench.

3

Hand Tools

A ring mandrel, microscope, jewelers saw, non-marring mallet, steel hammer, shears, ring file, tweezers, flex shaft, jeweler torch, and third-hand clamps.

4

Assorted Small Items

Needle files, pliers (flat nose, round nose, nylon jaw, bent nosed), hand files, polishing compounds, rubber wheels, buffs, brushes, discs, gravers, and burs.

5

Organizational Tools

How much time do you waste on a daily basis looking for tools? If you don’t think you do, log your actions for a day. You might be surprised.

Many assorted tools are small or easily misplaced. Buy holders and similar things to keep your assortments in order and workspace spacious. Bench tools. A bench pin, ring clamp, bench block, bench brush, soldering pad, and pickle pot.

Shelfmate Tool Holder

Keep your tools handy and organized while increasing your workspace. Store pliers, shears, and other tools within reach. Easy to assemble instructions included.

6

Bench Tools

A bench pin, ring clamp, bench block, bench brush, soldering pad, and pickle pot.

7

Bench Accessories

Dividers, scribe, steel ruler, slide gauge, saw blades, drills, emery papers, fluxes, solder stop, and bench stones.

8

Replacements, Manuals, and Warranties

Tools are tools. Keep replacements on hand of commonly broken items and items with short usage life.

Keep all tool manuals and instruction sheets nearby—and read them, and familiarize yourself with your warranties (especially before modifying any tools/machinery).

Don’t forget to research maintenance. Keep tools in good condition to minimize costly repairs or replacements, and clean them after use. Remember that some tools require oiling. Rust contamination interferes with (or ruins) work and decreases tool longevity.

Lastly, adjust your tool inventory to your work style. If something is rarely used or runs out slowly, it may be more space-saving to utilize Stuller’s next-day delivery. Notice which tools you reach for most often and adjust accordingly.