Bench tricks are as old as the industry. A jeweler will often find a better way, a new method or an improvisation to make his or her job easier. This paper will focus on a series of unique and useful tricks, ranging from sawing and steam casting, to a better way to protect one's eyes when welding platinum. How to carve a better wax and how to make a good raised letter model are part of this paper. A section on hand-tool modification and the use of everyday items not tintended for jewelry making is included. The different topics are then lined with short anecdotes from the bench and the shop.

Author: Jurgen J. Maerz