Flat Square Edges on Sheet Metal | Jewelry Tips with Nancy

[@tbilly6201]

10 years later this is still a great lesson. Thank you✌️♥️

[@amandathompson4692]

I watched this video about four years ago when I first started making jewelry and was binge watching your tutorials. I feel like I haven't seen your pretty face and funny personality for so long because I am (mostly) efficient at making the jewelry I make, albeit somewhat limited (I etch a ton of stuff and rarely set stones). When I first saw this I couldn't truly appreciate the usefulness of a miter-cutting vise. I broke down and bought one a couple years ago and it's one of my favorite tools! I wanted to thank you for teaching me so much and for continuing to be a resource. I came back to watch this today because I needed a larger rectangle and remembered that you had techniques. They do need to make the miter-cutting vise in a larger size. I would also buy one!

[@101mosioatunya]

I don't know wnat I would do without your videos, Nancy L. T. Hamilton :-)

[@dalepavatte2844]

Nancy, Thank you very much for offering your jewelry experience free of charge to our industry. The information you offer is a 'gold mine' to jewelers of any experience level. Dale Pavatte, jewelry store owner and jeweler 29 years

[@CharlesStruble]

Wonkiness! Cool filing guide. The plywood one. A whole lot of good info jammed into this one. Definitely worth waiting for. Thanks, Nanc.

[@allanthompson9695]

Great tips to practice on scrap bits. Thanks Nancy.Ultra useful.

[@tamaraadams9317]

Thank you so much for this wonderful tip! I roll out my own silver and never seem to get a true, straight edge. I'm sure I'll be watching this over and over. You ROCK, Nancy!

[@djinman1837]

Thanks, Nancy! As always, awesomely well explained and helpful! Keep Going.

[@djinman1837]

This is going to be sooo helpful! Thanks and have a wonderful day. 😎😋😀

[@cheraz713]

These are so great! And thanks for referencing these in your other videos. I actually started watching the Soldering 101 series, but realized my problems actually started here - with an imperfect seam. Just ordered a miter vise and am hoping this helps. Fantastic tips. I'm always glad I watched.

[@EvelynC547]

Amazing...I have so much difficulty getting edges straight so this was a God send. I love your hair by the way.

[@cheldenaartwear1764]

Hi!Love your teaching and humor!Re the miter cutting vise; I clamp the metal between a wood vice to hold the metal in place; the kind of clamp with 2 pc's of wood. I have attached metal sheeting on the clamps so that once you get closer filing you won't file the wood. I found some small wood clamps that are approximately 5.5". The larger ones would give you even more room for filing larger pc's. This would be a very inexpensive way for you to accomplish the same thing:-) Warmly, Cheldena

[@nancykaysnyder1302]

Thanks again! Your tips make my hobby so much easier ! And I agree - we need a larger jewelers miter!

[@annaa7069]

Thank you for all your videos. They are so helpful! I've learned so much from watching!

[@Consultantu]

I love your down to earth honesty ! Thanks ! Very, very informative !

[@JeniGray]

Hi Nancy! I just found you! What a relief, you are answering all my questions. I'm new to metal jewelry work, been stressing over the edges to smooth them enough to wear. It sounds like a process from filing to sanding. I have bookmarked your site, liked you on facebook and subscribed to your KZbin! Thanks again. I'll be checking out all your vids on metal work. :)

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Merci Edbeez, I appreciate the support. Glad you liked the video! Thanks.

[@toyahperry6523]

Hi Nancy, Thank yo, this video has changed my whole working life!! I've been trying to get flush edges using my hand and file uuuuuuugh days of failed solders. Just bought the miter vice. Thanks again. :D

[@jenniferjohnson815]

Once again Nancy, I learned so much. This is a new craft for me and I'm learning a great deal from you. Thank you again for sharing your craft.

[@przybyla420]

Nice shooting board! I like!

[@crystalfabulous]

Thanks for sharing. You always have everything

[@fashionablyadorned2737]

Im so thankful I found your videos!! they are so helpful and you are just the funniest sweetest lady.. I find myself thinking I wish I could learn from you in person! I love your energy.. sassy funny and smart.. a ladies 3 best assets! :)

[@jcb0818]

once again, a great demo. thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@mmwr09]

Thank you Nancy, you are wonderful.

[@swameejos]

YES, blubbeling is a word...I use it all the time, Nancy! Teehee!! ;) I just found your videos yesterday as I am expanding my skills from wire wrapping and minor metalsmithing into mixed metals and more hot and cold connections. After 7 years of jewelrymaking, I am finally upgrading from my microtorch to a Smith Little which I'm ordering today! (Still sadly using the Black & Decker Wizard, but a flex shaft is next!! lol) So I'm totally getting my Nancy LT fix daily until everything's here to be set up (and definitely more after as I learn). OH, and this whole video I was like, "WHAT ABOUT THE MITRE-CUTTING VICE?!?!" lolol. Was so glad you added that at the end. I accidentally stumbled upon that miraculous tool a few years back while perusing the Rio site. It's made life soooo much better :D Anyhoo, this comment has probably exceeded max characters or something by now...rotfl...but I wanted to tell you that your videos and website are absolutely indispensable, and I love your energy and sense of humor!! Weirdos unite!!! LOL. Thank you again so much for your generosity and amazing info :-D

[@benitaremagen7318]

Thanks Nancy great info.Your the best.

[@Dharlanna]

Love your videos. Thank you so much! I always learn a lot from you.

[@pamelawhite6388]

I don't know if you even read messages for this video anymore. But, I thank you for showing me multiple ways that I can use to file my edges. I'm Jewelry & Metal Arts Major and holding a file is hard on my fingers and hands. I have a genetic disorder that causes my fingers to hyperextend and lock up (swan neck deformity from ehlers-danlos Hypermobility). THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thanks for the hair compliment - I'm always looking for a good hair day - they are rare! Getting the edges straight might still be tough but, at least you've got a few new tricks to help you get there. Honestly, it's a tough job. I like to cheat, when I can, and order pre-cut pieces but, as this is not a perfect world, the correct size is often unavailable. Thanks again. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Bella, I called Rio and they contacted the French manufacturer who said "Non"! So, there's still a German and Pakistani to contact. I might go to a local tool and die guy and see if he can make me one to sell. Love that miter box. Thanks, as always. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Moileung, Flattening metal can drive one crazy, as you well know. You know too, that files only work in one direction - handle facing you, you pull the metal towards you. The teeth don't cut in the other direction. Try using a square block of wood, like in the video, to help you keep the metal square to the file. On a big block like you are working with, maybe a big belt sander would work better or better yet, take it to a machinist! Good luck with the block! Thanks for your input. Nancy

[@Raw774]

For marking I use a thick rough line with the sharpie then use a scribe to scratch through it for a close one.

[@KayGasnerKGDESIGNS]

I love your videos Nancy ;-)

[@jajanesaddictions]

woohoo more tools for me to buy~! I LOVE tools.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thanks, as always, VC! I appreciate you being such a great subscriber. N

[@karenthompson3842]

Thanks for an awesome video. I have been looking everywhere for these tips. K

[@ma1900bi1900]

Thank you for tutorial

[@moileung]

we have a project like this in school. its a rough 1 x 2 x 2.5" aluminum block. same problem discussed here. we need to make it flat 90 degrees all sides. i got the idea from the video to use the metal file in just one direction (away from me). that's because, common problem that happens is that as i flatten the top side, i made a slanting one,then i tried to compensate by reducing the other side, then end up "over" flattening the side so i have to go again to the other side over and over.

[@jajanesaddictions]

I wouldn't mind bird sounds~! omydog, I love your shop~*envious*~ crazy active studio~! I found you by looking for 'How to cut copper to make a bracelet'. Still don't know what type of shears to use, but will be checking out all of your videos. I have subscribed! " Must have been a miracle" that's what I say when my calculations/work come out correct~! I'll keep trying, tho. thanks for your expertise~ I really appreciate. I love your style.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you so much Benita. You're pretty great too! Nancy

[@artsea7532]

You're the best, videos are great I learn much from each one. I do Reruns and put you on a loop while I work on my jewelry. I wish I could be your apprentice. My cats are always right in the center of things 😻 Too. thank you just arrived my miter tool yeah!

[@kemal_punkt]

Great video, very enlightening. But, I wonder, why the regular vice cannot do the trick the last (favorited) one do? As far as I know, there are wide variety of vices around such as PanaVise products. Or - any vise "jaw" can be converted with specific jigs like "pipe jaw", "miter jaw", "beam jaw".. etc by its specific mold.

[@aleavitt81]

super helpful! thank you!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Balistic, Well, you got me to thinking. I hadn't even considered my grinder as a squaring tool. I did the search on square grinding jig and it started my head to hurtin'. I think I reached technical overload. I understand the concept but, I kept thinking: do I want to buy this thing, spend a bit learning how it works and then hate it? I don't know. I'll go stare at my grinder for a while and see what happens. I also contacted Rio Grande and asked them to speak to the Manufacturer.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Dharlanna, Thank you so much.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Creative, it's me again! I'm glad that we are in sync! Works for me. I wonder what you will be thinking next....hmmmm? Hopefully, you will be wondering about safety in the studio, 'cause that's what is coming. Talk to you soon. Nancy

[@djinman1837]

P.s. Beautiful necklace you've got on!

[@micheletyner3126]

Thank You And very helpful too by the way!!

[@AB-bf4bb]

You are so cute... just delightfully funny. Thanks for the tips 😁

[@whtwasithinking]

I love y. our videos and your website. You are my go to if I want to find out anything. I am wondering what kind of file you were using in this video? Was it a double cut or a bastard file? I am in need of a new file and not sure what to get.

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Bumble bees live in hummocks lol...I have a wealth of trivia in my brain, it's just that I can hardly ever remember it these days lol!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

That great big file is the very image of the one I handed to my friend the other day when she asked for a file...to which she replied "I 'aven't got bleedin 'ooves!' Lol...I do paint my nails but I obviously don't associate files with manicures lol! I keep chipping and breaking my nails whilst playing with metal!

[@sharonjones6514]

can you explain what the c curved & other notches are on. sides of the vice are for? can't find that info anywhere. thanks & merry Christmas.

[@brucefulton]

What is the flexshaft belt sander attachment you have?

[@jackparamount1163]

Hi Nancy, this is somewhat related to your video as it deals with files, I am an amateur at making jewelry, I have files but I never paid any mind to the type of file it is or the cut. I ruined many projects with files that seemed to be way too rough, it just gouged the metal beyond repair. I hear a lot about riffler files and needle files, I am looking for something like those but I want the files to be super fine just to somewhat finish and smooth the metal without damage, any suggestions?

[@almadolan5170]

Hi Nancy. Great Vid. Question about your steel block that you flattened your sheet metal on... It looks like steel on wood. How thick is that piece and did you make it or did you purchase. I need a larger one than that. Thanks!

[@deborahhardeman8802]

Can you give me advice on getting your Bezel cut to meet flush?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Part two: The riffler files have unusual shapes for difficult to reach places. I own them - have never used them. When you buy files, buy good ones - you will use them forever. The cheap ones are not made well and wear out fast. I have a set of Valtitan needle files that cost about 75.00 but - they are the only ones I use and have used for over 10 years. My cheap ones sit in a drawer. Sandpaper is another alternative to files - 320, 400, 600, etc. Email me for more info. Take care. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Balistic, So, I'm going to check on getting a local tool and die guy to make me a larger miter cutting vise, might only cost 1,000,000 dollars! Hah! If they can, I'm going to sell them online. The French manufacturer has said, "no" to making a larger one but, there's still the German's to chat with. I'm thinking the project might just be too cost prohibitive. But, hey it's worth a try. I'll let you know. Let me know if you find out any more. Thanks, Nancy

[@balisticsquirel]

I thought to myself that a jig tool for sharpening woodworking hand plane blades must exist out there somewhere. And they're a bit broader than the sheet metal square you were fitting into your jig. Do a a quick search for something like "square grinding jig" and you'll see what i mean. There are even kinds that use a bench grinder (quicker than sanding?) (from veritas)

[@guyausmus4249]

Shall we call it the miter biter?

[@GuruBrew]

Great info here. Subbed

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Jeni, Thank you so much for the lovely comment, and for following me on the web! You are amazing. Another new resource I am offering is my free newsletter, you can subscribe on my website (link in the description above). It has jewelry making tips, updates on my project videos, and my thoughts on creativity. I really appreciate you taking the time to write. Take care, Nancy

[@GianCarloFeoli]

Hello Nancy, very interesting videos you have here, can you tell me of a website where I can find metal sheets that resemble gold material of about 18 gauge more or less? I live in Panama (but I have a mailing adress in Miami) and Im doing a documentary video about the history of my country, I need to make an Indian crown with the base part that goes around the actress head made of a metal resembling to gold so it should be a sheet maybe a bit longer so I can wrap it around the actress head, please, any help would be much apreciated. thanks!

[@Lindasinish]

What if?.... Excel software is a bunch of boxes. If boxes were made to the size you want and then outlined in bold (Excel box sizes are very adjustable), then printed, cut out, glued on the metal or outlined with a Sharpie and WHAM! The Excel document with the correct sizes can be saved for repeating the size.

[@jayo6468]

verry helpfull video, keep it up! btw you would make some wicked lockpicks :P which is what i do, and how i came across this video :D

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Bella, I'm getting on it now! I also want to re-name that sucker. I need to contact Rio Grande and let them know my demands (?). Thanks for the kind words.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hey what about my hair? I got attacked by hot rollers. Thought you'd notice. You are such a guy! Thanks as always. I'm going to work on creating new words each video - then, the dictionary will truly begin. Yes, you may submit entries. N

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi again Bella, I just contacted Rio Grande. They are going to send a note to the manufacturer in France and let me know whether they would consider making a larger throated version. I also asked them if they (Rio) ship to Australia and Europe and they said that they do. I don't know how much postage would be though...Ebay Australia has one listed from Great Briton for 40.06 au. Wish i could post the link - but can't on You Tube. Email me if you want it. Thanks. N

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Jack, Please email me and I can link you to this fabulous PDF on files. Basically, you want a fine cut file like a number 4 or 6. The needle files are small and used for well, smaller areas and for when you don't need to remove a lot of material. They are graded at 2 (large), 3,4 and 6 (finest) Large files have their place too in jewelry making. See next post - didn't have enough room here.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hello Darren, I’m throwing a big kiss your way. Thanks so much. Nancy

[@micheletyner3126]

Your cracking me up

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi again Bella, here's the link at Rio for when you are ready: riogrande(dot)com/Search/miter-cutting-vise. Have fun. N

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Kiss, kiss Jcb0818! I thank you for your kind words.

[@balisticsquirel]

Oh yes. I definately wouldn't suggest that you go off and buy one. It's not some magic solution to this square making business. Just another option. And especially when you already have so many..... But i'm going to keep my ears open for something like the clamping jig, maybe from a woodworking friend or yard sale or something. Now that i know it exists. Cheers

[@kursatinan]

Is she really serious about the method she invented? Or, am I so cynical on not to tolerate such a mindless effort? Why doesn't she use jeweler's saw? Is she a newbie? Hence, why she is so keen on teaching? What kind of attitude makes a person so helpless? She is demonsrating that she has missed the very point of the craft. First there needs some practical intelligence to start making something. Is there a word standing for such efforts? Three times I tried to watch the clip. It is totally nonsense to me. Am I an idiot? I did understand nothing :(

[@trishtowley6030]

Kursat Inan she is trying to remove the saw marks from the piece of copper. You need to pay attention to what she said.

[@kursatinan]

Okay! I am trying to be more attentive after 45 years of goldsmithing and 25 years of teaching at the university :( Nothing changed. You have to pay attention what she makes instead of what she tells.