Silversmithing: 5 Tools That Have Become Essential

[@BurningBushCraftSilverBurst]

Very cool ..

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks BurningBush!

[@Benomar1951Ben]

Hi Chad from Benomar Morocco. I always appreciate your explanations.Please go ahead let us understanding the details.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Hello Benomar! Thank you!

[@kathleenphelan8708]

Thank you for the video. I find it very useful. I am trying to set up a workspace and have no idea what tools to buy.

[@chadssilversmithing]

I’m glad you found it useful Kathleen! Here is a video about basic tools that is more complete: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5iooGmGaLlkhtUsi=OMQvagirvHoI_MTv

[@flyingcheff]

I'm so glad I bothered to tell you about the mitre vise! I knew you'd love it! 🌺 🌺 🌺 I have all 3 of the saws you mentioned, the Lion saw you have and love is in my opinion the best and easiest to use of all of them. Note: when your honeycomb boards break - they eventually do - they can be "sewn" together with thin binding wire. You are right, they are great! 🌺 🌺 🌺

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks Flying Chef! Do use the various saws for different situations? The Lion seems pretty versatile.

[@flyingcheff]

@chadssilversmithing I actually load three different blades in my 3 saws. I also have 2 cheap but fabulous German saws (the adjustable frame saws), but I use them for strips of cloth sand paper for getting into tiny places. I do have the Haymaker (my least favorite), but I modified it; I cut off the two knobby ends of the frame. I think they are decorative (zzzz....) and to make the saw "balance" when you hold it on one finger at the CG (useless, unnecessary, and an invented selling point in my opinion, after much use - there's no difference in use that I can perceive). It's light enough to not matter, so that's good. The decorative/"balance" knobs totally get in the way of sawing and loading blades so I simply sawed them off (easy to do as it is an aluminum frame), and now it's a solid sturdy saw that I use/keep. I use it for a deeper throat and for larger blade sizes (2/0). I like that the Haymaker comes in several colors, but that's just fun fluff - I chose the gold. The Knew Concepts saw is a bit fiddly and breaks blades with the flip over tightener if they are too small (thin). So, I use it for 2/0 to 3/0 blades. My favorite is the Green Lion Saw (like yours). It is great because it's SIMPLE and clean design! It's easy to load, and there are no end of the blade butt restrictions like the blade pockets for the Haymaker. The Green Lion saw is my mainstay; easiest to load, light, a deep (enough) throat, easy to tension, and it's gorgeous to lookat and hold - super comfy. I use mostly 4/0 to 6/0 blades in it. If I needed 7/0 - 8/0, I'd definitely reach for my Green Lion saw frame. I keep the Green Lion Saw frame oiled and lubricate with beeswax for piercing.

[@netcreativedesigns]

That’s so funny you just heard of the mitre vice. I of course only started about two years ago but it was one of my very first purchases when I was wire wrapping. Great video as usual! 😊

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks! My beginning students who generally hate trying to saw a flat edge like it:)

[@Benomar1951Ben]

Hello from Benomar Morocco.. I love your videos ,they let me learn a lot. Best regards.

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks again Benomar! Did you find any Amethyst on your trip?

[@marilynmorgan6279]

Hi Chad, I had 12 months away from silversmithing. I was not able to sit so I could make anything. I was waiting for a total hip replacement so I could be relieved from chronic pain. Now the operation is over and complete I’ve finally got back into making some jewellery. I have just purchased the Mitre Vice Jig and waiting for it to arrive in the mail then I will get cleaner joins to solder I would like to Thankyou for all you tips and tricks,

[@chadssilversmithing]

That sounds painful! I’m really glad your replacement is done and you can get back to the things you love. I really use the mitre vise jig frequently. Thanks for the nice comment Marilyn:)

[@pattyallison1108]

Hi Chad, I love your videos. I learn learn a lot from you. Hey, could you show me or show us away to put a hinge on a bracelet?

[@chadssilversmithing]

Hello Patty! I did one quite a while back that features a hinge. Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKXKln-VrZKMfc0si=0TIMADBdUzqWJ91Y

[@gemnosity]

Wondering what files you use? I have a cheap set, but looking to upgrade. Thanks for the video!

[@chadssilversmithing]

Generally I use a basic single cut mill bastardized file and set of miscellaneous shaped jeweler’s files, although a subscriber sent me a nicer file that is a step up that also has a non tooth edge that is nice for a lot of things. Unfortunately I don’t remember what brand it is. Flying Chef maybe can comment if she sees this?

[@bjones4097]

Thought I would give some input here. I have recently started using Vallorbe files? A supplier over here had them on sale and I bought one and gave it a try. “Expensive” but I have to say the first time I pushed it across a piece of silver I knew I was using something special. Such a huge difference to the files I already had, that weren’t cheap files to begin with. I’ve bought two more and when they go on sale again will buy a couple more. Like I said, expensive but a file will last a long long time. These files really do make a difference.

[@LTGuitar51]

My ceramic block split into 3 pieces after about 10 times I used it. The ceramic locks in the shop I use in AZ has a box of broken ceramics. I have decided to not buy them anymore.

[@chadssilversmithing]

My first one broke as well:). I still like them for specific purposes. Thank for the comment Larry!

[@lishal1625]

💜💜💜💜

[@chadssilversmithing]

Thanks again Lishal!

[@jakepena6863]

If you have any hints on overly work

[@chadssilversmithing]

Hello Jake. It looks like your comment got cut off. What were you wanting to know?