The Bench Pin, A Jeweler's Workhorse: Types, Uses, and Adaptations

Today we are going to be talking about one of the neglected, ignored workhorses of the jewelry studio: The Bench Pin. Learn about different types of bench pins, how to adapt yours - to get the most out of it - and what to do with it.
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Link to my bench pin pattern: nancylthamilto... and nancylthamilto...
Link to my Jeweler's clamp adaptation: nancylthamilto... and nancylthamilto...
Links to bench pins mentioned in the video:
GRS bench pin - amzn.to/2NWpWMA
GRS Benchmate tools: amzn.to/38sMu0T
Knew Concepts bench pin: amzn.to/38swzzr
Knew Concepts Dovetail Clamp: amzn.to/2ZFqJXk
Studio Flux bench pin: www.micro-tool...
Anvil bench pin combo: amzn.to/3ivdCRu
Bench pin with collar: amzn.to/3f6ffD6
Ring clamp with metal holder: amzn.to/2D4yCxX
Bench pins - general: amzn.to/31LG6QS
Clamp-type bench pins: amzn.to/3eYf8cs and amzn.to/2ZD2p8D
3/4" Spade bit: amzn.to/2NWKnZO
3/4" Niobium magnet disc from K&J Magnetics: www.kjmagnetic... (not an affiliate).
Links are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links sends a few cents my way. I know nothing about your purchases. It's the same as buying normally through Amazon, I just receive compensation for advertising their product - as is only right! Most of my affiliate links also benefit my charity of choice - Chimera Arts Maker Space and our jewelry studio there. So, it's a win-win. Help keep our studio alive and me making free videos and content! Thank you so much!!!!!!!! Nancy
(E Gads! I had a really bad lipstick day in this video!)

[@8legssilver283]

"Not so much when I started 300 years ago" - this made me chuckle so hard. I love your videos so much. They always make me laugh and are full of so much great info! The magnet tip is awesome! I recently saw a jeweler on instagram who put a magnetic strip on the edge of their bench and kept all their flex shaft mandrels right there. Thanks for always posting great content, Nancy!

[@unboundbytiffany]

Oohhh gosh definantly doing that!!!

[@unboundbytiffany]

All I can say is I freaking adore you so much Nancy. You're "style" of just doing things in general is so absolutely 💯 percent me as well. I just love it. You make me giggle ❤ but anyways 🤪 thank you for always providing amazing information and ideas! You're one of the biggest reasons I even got into my jewelry business and especially with Argentium that I just loveee so much. So truly, thank you :) love going through your old videos! Hope you're doing fabulously ❤🧡

[@allanthompson9695]

This was brilliant. So many ideas and possibilities. Handheld Dyson for the sawdust. Love the magnet idea. I have a lot of neodyms. I can see people including myself trying to make every possible hole or groove or slot etc ahead of time. You said, it will personalize over time naturally by need. Cheers Nancy.

[@anitachaperon]

Oh - I love the commentary too. I love that you also had glue that's looong gone. But biggest takeaway for today is the magnet addition to your bench 👍🙌

[@anitachaperon]

THANK YOU :)

[@vulcanknights]

Oh, my goodness. You are hilarious! This was a delight to watch. Thanks for sharing the info. I'm about to saw into the first pin now.

[@AlwaysMetaling]

Hiya Nancy … I’m so happy that I found your video while searching in KZbin for “bench pin with clamp for sawing”, and when you popped up in the list, I figured it had to be great information because in all the eloquent dancing and entertainment (which I love because I always seem to laugh out loud - yay!), you have such great information and always include many different insights. And you answered a few bench pin questions that I had. Thanks so much as always for ALL you do for us and being one of the best resources for jewelry making/metalsmithing. You SO rock woman! 👩🏼‍🎨🌵🔨

[@juliel6254]

Nancy, the magnet is genius! I am also one who is constantly dropping everything and it is very frustrating! I will have to try this! Thank you!

[@crystalfabulous]

Wonderful. Thanks Nancy 🥰

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you!!!!

[@tishsmiddy71]

I had a wonderful time! Thank you 🤟🏻❤️🎉

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I am happy about that Tish! Thank you!!!!

[@jose_FitzG]

I watched this years ago, but revisited today. I’d forgotten about the usage of flat vs sloped sides. Love your videos, Nancy.

[@lesliescholz403]

I have been searching for info on the different ways to adapt a bench pin,. Thanks for the video. Would love to see more uses and adaptations.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I'll keep my eye open for those adaptations. I'm with you on that! Thanks for your comment. Be well and happy creating!

[@FrugalFixerSpike]

I am a guitar builder, Maker and your info was very helpful. I will be making one this afternoon for doing inlays and such. Thanks for the info, Subbed to see if I can "Always Be Learning" something new everyday. This Getting old and retiring, gives you time to learn all the things, you never had time for learning. Guitar building, woodworking, CNC, 3d printing, play my music. Never knew those 50 to 60 hours weeks Bad word, WORK, were robbing me of my creativity. I will credit you in my video, for the education!! Thanks Spike, The Frugal Fixer!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

You are too kind!

[@12mygirls]

Thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

So glad!

[@danielcotnoir3363]

Incredible video! Tons of awesome information!

[@annh3599]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@CharlesStruble]

Thanks Nanc. I hope you are staying safe cuz many of us love you. Merry fourth of July!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thanks Chuckles!!! Hope you had a great holiday. I think I was here, at my desk (or bench). One night, my computer will follow me to bed and I will have to kill it! Happy walking my friend. Miss you! I'm so stupidly busy, that I don't even have time to go out and worry about the virus. Be well. Gigantic Covid-free hugs to you and the family!!!

[@kassemkarim7579]

Thank you so much for your informative video. Was great to see you again.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you Kassem! So kind of you! Have fun and be well!

[@peem1244]

great tips and ideas Nancy. I have arthritis and when i have difficulty using my files or saws on the push stroke, i flip them round and use them on the pull stroke, a bit like a Japanese woodworking saw. Works a treat. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🖖😎🌈

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Great idea Pedro! The reason I love jewelry making/metalsmithing (or at least one of the reasons I do) is that I get to solve problems all day, every day. My little mind is always whirring. Obviously (and I already knew this), I am not alone! We are problem solvers to the nth degree! Be well and happy creating. P.S: I'm in the same boat as you, with arthritis. Awful stuff - tries to ruin my life daily.

[@emilycooper6407]

You are so utterly fabulous Nancy! I haven’t watched anything and laughed out loud in eons. Thank you for sharing your tips and expertise with the planet-I think you’re a master! Best wishes from me, a silly old tart, learning to get some jewellery making under her belt before she hits fifty. I’m a stained glass window maker by day, so this is a really exciting change for me. I’m in Kent in the U.K. 🌸

[@JustinHeiningerVT]

I love your videos! Full of information and they always make me smile! Thanks for sharing.

[@Artemesia_]

Your commentary is absolutely hilarious 😂

[@lavenderro942]

Great tips, I've been pondering replacing my current set up. This was exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Awesome! Glad it worked for you!

[@sas1uk185]

Nancy, the reason I LOVE your videos is that you're REAL...... human...... I can identify so closely... the glue, the fortuitous sizing for the magnet...... 🤣🤣THANK YOU! X

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thanks Sas! I lost my ability to be opaque years ago - it's all transparency and foot-in-the-mouth kind of things. I also know that if stuff happens to me, it's probably happening to someone else. Perfection is overrated and a bit difficult to achieve, anyway. Don't get me wrong, I'm always clawing my way up some stubborn imperfection but, I've settled into my flaws and humanity and just go with it, humbly. Thank you so much and have a wonderful time creating a fabulous life!

[@kimonaNo1]

Thank you for explaining the different bench pins! I always wondered what the metal one was for. I have a 2nd hand one from a college and it's pretty "customised" already lol. The magnet idea is genius! I have one for pins in my sewing box which I never use, so I'll use that! Thanks and I love your sense of humour :)

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Great idea! You are welcome and THANK YOU! I love how creative everyone is! Be well!

[@tishsmiddy71]

First try ! Wow 🤩 ❤️🎉

[@marywarner8357]

Thank you, you had me in stitches😂😂😂

[@DianneCulbertsonJacques]

The magnet! I drop stuff all.the.time. That's really handy!

[@samuellaramsey5963]

OMG!!! You gluing cracked me up!!! In all seriousness I'm gonna do that magnet tip on my brand new pin!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I'm really glad that I finally got around to it myself. Yes, the glue thing cracked me up too! What you didn't see were the 8 other dead tubes of glue that I pulled out! I still haven't finished cleaning out that drawer though - someday! Have fun with your magnet!

[@deeogle763]

Thank you for the bench pin tips! I love modifying my workspace!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

You are WELCOME! Thank you for your comment! Be well.

[@heatherbraightmeyer1884]

I love your videos....so insightful....AND funny LOL

[@makerdoug3580]

Helpful info as always. Thanks.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you so much!

[@juliocesargarciaaldana2256]

Gracias Nancy aprendi mucho....

[@maudale]

Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you ☺️ Awesome ❤️

[@johnlowry1055]

Always a little addition to knowhow !!

[@Susanarylander]

Excellent! Thank you

[@pamelakaygorman4435]

Thanks amazing lady!

[@tammybrown3736]

Your hilarious 😂 I enjoyed your video.

[@jamesmuthukui9355]

Nice job keep it up

[@agnescleary2312]

Love your hair!

[@pamelacooke5698]

Thanks, Nancy! The magnet is such a good idea, I wonder whether I have any still useable epoxy glue! This time of lockdown should have given me plenty of time for creativity, but it doesn't seem to have worked that way, perhaps modifying my bench pin a little more will give me some impetus!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Could get those creative bones moving in the right direction!!! Have fun.

[@marisarodriguez7776]

Fo real💋💋👍👍

[@CONEHEADDK]

Some epoxys harden, so place them "warm" and see, before you throw them out.

[@marnitube1]

boy did I miss you!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I missed you too! Thanks so much!

[@brucefulton]

I like the Knew concepts and use it most of the time, but be careful, your saw will go through it like the material you are cutting, and then you will keep catching your mini-cuts into the bench-pin if you aren't paying attention.

[@nancylthamiltonsshortatten1650]

I've had some issues with it. If you hit the steel, you blade life is reduced too. Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate them. N

[@unboundbytiffany]

My basic bench pin is the same. Wood must be too soft agh. :(

[@TheWindGinProject]

Always wondered how these things were useful. Now I know Thanks to NLTH. I guess you guys can guess I'm not into jewelry making although I have the upmost respect for the art. P E A C E - Happy 4th!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

You are welcome anytime! When you don't need them anymore, they make great kindling! Multipurpose tool. Thanks for visiting, come by again!!! Happy creating.

[@lfate8017]

Hi Nancy, Thank you for the video. What wood do you use (or rather can any wood be used) for your home made bench pins?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

The second one! Any wood. Some like hardwoods. Me, I like whatever I have on hand! I'm married to a cabinetmaker so, my selection is above normal but, I seem to always only have a piece of pine laying around. My friend Chris Anderson like purpleheart but, he's fancy! Thanks for the comment. Be well and happy!

[@jamesmuthukui9355]

Am interested you are job is amazing 👏

[@wendyannh]

This is super helpful, Nancy! I never knew what some of those cutouts or even many typical mods I’ve see were for. How did you create the little channels you use for tubing?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I love chain saw files and this is just one use for them. They come in a variety of sizes. So, that's what I used for the channel!!! Glad this worked for you. Be well!

[@mizsparkie5479]

Great info Nancy, thank you! And I would worry about you if you didn’t drop something on the floor at least once! 😜

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Me too MiZ! The only way I'm going to get over my dropping problem is to do away with gravity and I don't think anyone would appreciate that on top of a pandemic!!! Anyway, thanks so much for the comment. Be happy, be well!

[@duocmat5192]

👍

[@michaelrempel9025]

Flat side for sawing, sloped side for filing. The slope should be in line with your elbow.

[@marisarodriguez7776]

Girl I luv u

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Back atcha! Thanks Marisa!!!!

[@ILoveLegosDontYou]

❤ 12 year old glue lol

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

There's quite a bit of it too - various types. Someday I'll get around to cleaning up that drawer...Thanks for your comment!

[@getawaydance]

Please be careful when using epoxy it's highly toxic when it comes in contact with your skin, so use gloves. You can develop serious allergies from epoxy exposure. When it's hardend it's harmless.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you Mikael. You are correct! When I'm filming, there's so much going on in my head that some thoughts don't make it to my brain. I usually do wear gloves but, alas, this time I didn't. I'll post about it in the vid description. Be well and happy creating!