Useful Bench Tools

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This segment from the 2017 MJSA Journal November issue is dedicated to metals, tools, software and more that aids jewelers and designers in their quest to create their masterpieces. In this article we talk about Bench Tools.

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Bench Tools

Leica S9i Microscope

Suitable for use by jewelers, engravers, and stone setters, the Leica S9i Microscope offers improved Fusion Optics for increased depth of field and field of view. Offering a 55x max magnification with 10x eyepieces and no objective lens, the microscope is integrated with a 10 megapixel 1080p HD video camera to enable documentation, demonstration, and teaching. With apochromatic lenses for premium clarity and color, the unit features 35-degree eye tubes for comfortable viewing. It comes with HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and SD card options for video capture and streaming. Contact: Engraver.com (Precision Artistry LLC), 8 Atkinson Drive, Unit 531, Doylestown, PA 18901; 1-215-512-6258; e-mail tira@engraver.com; engraver.com.

Mobile Work Station

Developed for use in small or crowded workspaces, the Foredom Mobile Work Station is tower constructed with built-in electrical outlets, allowing users to stack multiple powered devices. Its three-tier design gives users multiple options for arranging equipment, and a motorized lift adjusts the top platform up and down to allow the user to work sitting or standing. With a maximum footprint of 16 inches deep by 22 inches wide by 43.5 inches high, the station needs to be used within 6 feet of an electrical outlet for powering up the unit and its three-plug power strip. It weighs 44 lbs. and comes with heavy-duty casters for easy transport. Contact: Foredom Electric Co., 16 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801; 1-203-792-8622; fax 203-796-7861; e-mail customerservice@blackstoneind.com; foredom.net. Paul H. Gesswein & Co., 201 Hancock Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605; 1-203-366-5400; fax 366-3953; e-mail info@gesswein.com; gesswein.com.

Jura Artgraver Pro-Combo Micromotor & Engraving Stonesetting System

The Jura Artgraver Pro-Combo Micromotor & Engraving Stonesetting System combines a brushless micromotor with the Jura Artgraver stonesetting/engraving handpiece in one package. The handpiece does not require an air compressor. The micromotor works with a slim handpiece and produces a low-speed torque (7.8 N.cm) required for precise drilling in hard metals for precision micro pavé stone setting. The separate engraving and stonesetting handpiece can be quickly modified by changing the included weights to allow for a variety of engraving styles, from light bulino work to heavy engraving in hard metals such as steel, platinum, 18k white gold, and titanium. Contact: OttoFrei, 126 2nd St., Oakland, CA 92607; 1-800-772-3456; fax 510-834-6217; e-mail info@ottofrei.com; ottofrei.com.

Fishmouth with Bench Pin

Featuring a curved acrylic shield and adjustable armrests, the Fishmouth with bench pin can be mounted to benches with a GRS style mounting bracket. It has an exhaust port that accommodates a 2.25 inch hose and comes with an elbow to position the dust collector in any direction. The acrylic shield gives users a clear view of the work and helps keep stray dust from flying toward them. With a mounting bracket for the supplied wooden bench pin assembly, the Fishmouth measures 8.75 inches deep by 9 inches high and tapers from 6 inches in the front to 9.5 inches in the back. Contact: Foredom Electric Co., 16 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801; 1-203-792-8622; fax 203-796-7861; e-mail customerservice@blackstoneind.com; foredom.net.

Tune-Up Kits

Designed for use with the Foredom flex-shaft, these 32-piece Tune-Up Kits allow users to install new parts and perform routine maintenance to keep motors and handpieces running at peak performance. Included in each of the four dedicated kits are a key tip shaft, shaft grease, screwdriver, sheath, motor brushes and brush caps, hanging bale, motor connector, and three types of screws for holding parts in place. Kit MSP10 is for Series TX and LX motors, Kit MSP12 is for Series SR motors (models produced since 2005), Kit MSP14 is for old and discontinued Series CC motors, and Kit MSP16 is for old and discontinued Series S and SR motors (1/8 hp models produced during 2005). Contact: Foredom Electric Co., 16 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801; 1-203- 792-8622; fax 203-796-7861; e-mail customerservice@blackstoneind.com; foredom.net.

Jason's Works Coin-Ring Starter Kit

Designed to streamline the process of creating rings from minted coins, the Jason's Works Coin-Ring Starter Kit features a holder, punches, dies, spacers, and reduction dies that can accommodate quarters, half-dollars, and Morgan dollars. Users begin by punching a hole in a coin with a punch, die pair, and a spacer that centers the punch. Then, using a Durston vertical ring stretcher and a succession of reduction dies, the coin is folded outward to form and shape a coin ring, with all the coin details intact. The kit comes with a red oak wooden organizer to hold the tools. Contact: Rio Grande,

7500 Bluewater Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121; 1-800-545-6566; fax 800-965- 2329; e-mail info@riogrande.com; riogrande.com.

Mk IV Heavy Duty Saws

Thicker and heavier than the Mk3 saws, the Mk IV heavy duty saws are designed to pull

50 to 60 pounds of tension on their blades, making them stronger than previous editions and with blades that vibrate less. Available in 3-, 5-, and 8-inch frame sizes, the saws feature cam lever tension for rapid, repetitive blade changes. The saws are also available with new rotating blade clamps that can do a full 360-degree rotation, with click-stops every 45 degrees, allowing users to get up close to the saw. Contact: KNEW CONCEPTS, P.O. Box 937, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; 1-831-234-4652; e-mail sales@knewconcepts.com; knewconcepts.com.

Saeshin Forte100 Brushless Micromotor

Featuring a torque type handpiece, the Forte100 is a desktop, brushless micromotor designed to increase work efficiency while reducing vibration and noise. With a foot pedal control, the micromotor has a maximum rpm of 50,000 and a torque of 7.8 N.cm. Ergonomically designed, the unit has a built-in microprocessor for self-diagnosis, error display, and work memory storage. Contact: A&A JEWELRY SUPPLY, 319 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014; 1-213-627-8004; fax 627-1653; e-mail info@aajewelry.com; aajewelry.com.

PAR30

Recently updated, the PAR30 light bulbs feature the same white lights that simulate daylight but now use an American-made Cree chip that allows the bulbs to increase their energy-saving efficiency without decreasing their output. Ideal for illuminating a jeweler's work area or in overhead lighting on the sales floor, the PAR30 bulbs are color corrected to be 6000 K. At 35 watts, the lights give off approximately 3,800 lumens. Contact: JEWELRY LED, 152 Prospect Place, Alpharetta, GA 30005; 1-800-866-6282; fax 770-740-9529; e-mail sales@jewelryled.com; jewelryled.com.

Premium Watchmakers Bench

Made in Italy, the Premium Watchmakers Bench is available in three colors: beechwood, blue, and green. Offering adjustable armrests, the bench features nine storage drawers and a footrest. It measures 20 inches deep by 47.5 inches long by 38.5 inches high (50.8 cm by 120.7 cm by 97.8 cm). Contact: STULLER INC., 302 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette, LA 70508; 1-800-877-7777; fax 800-444-4741; e-mail sales@stuller.com; stuller.com.

Master Bezel Punch Set

Suitable for any jeweler wanting to set a bezel stone, the Master Bezel Punch Set comes with two hardwood handles (one pear, one round) and 36 hardened steel punches ranging in size from 1.5 mm to

20 mm. A wooden case keeps everything organized. Contact: Stuller Inc., 302 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette, LA 70508; 1-800-877-7777; fax 800-444-4741; e-mail sales@stuller.com; stuller.com.

Orion 150s

Boasting a power potential of up to 150 joules, the Orion 150s pulse-arc welder offers four weld modes: nano, micro, ultra, and tack. The welder's power can be adjusted in 0.2 joule increments. Offering

a weld spot size from 0.5 to 3.5 mm, the unit features two speed modes: single (1 weld per second) or rapid (up to 5 welds per second). With an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, the welder has 50 customizable save settings and 11 preprogrammed metal settings. Other special features include a space-saving microscope arm and full eye protection. It has a footprint measuring 12 inches long by 6 inches wide by 10 inches high (30.5 cm by 15.2 cm by 25.4 cm). Contact: Orion Welders, 1693 American Way, #5, Payson, UT 84651; 1-801-658- 0015; e-mail sales@orionwelders.com; orionwelders.com.

Nechamkin Pistol Grip Chasing Hammer

Handmade in the USA, the Nechamkin Pistol Grip Chasing Hammers feature an ergonomic grip design that provides easy control for light to medium-heavy strokes with a delicate whipping action, eliminating gripping errors that lead to fatigue when chasing for extended periods. Weighing 3.8 ounces, the hand-finished steel heads are cast in A2 tool steel that has a high chromium and carbon content, giving it increased rust resistance. The heads have a 30 mm diameter face and are certified at 57 Rockwell hardness for maximum toughness and durability. The handles are cut from cherry wood and feature a hand-rubbed oil finish. Contact: Otto Frei, 126 2nd St., Oakland, CA 92607; 1-800-772-3456; fax 510-834-6217; e-mail info@ottofrei.com; ottofrei.com.

Durston Superior Large Jewellers Workbench

Designed to assemble in 15 minutes, the Durston Superior Large Jewellers Workbench is crafted from solid hardwood and features a 2-inch thick butcher block worktop surrounded by a high railing to prevent things from rolling off. Beneath the bench's central bench pin are a metal-lined catch tray, a protective sliding wood catch tray cover, an under-bench pin tool drawer, and a pull-out soldering station installed with a vermiculite soldering board. Also included with the bench are six tool storage drawers with easy pull knobs, two armrests, and a footrest. Contact: Otto Frei, 126 2nd St., Oakland, CA 92607; 1-800-772-3456; fax 510-834-6217; e-mail info@ottofrei.com; ottofrei.com.

130 mm Combination ULTRA Series Power Mill

Made in the USA, the Combination ULTRA Series Power Mill is a motorized mill featuring flat rolls with a working area of 130 mm. Featuring feed tables that support milling materials while freeing up the user's hands, the mill has a frame constructed with high-strength ductile iron for added strength and durability. The mill and the high torque motor are mounted on a compact, structural-grade aluminum base. The ½ hp AC motor has an electronic speed control that is adjustable from 1 to 12 rpm in forward and reverse modes. Safety features include an emergency stop button, auto shut-off control, and protective stainless steel bars on both sides of the rollers. Contact: Pepetools, 7601 SW 34th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73179; 1-405-745-4054; fax 745-4335; e-mail info@pepetools.com; pepetools.com.

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The award-winning Journal is published monthly by MJSA, the trade association for professional jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It offers design ideas, fabrication and production techniques, bench tips, business and marketing insights, and trend and technology updates—the information crucial for business success. “More than other publications, MJSA Journal is oriented toward people like me: those trying to earn a living by designing and making jewelry,” says Jim Binnion of James Binnion Metal Arts.

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