Essential Sawing Tips
Sawing is an essential skill in jewelry making, at least when you are working with metal. I know that many people avoid the jeweler's saw and try to only create designs that they can use with metal shears. And I have to say, I do love my Joyce Chen shears but there is joy to be found in sawing.
Instructions
This skill opens up a whole new world in the making of jewelry. It allows you to create complex designs, multiple layers, crisp lines, along with pierce sawing. Needless to say, this is a skillset that is worth developing.
Your jewelers saw can be just style. I, personally, love the Knew Concepts saw frame. I have two of them, a 3" and a 5" throat. I also have a Green Lion saw frame. I've tried the saw frame from Potter USA and the Haymaker from Lion Punch Forge. I keep going back to the Knew Concepts.
Your jewelers saw can be just style. I, personally, love the Knew Concepts saw frame. I have two of them, a 3" and a 5" throat. I also have a Green Lion saw frame. I've tried the saw frame from Potter USA and the Haymaker from Lion Punch Forge. I keep going back to the Knew Concepts.
Do you ever watch video of master jeweler sawing? Do you notice what saw frame they are using? Typically, they are using the old school German-style saw frame. One you can pick up for less than $25.00. You don't NEED the fancy ones but it sure is fun to have them.
I would say the most important pieces of successful sawing is a bench pin, REALLY REALLY good saw blades and lubricant. Oh.... And metal. Can't forget the reason.
I would say the most important pieces of successful sawing is a bench pin, REALLY REALLY good saw blades and lubricant. Oh.... And metal. Can't forget the reason.
Get your bench pin set up, get your blade installed properly. The teeth of the saw blade should be pointing down (in the photo I use a very large saw blade for you to see the details of the saw teeth). When you run your finger from the top to the bottom of the saw blade, it should be a relatively smooth stroke down.
Bonus tip, if you have room on your saw frame, you can write the size of the blade (in pencil) on the frame. This makes it really easy to remember what size of blade you are using. To lubricate your saw blade, run the blade through the lube.
One challenge that I have faced when sawing is the blade chattering and jumping when you are attempting to get your first cut started.
My preferred method of getting the first cut started is to line the sheet metal up with where you want to start sawing on the side of your bench pin. Rest the saw blade against the metal and gently pull down.
The stabilizing bench pin stops the jumping and it gives me a very smooth start.
My preferred method of getting the first cut started is to line the sheet metal up with where you want to start sawing on the side of your bench pin. Rest the saw blade against the metal and gently pull down.
The stabilizing bench pin stops the jumping and it gives me a very smooth start.
Saw in smooth, easy strokes. Your hand on your saw handle should be light. Do not clench tightly. It takes little effort to get good results.
After I have a good start sawing, I will move my metal to the middle of my bench pin, so the metal is supported on both sides. This will also help with how smoothly the sawing goes).
That's it! Some really good information on upping your sawing game. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am very happy to help!
After I have a good start sawing, I will move my metal to the middle of my bench pin, so the metal is supported on both sides. This will also help with how smoothly the sawing goes).
That's it! Some really good information on upping your sawing game. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am very happy to help!
Materials
22 Gauge Dead Soft Sterling Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H8-22SM6
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
- Price: $55.98
- Gold Club Price: $41.99
Tools
4 Saw Frame with Tension Screw
SAW-334.00
- SAW-334.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $21.97
- Gold Club Price: $16.48
Basic Sawing Kit
G15-7
- G15-7
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $34.95
- Gold Club Price: $26.21
Cut Lube
BUR-180.00
- BUR-180.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.95
- Gold Club Price: $7.46
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- Category: Metalwork
- Technique(s): Sawing
Susan LeGuyader
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Finding My Place, a Bangle Tip
No Time for Pickling
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It's a Fit Issue
Flux Fix
Using Templates in Jewelry Making
Chain Maintenance
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A Weighty Matter
Altering an Existing Chain - From Paperclip to Petal Links
Choosing the Right Saw Blade Part 1
Choosing the Right Saw Blade Part 2
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