Most miter jigs have two holes in the face of them for securing the jig to something else. I put two nails in the side of my bench pin where the flat jaws of the jig match the flat part of my pin perfectly. In addition to making tube and other smaller pieces easily cut, it can also secure sheet in place. Angling the saw forward can help with sawing perfectly straight lines. If you use an adjustable saw frame, bless your heart, but make sure you check the blade alignment often, even during projects. Any deviation from true alignment will cause headaches and blade breaks. I shoved a chunk of bee's wax in a groove on my pin and use it while sawing or using my handpiece.
The tape trick is neat. I like it. Thank you for putting this video up with all the little tricks and your knowledge. I am going to make me a sawing block and I will use some of your ideas because I like the holes in the side to hold your wire and stuff and the divots in the top so that I can sand a flat spot on balls is great. If you look at a lot of silver bracelets they have 1/2 balls as decorations and that idea is sweet. Thank you Chad. Thank you big time.
Thank you. That was very informative. Thats why i like your videos, they are always packed with tips and trickes. So again thank you! I just bought the book you showed at the beginning and i love it!
Hello Chad, I have enjoyed your videos and your channel has helped me improve my work. I want to share a tip with you for cutting round tubing. I use a small, inexpensive plumbing pipe cutter instead of a saw, I find my cuts are much easier to make and more uniform and clean. Give it a try sometime! :)
@@chadssilversmithing I havent found a lower size limit yet, using a small, hand-held type of plumbing pipe cutter, although I am usually working on tubing in the 5mm to 12mm range. there will be models on the market that should work all the way down to perhaps 1-2mm. :)
@@JustME-ft4di The kind I use doesnt have handles. if you look up " Mini Copper Pipe Cutter" you should be able to find them. They are for HVAC or Refrigeration, commercially, for cutting copper pipe of small diameters, usually in tight spaces.
Nice tips. Im not a silversmith. More of a piddlefarting in my shop that finds me needing to cut small shapes from time to time with my saw. The first tip to get accurately started was a "duh" moment. Thanks.
One trick ive learnt is to use superglue to hold sheets together. Clean everything with acetone first, then clamp on something flat. The parts are easy to pop apart after with either a torch, or a soak in acetone. I really like that frame! Might have to make one... lol
Like most things, I find the best way to get better at sawing, is to do it. Yes you will make mistakes. Don't be afraid of this. The only people who don't make mistakes are the ones who don't do anything. (I saved the scrap from my mistakes and cast it into a pendant that I wear to remind myself that mistakes are OK) Thank you for the tips. (I use double sticky tape to stick several layers together. It works great)
@@chadssilversmithingI use super glue to keep layers in place. All sticky stuff fills up your blade with gunk and makes the job harder. Super glue is more like metal to saw through when it's dry and when you're done, you just heat up the piece with a torch for a few sec and the glue looses it's power 🙂 Another plus is that the pieces are so close together you can do all the filing and polishing of the edges while glued so you get a perfect mirrored/identical result.
I have been looking at your bench peg and wondered why such an enormous slot? I bought a larger one with three slots, one like yours but narrower in front and one smaller from each side. Find myself useing the smallest one most of the time, so when I'm gonna make one myself, i would do a 5mm wide slot from the front that goes 4-5cm in. 🙂
Hello Lola! I’d buy a variety pack to start. That way you can figure out which ones work best for your specific needs. Pepe Tools has some nice ones after you figure out which sizes you use the most.
Yes, most people have always told me that 3 of the teeth should be touching the metal at any given time, so choose a size that makes that happen for the thickness of sheet you are using:)
@chadssilversmithing Following the 3 teeth per metals' thickness is a recipe for frustration. Finer blades, properly tensioned and used in a focused and relaxed way, wins the day! 😅
It is not showing up on RUclips’s version of the store for some reason, but if you go to the link to the main Fourthwall store near the top, you should be able to see them. I will try to rectify the problem Early next week.
I would use a bench pin with a much narrower slit, especially when sawing thin sheet. The more of supporting surface you have, the less bending and vibrating you get on the sheet, making things a lot easier.
Can I ask how you collect your saw dust without a jewellery bench with an apron. Atm I have a baking tray that slides out over a box on a shelf under my bench pin that I half balance on my knees 😂. Problem is it gets in the way of the saw handle. I like to collect as much dust as possible because I use it for texturing. The main problem I have with sawing is not the saw hand but the hand holding the metal cramping up. I have a lot of muscle weakness because I have EDS and ME/Cfs and I am trying to find a solution. I have found a way to rest my wrist on a second bench pin next to it but it is still not easy. One thing with sawing is to use the whole blade rather than just grind away with part of it. Good tip on the tubing! I will try that. I find ppl bench pins fascinating. I notice that proper bench jewellers never really cut bits out and wonder why.
Hello JustMe! My sawing area has a rubber mat on the floor that catches most of it. I’m sorry to hear about your hand problems. I appreciate you sharing your tips here as well:)
Have you tried to keep your metal in place by double sided tape to the bench peg and a very narrow slot? It might help you enough so that you don't need as much force to keep it still while sawing 🙂
I've been a metalsmith for 4-5 yrs, but I avoid sawing bec. I suck at it. You gave me some good tips: turning the sheet and not the saw and always starting from a hole inside. TY! I have a bench block tip for you that I picked up from Diamond Mounter. Saw a 1/2" narrow slot towards your bench and parallel to it to hold tweezers as a third hand for soldering. ruclips.net/video/Xffqez5vDi4/видео.html. And use: ruclips.net/video/XDF1n7dVvNg/видео.html. He's a funny perfectionist. Again, Thank You!!
More tips: * CA (Crazy glue) glue multiple pieces together to cut. Warm lightly with torch to release. Tape can clog the teeth of your saw blade. * first draw of blade against the cut to create an easy start * Beeswax way better than synthetic lube tube * Use a finer blade (size) than the current rule of 3 teeth per metals thickness. Heavier blades are MUCH more difficult and don't produce as nice a job as a nice tight fine blade. Example: I use 4/0 for 26g through 20g. Sharp and steady wins the day! I dont EVER use anyblade larger than a 3/0. * When stuck, let go of the metal, lift the blade, and lightly drop it back down to your pin. The metal sheet usually pops free gently. * If you dont want to make your own pin, the horseshoe shaped pin on Amazon with various holes is inexpensive ($9.95 + free shipping) and so far the best (budget) pin for sawing I've used. The Knew Concepts sawing plate system is superb but expensive. * Bench pin should not be too low. * Relax, let the tool do the work. And one I rarely see mentioned: * Use the entire length of the blade. If only one small area is used, and often used too quickly, the heat generated can anneal the blade. It will then be annealed unevenly and cause twisting and blade breakage. * Final tip (yeah, right...lol😅): When its just not working, it might NOT be you. There are occasional defective saw blades, so grab a fresh one and continue! I love tip videos. They are always so helpful to our community. Thank you, Chad!
Thank you for putting up all these great additional tips. I know I can count on you to add valuable information for my viewers, and I really appreciate it! You’re awesome Flying Chef!
Most miter jigs have two holes in the face of them for securing the jig to something else. I put two nails in the side of my bench pin where the flat jaws of the jig match the flat part of my pin perfectly. In addition to making tube and other smaller pieces easily cut, it can also secure sheet in place. Angling the saw forward can help with sawing perfectly straight lines. If you use an adjustable saw frame, bless your heart, but make sure you check the blade alignment often, even during projects. Any deviation from true alignment will cause headaches and blade breaks.
I shoved a chunk of bee's wax in a groove on my pin and use it while sawing or using my handpiece.
Thank you for the great advice Stephen!
great tip for the tube cutting
Thanks Meteor!
The tape trick is neat. I like it. Thank you for putting this video up with all the little tricks and your knowledge. I am going to make me a sawing block and I will use some of your ideas because I like the holes in the side to hold your wire and stuff and the divots in the top so that I can sand a flat spot on balls is great. If you look at a lot of silver bracelets they have 1/2 balls as decorations and that idea is sweet. Thank you Chad. Thank you big time.
My pleasure Jim!
Newby here - Thank you so much for the tips and ideas - much appreciated.
You’re welcome Dora! Thanks for the nice comment:)
Thank you. That was very informative. Thats why i like your videos, they are always packed with tips and trickes.
So again thank you! I just bought the book you showed at the beginning and i love it!
I’m so glad Tammie! Thank you:)
Hello Chad, I have enjoyed your videos and your channel has helped me improve my work. I want to share a tip with you for cutting round tubing. I use a small, inexpensive plumbing pipe cutter instead of a saw, I find my cuts are much easier to make and more uniform and clean. Give it a try sometime! :)
Good idea Dason! Will it cut really small tubing, or is there a lower size limit to its effectiveness?
@@chadssilversmithing I havent found a lower size limit yet, using a small, hand-held type of plumbing pipe cutter, although I am usually working on tubing in the 5mm to 12mm range. there will be models on the market that should work all the way down to perhaps 1-2mm. :)
@@DasonMartingreat tip!
I am really interested in this. I just looked and there are several kinds. Is yours round or does it have handles like pliers?
@@JustME-ft4di The kind I use doesnt have handles. if you look up " Mini Copper Pipe Cutter" you should be able to find them. They are for HVAC or Refrigeration, commercially, for cutting copper pipe of small diameters, usually in tight spaces.
Nice tips. Im not a silversmith. More of a piddlefarting in my shop that finds me needing to cut small shapes from time to time with my saw. The first tip to get accurately started was a "duh" moment. Thanks.
Hehe! When someone taught me that I also had a “duh” moment:)
One trick ive learnt is to use superglue to hold sheets together. Clean everything with acetone first, then clamp on something flat. The parts are easy to pop apart after with either a torch, or a soak in acetone.
I really like that frame! Might have to make one... lol
Good trick steamerpowered! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Like most things, I find the best way to get better at sawing, is to do it. Yes you will make mistakes. Don't be afraid of this. The only people who don't make mistakes are the ones who don't do anything. (I saved the scrap from my mistakes and cast it into a pendant that I wear to remind myself that mistakes are OK)
Thank you for the tips. (I use double sticky tape to stick several layers together. It works great)
Good idea on the double sided tape! I also find that my mistakes are where I learn the most:)
@@chadssilversmithingI use super glue to keep layers in place.
All sticky stuff fills up your blade with gunk and makes the job harder.
Super glue is more like metal to saw through when it's dry and when you're done, you just heat up the piece with a torch for a few sec and the glue looses it's power 🙂
Another plus is that the pieces are so close together you can do all the filing and polishing of the edges while glued so you get a perfect mirrored/identical result.
I have been looking at your bench peg and wondered why such an enormous slot? I bought a larger one with three slots, one like yours but narrower in front and one smaller from each side. Find myself useing the smallest one most of the time, so when I'm gonna make one myself, i would do a 5mm wide slot from the front that goes 4-5cm in. 🙂
Yeah, I’m going to make a new one soon with some narrower spots built in!
What size of blades do you use where do you buy them thanks
Hello Lola! I’d buy a variety pack to start. That way you can figure out which ones work best for your specific needs. Pepe Tools has some nice ones after you figure out which sizes you use the most.
I recommend pack of 3/0 4/0. Use em' for 28g - 18g +. You'll almost never use the larger ones if you want good clean lines in piercing. 😊
Are there different sizes of blades for different gauges of metal?
Yes, most people have always told me that 3 of the teeth should be touching the metal at any given time, so choose a size that makes that happen for the thickness of sheet you are using:)
@chadssilversmithing thank you
@chadssilversmithing Following the 3 teeth per metals' thickness is a recipe for frustration. Finer blades, properly tensioned and used in a focused and relaxed way, wins the day! 😅
Can't find your new apron on your site or links 😢
It is not showing up on RUclips’s version of the store for some reason, but if you go to the link to the main Fourthwall store near the top, you should be able to see them. I will try to rectify the problem Early next week.
I would use a bench pin with a much narrower slit, especially when sawing thin sheet. The more of supporting surface you have, the less bending and vibrating you get on the sheet, making things a lot easier.
That's great advice torstenneuer! I will definitely create a narrow slot on my next one. Thanks for the good comment:)
Can I ask how you collect your saw dust without a jewellery bench with an apron.
Atm I have a baking tray that slides out over a box on a shelf under my bench pin that I half balance on my knees 😂.
Problem is it gets in the way of the saw handle.
I like to collect as much dust as possible because I use it for texturing.
The main problem I have with sawing is not the saw hand but the hand holding the metal cramping up. I have a lot of muscle weakness because I have EDS and ME/Cfs and I am trying to find a solution. I have found a way to rest my wrist on a second bench pin next to it but it is still not easy.
One thing with sawing is to use the whole blade rather than just grind away with part of it.
Good tip on the tubing! I will try that.
I find ppl bench pins fascinating. I notice that proper bench jewellers never really cut bits out and wonder why.
Hello JustMe! My sawing area has a rubber mat on the floor that catches most of it. I’m sorry to hear about your hand problems. I appreciate you sharing your tips here as well:)
Have you tried to keep your metal in place by double sided tape to the bench peg and a very narrow slot? It might help you enough so that you don't need as much force to keep it still while sawing 🙂
I've been a metalsmith for 4-5 yrs, but I avoid sawing bec. I suck at it. You gave me some good tips: turning the sheet and not the saw and always starting from a hole inside. TY! I have a bench block tip for you that I picked up from Diamond Mounter. Saw a 1/2" narrow slot towards your bench and parallel to it to hold tweezers as a third hand for soldering. ruclips.net/video/Xffqez5vDi4/видео.html. And use: ruclips.net/video/XDF1n7dVvNg/видео.html. He's a funny perfectionist. Again, Thank You!!
Thank you Nancy! I appreciate the suggestions and the kind comments:). Take care!
Chris knows his stuff! I've done that pin tip, it's a good one!
get power saw, turn it on, use it wathc out for feet and hands., above all turn of cell phones.
:)
More tips:
* CA (Crazy glue) glue multiple pieces together to cut. Warm lightly with torch to release. Tape can clog the teeth of your saw blade.
* first draw of blade against the cut to create an easy start
* Beeswax way better than synthetic lube tube
* Use a finer blade (size) than the current rule of 3 teeth per metals thickness. Heavier blades are MUCH more difficult and don't produce as nice a job as a nice tight fine blade. Example: I use 4/0 for 26g through 20g. Sharp and steady wins the day! I dont EVER use anyblade larger than a 3/0.
* When stuck, let go of the metal, lift the blade, and lightly drop it back down to your pin. The metal sheet usually pops free gently.
* If you dont want to make your own pin, the horseshoe shaped pin on Amazon with various holes is inexpensive ($9.95 + free shipping) and so far the best (budget) pin for sawing I've used. The Knew Concepts sawing plate system is superb but expensive.
* Bench pin should not be too low.
* Relax, let the tool do the work. And one I rarely see mentioned:
* Use the entire length of the blade. If only one small area is used, and often used too quickly, the heat generated can anneal the blade. It will then be annealed unevenly and cause twisting and blade breakage.
* Final tip (yeah, right...lol😅):
When its just not working, it might NOT be you. There are occasional defective saw blades, so grab a fresh one and continue!
I love tip videos. They are always so helpful to our community. Thank you, Chad!
Thank you for putting up all these great additional tips. I know I can count on you to add valuable information for my viewers, and I really appreciate it! You’re awesome Flying Chef!
@@chadssilversmithing awww, shucks! 🌺
Shoulders OUT of your ears, and.....breeeeeee-TH! 😅 🌺 🌺
My shoulders do keep hanging out by my ears a lot these days:)