I've discovered two handy tools in our studio. They are not new, but I've never used them in the way that I am using them now.
The first is quite simple and I need to knock myself in the forehead like the old v8 commercials for not thinking of it sooner, duh! Okay, here it is, drum roll, 2" masking tape! Yep, you heard me, 2" masking tape. Just cover your piece of metal with the wide masking tape, draw the design you need to saw out on it and saw away!!! It doesn't move while your sawing but is easy to remove when you're through. I use a pencil, so it doesn't smear and I can erase, love it!
The second is this little 3" grinder that Norm got for me at, you guessed it Harbor Freight. It is a small bench top grinder with an attached flex shaft. On the left hand wheel there is a semi soft "fiber" wheel. I am now using this instead of my sanding sponges to take the sharp edged off of my metal! It's amazing, just run the edges on it and Presto they are rounded, no more sharp edges! And so fast!! Humongous bonus, it is under $30.00! This is my most favorite tool of 2012! Okay, it's my first most favorite tool of 2012, I'm sure there will be many more to come, at least I hope so! Happy New Year!
About Me
- Kim St.Jean
- Kim St. Jean is an award winning instructor, author and jewelry designer. She has been teaching jewelry classes for 14 years. Kim has been published in numerous magazines and books. She has appeared on several beading/craft television programs and has her first book out entitled Mixed Metal Mania, and a second one due out Spring 2012 entitled Metal Magic-Learn to Etch, Enamel, Pierce and Set Stunning Jewelry. Kim’s home base is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she and her husband, Norm, own Studio St. Jean. She and Norm spend much of the year traveling across the country teaching classes at bead shows, jewelry schools, guilds, clubs, studios and stores. In 2012 Kim and Norm can be found at the AdornMe! Show in Houston, Beadfest shows in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, and Arlington, the Wire Masters Retreats, The Bead & Button Show, The William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, and John C. Campbell Folk School. Kim can also be seen in Beaducation On-Line Classes and on Beads, Baubles and Jewels. For more info or an updated schedule please visit her website: www.kimstjean.com.
6 comments:
Thanks for the tool tips, Kim! I agree, that Harbor Freight Bench Grinder is da bomb!
Also, something I learned at Penland. You can take a design from the internet and adjust the print size to the desired measurements, and print it onto label paper, then you just cut it out and press it onto sheet and saw away. You can print multiples also. in case you need more than one. So easy!
Great idea, Kim. Must investigate that bench grinder, it sounds like a great idea.
I'm glad you are enjoying the tips. I'll have to try the label paper! So much easier than paper and rubber cement!
i'm glad you really like that particular bench grinder, i just ordered the same exact one a few days ago.
christine
The grinder is totally cool!
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