Ordinary Tools

When you think of a jeweler's tools, many images might come to mind: a torch perhaps, or a hammer. Maybe a rotary drill, a file or a jeweler's saw. But some of the tools jewelers use are remarkably ordinary. From time to time, I'll post some of my "ordinary tools," starting today.

Only for the most delicate jobs. (Creative Commons image)

One of my favorites, when the old pickaxe isn't up to the job, and always handy in my bench drawer -- is double-sided clear adhesive tape. There are many uses for this sticky stuff, but I reliably turn to it for at least two tasks.

Scotch brand double-sided tape. Yup. It's one of my favorite tools.

First, when I have a design on paper that I need to transfer to sheet metal, double-stick tape is my go-to gripper. If the image is larger than the width of a section of tape, I apply as many rows as needed, lined up closely against one another without overlapping. The adhesive power is very good without being overbearing, so sawing doesn't dislodge the image as I work, and removal afterwards is fairly quick. The excess tape tends to catch the swarf as I saw, so I just peel it off after use and toss it -- and everything sticking to it -- into my sweeps jar.

Double-sided tape doing its duty. It holds up under sawing better than anything I've tried.

Second job is holding small parts to be sanded. The tape sticks to the workpiece to be sanded, and also to my finger. Everything is anchored together. The adhesive does start to melt when a piece gets searingly hot, but so do the nerves in my finger. So if I needed more than one reason to pause, that's two.

Double-stick tape - sticks to my finger AND to the work piece. Not quite as catchy as the M&Ms slogan, but it will do.

Ready to sand. It's finger stickin' good!

I think I'm hungry. Time for a snack.