Help me with tool list please

[Invasion]

As some of you may know I am currently trying to assemble some quality tools to start making rings. I would like to avoid starter sets. Mainly because I want good quality from the start. I don't want a work bench full of cheaper tools; that I may never use and even if I did would want to replace them in a few months for better ones. I'm thinking buy once and last a life time...... if funds permit!

Would really appreciate it if you guys could look over my list and see if I have made the right choice and mention anything I'm missing remembering just for ring making

My list so far
Foredom Sr Pendant motor

Optivisor no5

GRS Benchmate Bench pin kit and fixed mounting plate

Vallorbe 6" 150mm half round file, slim, cut 2

Thor Rawhide hammer size 2, 1 and half inch head diameter

Durston Round Marked Triblet A-z+6, hardened steel 360mm 14" 12-15mms Diameter

Soldering kit with borax cone and dish etc

Sievert torch

Saftey pickle and container (maybe slow cooker or baby bottle warmer)

Half Round ring pliers (not sure on which ones)

Buff sticks

Fixed saw frame eclipse 3 inch frame depth ( seems good as any)what was blades will I need ?

Thanks for looking really appreciate it :)

[CJ57]

Small slow cooker for your pickle and I use alum powder which you can get in the food section of amazon really cheaply
The triblet really doesn’t need to be Durston, they are producing everything at a rate of knots, really expensive and not always better

[Invasion]

Small slow cooker for your pickle and I use alum powder which you can get in the food section of amazon really cheaply
The triblet really doesn’t need to be Durston, they are producing everything at a rate of knots, really expensive and not always better

Thanks for the info really appreciated :)
Fair enough on the triblet. Doesn't everything get chucked out now so quickly; that quality suffers despite the high price tag. What would you recommend instead ?
Many thanks

[CJ57]

I’m with you about buying the best. I made do for a very long time until I could buy the best.
I have the triblet I got after college in 1979 and I have a ring stick I probably bought from Cookson. I don’t make rings very often but this question came up recently which might help you https://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9448&highlight=Wheatsheaf

I’ve had my Sievert torch since then too but others will give you their preferences. It’s a good starter torch though and it’s always met my needs.
Vallorbe saw blades are the best too

[enigma]

I use the everflex burrs for all my work, I find it much easier to get a good finish than with papers.
Other than that I prefer the Smiths little torch over the Sievert as it gives a much finer flame so far easier for accuracy and also has the power to handle big items if you start doing cuffs etc later.
I use 6/0 and 4/0 saw blades, generally Vallorbe.
You will also need some lubricant, everybody has their preferences but I like the burr life cut lube.
I also prefer Auroflux to borax but Im lazy like that....
I love my Durston ring stretcher/reducer but they are expensive so something to think about later perhaps if you are making a lot.
A pair of round and a pair of snipe nose pliers would be useful to have.

[Dennis]

The item that caught my eye was the 3" saw frame, which severely restricts the size of sheet yo can saw. 5" would be better.

I am also very much against buying a whole lot of tools, some of which you will never use and simply build up a tools grave yard.
Rather than go for an expensive mega-shop, you would do well to join a class in a well equipped workshop, so that yo can try a whole range of tools. Then only buy what you absolutely need for the project in hand.

I favour this video as a sensible introduction to ring making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN5RjofUhXY Dennis.

[Sheen]

Enigma, Does the auroflux have any health risks associated with it? Most of the premade fluxs seem to be much worse compared to borax. I'm never that keen to heat something toxic into the air.

[Goldsmith]

I agree with Dennis, don't buy a lot of tools, buy them as you need them. When I first started all I had was a saw frame and some files, I made my own half round pliers by filing some standard pliers into shape and some 57 years later I still use these large half round pliers for some jobs. If you do intend buying some half round pliers, check out the parallel pliers on amazon, like these;https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parallel-Action-Pliers-Jewelry-Crafts/dp/B01FW0XEDW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1530858624&sr=8-2&keywords=parallel+half+round+pliers
Also may I ask where you are based? some of us older workers may have some spare tools to share.

James

[handmadeblanks]

I am still a relative newbie...but in my full time job I am constantly reminded about the importance of health and safety. I must complete regular refresher courses on H&S. Others may laugh at this, but to me, the very first things you ought to buy--which I don't see on your list or maybe they were just too obvious to mention--are:


1) Eye protection (Safety glasses):dewalt-protector-pro-clear-lens-safety-specs/6222t (http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-protector-pro-clear-lens-safety-specs/6222t)
2) Ear defenders (especially since you will be hammering): ear-defenders-27-6db-snr/6191d (http://www.screwfix.com/p/ear-defenders-27-6db-snr/6191d)
3) Cut Resistant gloves: site-cutmaster-cut-5-gloves-black-large/8810p (http://www.screwfix.com/p/site-cutmaster-cut-5-gloves-black-large/8810p)
4) Face Shield: bolle-sphere-sphere-face-shield-black/1008f (http://www.screwfix.com/p/bolle-sphere-sphere-face-shield-black/1008f)

I use the face shield (4) whenever I use my torch, this is in addition to my glasses. It may be overkill, but they are rated to protect against molten metal splashes.

All are cheap but what they protect are priceless. The gloves might be a little bulky for delicate work, but I use them whenever I am cutting or sawing anything else.

Sorry if I am stating the obvious, but I often see tradesmen working on peoples houses, they are outside cutting wood with a power saw...no eye or ear protection...it fills me with horror!

I own some of the other tools on your list but would rather let the more experienced jewellers comment on those, however I needed to mention that the Optivisor DA-5 is an essential tool for me. They are comfortable, they fit over safety glasses and I can wear them with ear defenders. I also own this Led-Magnifying-Compact-Table-Lamp--Pro-prcode-997-1413 (http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Led-Magnifying-Compact-Table-Lamp--Pro-prcode-997-1413)

[Dennis]

On health and safety. I have a fire blanket, which hangs up in full view. Though I've never used it, there is no convenient defence if a fire suddenly flares up, bigger than a foot print.

They cost very little. https://www.google.com/search?q=fire+blanket&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b Dennis.

[enigma]

On health and safety I fully agree with protective goggles and also a dust mask is an absolute must, I don't bother with anything else personally but not using those would be very daft.

Re the Auroflux, it doesn't say on the product info but it doesn't cause any problems to my skin and I use it all so disposal isn't an issue.

[Invasion]

The item that caught my eye was the 3" saw frame, which severely restricts the size of sheet yo can saw. 5" would be better.

I am also very much against buying a whole lot of tools, some of which you will never use and simply build up a tools grave yard.
Rather than go for an expensive mega-shop, you would do well to join a class in a well equipped workshop, so that yo can try a whole range of tools. Then only buy what you absolutely need for the project in hand.

I favour this video as a sensible introduction to ring making: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN5RjofUhXY Dennis.Thanks for that Dennis :) I will amend my order for a 5" saw. Appreciate the link. I have watched a lot of Andrews Videos andI have also joined At The Bench so have now watched the series you linked.


I agree with Dennis, don't buy a lot of tools, buy them as you need them. When I first started all I had was a saw frame and some files, I made my own half round pliers by filing some standard pliers into shape and some 57 years later I still use these large half round pliers for some jobs. If you do intend buying some half round pliers, check out the parallel pliers on amazon, like these;https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parallel-Action-Pliers-Jewelry-Crafts/dp/B01FW0XEDW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1530858624&sr=8-2&keywords=parallel+half+round+pliers
Also may I ask where you are based? some of us older workers may have some spare tools to share.

Thanks James,
I was intending to get some half round pliers I looked at Bergeon Brand 130mm although they are £33.95 I also wanted some parallel pliers will look at the ones you lined to. I am near Cambridge I notice you live in Surrey I visit Dorking quite often.

James

Thanks James,
I was intending to get some half round pliers I looked at Bergeon Brand 130mm although they are £33.95 I also wanted some parallel pliers will look at the ones you lined to. I am near Cambridge I notice you live in Surrey I visit Dorking quite often.


I am still a relative newbie...but in my full time job I am constantly reminded about the importance of health and safety. I must complete regular refresher courses on H&S. Others may laugh at this, but to me, the very first things you ought to buy--which I don't see on your list or maybe they were just too obvious to mention--are:


1) Eye protection (Safety glasses):dewalt-protector-pro-clear-lens-safety-specs/6222t (http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-protector-pro-clear-lens-safety-specs/6222t)
2) Ear defenders (especially since you will be hammering): ear-defenders-27-6db-snr/6191d (http://www.screwfix.com/p/ear-defenders-27-6db-snr/6191d)
3) Cut Resistant gloves: site-cutmaster-cut-5-gloves-black-large/8810p (http://www.screwfix.com/p/site-cutmaster-cut-5-gloves-black-large/8810p)
4) Face Shield: bolle-sphere-sphere-face-shield-black/1008f (http://www.screwfix.com/p/bolle-sphere-sphere-face-shield-black/1008f)

I use the face shield (4) whenever I use my torch, this is in addition to my glasses. It may be overkill, but they are rated to protect against molten metal splashes.

All are cheap but what they protect are priceless. The gloves might be a little bulky for delicate work, but I use them whenever I am cutting or sawing anything else.

Sorry if I am stating the obvious, but I often see tradesmen working on peoples houses, they are outside cutting wood with a power saw...no eye or ear protection...it fills me with horror!

I own some of the other tools on your list but would rather let the more experienced jewellers comment on those, however I needed to mention that the Optivisor DA-5 is an essential tool for me. They are comfortable, they fit over safety glasses and I can wear them with ear defenders. I also own this Led-Magnifying-Compact-Table-Lamp--Pro-prcode-997-1413 (http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Led-Magnifying-Compact-Table-Lamp--Pro-prcode-997-1413)
Thanks for the advice
I totally agree with the health and safety side of things. Having been severely unwell for some time and resulting in being intensive care on life support..it really makes you realise if you haven't got your health you have nothing!

I fully intend on wearing a good half mask with correct filters. I love the JSP force 8 masks with press to check I have P3 and A2 combo filters on mine at the moment. Nothing worse than seeing people not using a mask or using one that isn't doing anything as it doesn't fit properly.

I personally would love some ambient extraction and plan get some as soon as I can as airborne contaminate are present for days..so no good taking mask off and staying in same room really!

[Invasion]

I use the everflex burrs for all my work, I find it much easier to get a good finish than with papers.
Other than that I prefer the Smiths little torch over the Sievert as it gives a much finer flame so far easier for accuracy and also has the power to handle big items if you start doing cuffs etc later.
I use 6/0 and 4/0 saw blades, generally Vallorbe.
You will also need some lubricant, everybody has their preferences but I like the burr life cut lube.
I also prefer Auroflux to borax but Im lazy like that....
I love my Durston ring stretcher/reducer but they are expensive so something to think about later perhaps if you are making a lot.
A pair of round and a pair of snipe nose pliers would be useful to have.

Thanks for the info really appreciated :)
I was going to ask about saw blades so ill get 6/0 and 4/0 by Vallorbe