Sawing small things

[Sheen]

What's the best way to go about sawing tiny items like flowers abt 3mm in diameter(for decorating rings etc.) I found drawing your design on a label was not a good idea, using a pen is too inaccurate, going to try a scribe next possible blacking out with sharpie first. I struggle with the saw dust falling on the line making it very difficult to see what I'm doing. Found using a size 4/0 saw blade is much better than a 2/0 one. Any hints and tips?

[ps_bond]

For that size I'd scribe. Might be worth making up a template in thin brass - given the size, with a long handle (don't scribe round the handle, obviously ). If you can angle your main light source to show up the scribe line better that might help; I'd also be using a 4/0 for that. Blow or brush the dust off as soon as it starts to obscure; I suppose you could rig a small aquarium pump to blow the line free but that's probably more of a faff than it's worth.

[Sheen]

For that size I'd scribe. Might be worth making up a template in thin brass - given the size, with a long handle (don't scribe round the handle, obviously ). If you can angle your main light source to show up the scribe line better that might help; I'd also be using a 4/0 for that. Blow or brush the dust off as soon as it starts to obscure; I suppose you could rig a small aquarium pump to blow the line free but that's probably more of a faff than it's worth.

Thanks Peter that gives me some useful ideas. I'm going to try using a brush to remove the dust. How is a metal template used to saw shapes? I've heard it mentioned but I've never seen it done or described.

[Goldsmith]

May I say that before I mark out my flower piercing shapes I always polish the surface of the metal so tht the scribed lines stand out clear. As Peter says I always use metal templates to mark out my flower shapes, especially when making multiples of the same shape flower.

These photos may give you an idea of what I am saying, they show some of my flower patterns and shapes, I make them in copper before committing my shape ideas to precious metals.


James

[J Allison]

Maybe hold them in a small mitre jig vice to cut

[ps_bond]

How is a metal template used to saw shapes?

It's just a scribing template - you cut one out, finalise edges than scribe around it on the final metal for multiples. 0.75-1mm brass is what I usually use.
If you make it with some rotational symmetry that'll help with the handle being in the way - scribe, pick it up & rotate it e.g. one petal and finish the scribing.

For brushes, a cheap shaving brush is useful (or a paintbrush, or the traditional hares foot... I might have a rabbit foot around, but no hare).

[Sheen]

Peter, ah I see now. I have on occasion used stencil plastic (from the art shop) to make a quick stencil for matching earrings. Metal is definitely a more resilient long lasting way to go. I've never tried a hares foot! But have used make up powder brushes in the past when I made dolls house miniatures. James your templates are beautiful! I love how you shape your patterns after. Metal is so transfixing the way it bends, compresses and stretches. I love sticking something in a depression and hammering it to shape�� I'm going to try polishing my metal before I scribe and see if i get on better.

[Petal]

I regularly saw tiny things and use a hoover tube suspended above what I'm sawing, which removes the 'dust', so I can see where I'm sawing. If the hoover tube isn't suitable for the situation, use my oh's old badger brush. I also use finer blades than you should. It works for me.