Greener Ways (Part 2)
Small changes at the bench can make a difference
Compiled by Shannon L. Brown
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a two-part series on green bench tips shared by jewelers who are taking an eco-friendlier approach in their shops. Click here for Part 1.
A Clean Break with Chemicals
Tired of dumping chemicals into your ultrasonic? Make a clean break with Dawn dish soap, which works well for cleaning polishing compound and grease from stone settings. It’s also less expensive than standard chemical solutions. —Jennifer Dawes, Dawes Design, Santa Rosa, California
Making it Last
Instead of throwing away dull setting burs, send them out to be re-sharpened. Check with your tool supplier for suggestions on service providers. Although the bur won’t look like new when it returns to your shop, it will cut an even seat. As a bonus, the re-sharpening process makes burs slightly smaller, so you’ll end up with sizes in between standard sizes, giving you the right bur for every job. —Mark McNown, MWM Goldsmithing, Portland, Oregon
Past Perfect
Switching out your standard pickle for natural citric acid pickle is a nod to tradition, as natural acids have been in use for generations. And it’s an easy way to be green. The citric acid takes slightly longer to work than the chemical varieties, but it gives equally good results.—Marc Choyt, Reflective Images, Santa Fe, New Mexico