A fabric cleaner doubles as a de-vesting tool

By Gary Dawson

Before you get ready to set stones or detail a casting at the bench, you have to ensure the cast piece is free of all remaining investment.

My friend Gary Swank of Gary Swank Jewelers in Portland, Oregon, introduced me to one of the best tools I’ve even used for de-vesting—and it can’t be found in a jewelry tool supply catalog.

The Saga MT-100 Fabric Spot Cleaner is a time-saving and super efficient de-vesting device that also works well for cleaning excess wax and wax shavings off milled wax models.

Shooting a high-pressure water stream, it removes in minutes standard investments as well as investments formulated to work with photopolymer resins, saving a ton of toothbrush time. Sometimes available used on eBay or Amazon, the Saga MT-100 can be purchased new for around $50.

When using this tool, it’s important to follow standard safety precautions, as it causes tiny particles of investment to enter the air. Always wear a filter mask when using it and be sure to keep the intense spray away from your hands. It’s not only painful if it hits you, but could also tear your skin.