Jewelers of America

Jeweler’s Saw Frame

This saw frame has remained unchanged in form and function for nearly 2,000 years. It can be adjusted to hold different types of blades for varying materials and tasks. For a blade to work properly, the frame should be held vertically to the sawn surface. Sawing motion should start at the elbow, not the wrist, to provide a long, smooth stroke. A light grip works best, allowing the blade to do the work.

Saw Blades for Metal

Metal saw blades range in size from a thick #8 down to a very thin #8/0. The most common size used is a #2/0. Choose a saw blade fine enough to have at least two teeth within the thickness of the metal being sawn.

Saw Blades for Wax

Used for cutting hard carving wax (which has a high plastic content), the wax saw blades are spiraled to shed wax residue. Like those for metal, saw blades for wax come in different widths, but even the finest wax blade will cut a wide kerf in the wax.

Bench Pin

When attached to the front of a workbench, this pin becomes the focal point where work is carried out and materials are processed.

Miter Jig (aka Cutting Vise)

Holds sheet, wire, or tubing accurately at 45 degree, 60 degree, or 90 degree angle for filing or cutting. Click here to see a related video.

Tube-Cutting Jig

Holds tubing at exact lengths while the jeweler is sawing.

Disc or Circle Cutter

Cuts circles and disks of non-ferrous sheet metals.

Hole Punch

This tool will punch an 18- to 16-gauge hole in metal. It can accommodate metals that are up to 18-gauge (0.04 inch) in thickness. Pliers format.

Guillotine Shear

Flush Cutters (aka Side Cutters)

Designed to cut wire. Their angled edges forcefully indent and wedge apart the wire, leaving mild evidence of the cut. Pliers format.

End Cutters

This hand tool has its cutting blade across the top of the jaw, perpendicular to the handle. It enables closer cuts to the metal’s surface, with less material protruding from the cut. Pliers format.