How to make a bracelet
Equipment maintenance
The following is a compilation of equipment maintenance guidelines or tips from some of the industry's leading tool suppliers. (Please note: none of these suggestions replace the manufacturer's instructions for the specific equipment you have in your shop.
If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer's recommendations). Use these guidelines to establish a maintenance program to keep your workshop in good condition.
1. Regular cleaning :
Clean your tools after each use to remove residues of metal, wax, resin or other materials.
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dirt and debris. If necessary, use a mild cleaner to remove stubborn stains.
Avoid using abrasive chemicals which could damage the surfaces of your tools.
2. Lubrication :
Some tools, such as pliers and shears, may benefit from regular lubrication to ensure smooth movement and reduce wear.
Use a light lubricant such as sewing machine oil or silicone lubricant to maintain the moving parts of your tools.
3. Sharpening:
Tools such as pliers, scissors and files can become blunt over time. Be sure to sharpen them regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Use a sharpening stone or diamond file to sharpen the edges of your tools. Be sure to follow the recommended sharpening angles for each type of tool.
4. Proper storage :
Store your tools in a dry, clean place to prevent corrosion and dirt build-up.
Use storage boxes or cases to keep your tools organized and protected when not in use.
5. Regular inspection :
Inspect your tools regularly for signs of wear, damage or malfunction.
Replace damaged or worn tools immediately to avoid any risk of accidents or poor quality in your jewelry creations.
6. Proper training and use :
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use and care of your jewelry-making tools.
Train yourself in the best practices for use and maintenance of each type of tool to optimize their performance and extend their life.
Pliers
- Keep pliers oiled and polished. A polished surface is less likely to rust.
- Remove nicks if necessary by filing or sanding.
Bench blocks/anvils
- Keep the surface of the block or anvil clean and free from rust, dents or nicks. File, sand and polish the head with a diamond or white diamond compound. The finer the surface, the less likely it is to rust or imprint surface textures on your precious metals.
Vacuum casting machines
- Keep the bell and all rubber pads clean and investment-free. This is where vacuuming takes place.
- Change vacuum pump oil when it becomes cloudy.
- Drain pump water frequently. If, when checking the sight glass, you see separate oil and water, open the drain valve until all the liquid coming out is oil without water bubbles. Close the valve and fill the oil tank to the correct level.
Flexible shafts
- Lubricate the shaft every 40 to 50 hours of use (or monthly) with a light application of shaft grease.
- Replace motor brushes when they have reached ¼ inch.
- Replace worn shafts and sleeves.
- If your flexshaft is equipped with carbon brushes, always keep an extra pair on hand. Put them in a plastic bag and tie them directly to the flexshaft bushing so you always know where they are.
- If you use your flexible shaft a lot, remember to keep a backup handy.
Laser welders
- Daily: Clean the inner chamber of all debris and excess objects. Check that all safety locks are working properly.
- Weekly: wipe down the inner chamber and clean the bezel lenses as well as the protective lens. Soot or metal build-up on the lens can reduce efficiency.
- Monthly: Check the demineralized water level. Water and deionized water filters should be changed in accordance with the machine's maintenance schedule, which generally takes place every six to 12 months.
- Once a year: check the air/exhaust filter and flash lamp. Replacement is necessary.
Hammers
- Be sure to keep hammer faces polished and free from nicks or dents. File, sand and polish the heads with a diamond or white diamond compound.
Magnetic finishers/Steel shot beakers
- Keep steel shot clean by running it through a steel shot cleaner or degreasing cleaning solution (such as Coca-Cola) about once a week if you use it every day. It's best to do this in several cycles: add the cleaner for 10 minutes, rinse and repeat several times until the solution is no longer gray after 10 minutes. This will keep your jewels bright and shiny.
Ultrasonic cleaners
- Change the cleaning solution frequently, daily if necessary.
- Don't let the water level drop too low. It should always be about 1 to 1.5 inches from the top of the tank. The heating element is glued to the inside of the tank, and if the water level drops too low, the element may overheat and burn. Keep a jug of tap water next to the ultrasonic unit, so you can refill it easily if necessary.
- If your ultrasonic unit is equipped with fuses, keep spare parts on hand.
Micromotors
- To keep everything running smoothly, keep the air vents clean. If they get blocked, the micromotor could overheat.
Dust collectors
- Keep filters clean and change them regularly to maintain good air suction. Don't forget: there's precious metal in that dust, which means every bit collected contributes to your bottom line.
- Some dust collectors with bag filters have a foot pedal on the side of the machine. Each time you switch off the machine, press the pedal three or four times to shake the dust from the filters and into the collection tray. By doing so, you collect more gold, your filters last longer and your dust collector works better for longer.
Polishing cabinets
- Replace filters frequently to prevent dust from getting out of control.
- Pieces that fall into a dirty tray may be contaminated with the wrong compound. To avoid this, keep trays clean and dust-free by vacuuming frequently. Be sure to save the dust and filter to send to the refiner.
Furnaces
- Keep the door closed when not in use.
- Regularly vacuum the interior gently to help keep dust out of the elements.
- If the door sticks or becomes difficult to open and close, use graphite powder on the hinge - do not use oil.
Steam cookers (standard boiler type)
- Replace the glass gauge at least once a year, as well as the rubber washers at each end.
- Purge the steamer once a week according to the manufacturer's instructions.
