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What is a Jeweller's Saw? (And Why You'll Love Using One)
If you've ever wanted to cut intricate shapes into metal or dosome delicate piercing work for your jewellery designs, there's one tool you're going to love:a jeweller's saw.
There'snodenyingthisnifty saw isessentialtoevery jewellery maker's bench, whether you're just starting or have been making fordecades.Solet'stakea dive into what it is, how it works, and why it's sogreat.
🧰 So, What is a Jeweller's Saw?
A jeweller's saw isincredibly smallandhandheld,designedspecificallytoexpertlycut metal.Weliketothink of it as thesewingmachineversion of ajeweller'ssaw—theessential-to-have, versatiletoolthatisoddly satisfying to use once you'vefiguredouthow.
Initially, it looks like asmall hacksaw with a C-shape frame,but therealfeatureslie in the thin, fine bladesyou canswap outforvariousmetalsorothermaterials(silver, copper, brass, gold, wax, andeven plastic)!
🛠️ Important Features of a Jeweller's Saw
- Adjustable frame: Many jeweller's saws have frames that can be adjusted according to blade length and maintain proper tension.
- Super-fine blades: Jeweller'sblades come inavarietyof numbered sizes, from coarse to superfine, so youcan choose a perfect blade for the material andyour project.
- Thumb screws:These little screws at either end of the frame hold the blade in placetightly.
- Lightweight and manageable: Excellent for detailed or delicate work.
✂️ What Can You Do with theJeweller'sSaw?
The jeweller's saw is extremely versatile. Among other things, itis great for:
- cutting out shapes from sheet metal
- piercing designs (or patterns)thatareveryintricate
- trimming pieces before soldering or shaping
- making nameplates, charms and pendants
- using a variety of materials suchas metal, wax (for casting), or even acrylic.
Once you begin to useajeweller'ssaw, you'll wonder how you managed before.
💡 Tips for Using a Jeweller's Saw (andNot Breaking Every Blade)
Let’s be honest, when you start using a jeweller's sawit'slikely you'llbreak a few blades. That's normal!Below are some tips thatshould make using ajeweller's sawmoreenjoyable.
- Use lubricant.A little beeswax or blade lubricant rubbed along the bladehelps it glide through the metal andstops breakage.
- Go slow and steady. Let the saw do the work. If you pushreally hard,youwillsnaptheblade.
- Keep your saw straight. The blade should not betilted. Tilting it can cause wobbly cuts (and broken blades).
- Practice on scrap first. Beforeyouattempt your final piece,practice cutting a few shapes on a scrap piece of metal.This will help you getusedto the feel of the saw.
🧡 Why Makers Love It
The jeweller's saw is a little bit of a game changer. Itallows you to introduce freedom toyourdesignsandbrings to life those detailed,originaldesigns, especially delicate, and intricate cut-outs,whichisimpossible with snips or shears.
Want to Get Started?
At Pod Jewellery, we have aselection of jeweller's saws and saw bladesfor all levels of experience, fromcompletenovices, to experienced metalsmiths. Each product is tried, tested, and maker approved. This means you canpurchase with confidencethat your tools will help you create beautiful, professional looking jewellery.
Ready to start sawing?
Check out our Jewellers saw frames and blades and find the right fit for your bench.