A jewellers saw frame is the one tool every bench needs, and this 100mm German-made frame is the one we reach for most in the studio. It's a classic design that's barely changed in generations, and there's a good reason for that: it's the most popular saw frame size in the world, striking the right balance between control and reach for detailed piercing work.
If you're building a tool kit and can only buy one saw frame, make it the 100mm (4 inches). That measurement is the throat depth, the distance from the blade to the back of the frame, and a deeper throat means you can saw further into a sheet of metal before the edge hits the back of the frame. It's versatile enough for cutting sterling silver sheet, wire, and findings, and it also handles wax when paired with the right blade.
The frame itself is forged steel with a hardwood handle, so it sits comfortably in the hand through long sawing sessions. A thumb screw locking device tensions the blade via serrated lugs that hold it firmly in place. Because the frame is adjustable, you can draw the blade drum tight for a cleaner cut, and it also means you can get extra life out of blades that have snapped, by adjusting the frame to take a shorter length.
Pair it with saw blades for cutting sheet metal and wire, or swap in spiral blades when you're piercing wax models, since spiral blades cut in every direction and don't need to stay lined up with the frame.
