Jewelry Supplies and Materials
- Ganoskin - Tons of information on every facet of jewelry making and metal working. Their archives are full of answers to all of your questions so, now you don’t need to reinvent the wheel!
- Metal Clay Academy - You want to know about metal clay – go here!
Jewelry Tools and Materials
- Gesswein - I like Gesswein’s products. I always get what I ask for, with no hassle and they offer products that Rio may not carry. There are three big problems with them though: 1. Their website stinks. I can never find anything with their search engine. It is also difficult to find things via their site in general. 2. They take a bit longer than Rio Grande in shipping out their merchandise. 3. Their site is very slow to load and their search engine is slow. Other than those three points, I stand behind them.
- Koil Kutter - Dave Arens has created this great method for cutting jump rings. It will cut Silver, Sterling, Brass, Bronze, Gold and Copper. He also has a few other products available. You can only contact him via email which is: gemstonesetc@gainbroadband.com.
- Metalliferous - Big metal supplier. Lots of different shapes, sizes and thicknesses of sheet, wire, tubing, etc. Copper and brass stampings, nuts and bolts and other strange things are available here. Some of them I don’t get (like this) but, hey, it’s not my store! Always get what I ask for and they are efficient. Good PDF online catalog.
- Otto Frei - Metal, Tools, Materials, Findings. Otto Frei offers many different tools and materials that are not available at Rio Grande. The people who work there are great
- Reactive Metals - Get your Niobium, Titanium, Anodizers, Mokume Gane, Bi-Metal, Alloys, Patinas, Nuts and Bolts, Taps and Dies, Drill bits and these cool silver things they call Impressions (page 15) here and so much more. It’s a fun place to shop and explore. PDF online catalog.
- Rio Grande - Sheet Metal, Gems, Tools, you name it. My main supplier because of their great prices, easily navigable website, great customer service and excellent shipping and turnaround times. The only complaints that I have are that they have limited tubing and wire selections and not much of a choice in copper/brass or bronze metals.
Individual Tools
Dapping Sets
Hammers
- Ball Pein Hammer, 2oz – Rio Grande
- Bonny Doon Urethane Forming Hammer – Rio Grande
- French Riveting Hammer – Rio Grande
- Fretz Chasing Hammer, HMR17 – Rio Grande
- Peddinghaus Forming Hammer – Rio Grande
- Peddinghaus Planishing Hammer – Rio Grande
- Rawhide Mallet, 6oz – Rio Grande
Hand Notchers
Flex Shafts
- Harbor Freight Flex Shaft
- Foredom Flex Shafts (1 of many)
- Foredom 18 Quick-Change Hand Piece (Rio Grande)
- A variety of different Quick-Change Hand Pieces (Rio Grande)
Mandrel Holders
- Mandrel Holder – Rio Grande
- Universal or Turret Mandrel Holder – Contenti
- Keep your eyes open for a Blacksmith’s Cone Anvil – I have one and love it – it’s my main forging tool for round shapes. Haven’t checked this links out and it’s smaller, by far, than the one I own. But, this is all that I’ve found so far.
- Mohave Southern Machine Works – Blacksmiths and Forge Supply
Miter Cutting Vise
- Miter Cutting Vise, pricey but good – Rio Grande
- Miter Cutting Vise, 45°, 60° and 90° angles, less pricey – Rio Grande
- Miter Cutting Vise, Economy – Rio Grande
- Still waiting for a wider one, people!
Riveting
Tube Cutting
- Bergeon Tubing Cutters – Rio Grande
- Four Angle Tubing Cutter – Rio Grande
- Tube Holding and Cutting Pliers – Rio Grande
Hi Chase, That’s an interesting question. I’m assuming you are talking about the hammer handpiece? I use mine with both my Harbor Freight flex shaft and my Foredom. They both work. As to buying the cheaper model of flex shaft: There are a few things to ponder on. Can you afford the better quality one? The Foredom is a better tool that will last longer. But, if you’re tight on money – the Harbor Freight version works fine. I’ve had three HF’s for about 9 years. Rio Grande also offers a flex shaft by Prodigy for $100.00 (http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Prodigy-Flex-Shaft-System/117095?pos=17). I’ve not used it though so, I cannot give you my opinion. Good luck and enjoy whatever you purchase. Nancy
hey nancy,
i was wondering if you know if the auto hammer extension for foredom flexshafts would fit a harbor freight chicago flexshaft…because i m looking for a flexshaft (dremel just aint cutting it) and if most other extensions fit it i will get the cheaper harbor freight….do you think this is wise or should i just get the foredom