Pixel Tracking
  • Home /
  • Blog List /
  • Jeweller’s Bench Setup Guide: Essential Tools for Jewellery Making

Jeweller’s Bench Setup Guide: Essential Tools for Jewellery Making

Date: 21-02-2025
Tool Tips

 

Whether you’re an experienced goldsmith or just starting your jewellery-making journey, setting up a well-equipped jeweller’s bench is the cornerstone of your craft.
In this guide, Bill – a qualified jeweller and AJS expert – walks through the essential tools every jewellery bench should include, sharing practical insights to help improve efficiency, precision, and workflow.

Bench Layout and Organisation

An efficient workspace starts with smart organisation. Bill recommends arranging frequently used tools within easy reach of your dominant hand – forming tools on one side, precision tools on the other.
This simple setup minimises movement, reduces fatigue, and improves overall productivity at the bench.

Forming and Hardening Tools

A steel block is a jeweller’s essential for forming, chasing, and hardening wire. To protect it from rust, apply a light layer of synthetic machine oil after use.
Complementing the block, a mini anvil offers additional shaping options, featuring a swaging section for creating soft curves and three-dimensional forms — perfect for metal forming and repair work.

Precision Measuring and Marking Tools

Accuracy is key in jewellery-making.
Bill recommends a toolkit that includes:

  • Parallel pliers for even pressure without leaving marks — ideal for forming ring shanks
  • Double-ended scribe for sharp, clean lines
  • Automatic centre punch to mark drill points without a hammer
  • Dividers and an engineer’s square for precise measurements and 90-degree angles
  • Steel ruler for consistent measurements across projects

These tools ensure your pieces maintain symmetry and structural integrity from start to finish.

Essential Hammers

A jeweller’s hammer collection covers a variety of needs:

  • The rawhide mallet moves metal without stretching or marring the surface

  • The chasing hammer features a flat head for texturing and a rounded end for riveting

  • The goldsmith hammer offers delicate control, perfect for forming fine details like copper leaves

Each hammer brings versatility to metalwork and finishing tasks.

Sawing and Cutting Tools

For precision cutting, a quality saw frame with adjustable tension is indispensable. Pair it with a range of saw blades suited to different metal thicknesses.
Using Pro-Cut Lubricant reduces friction and extends the life of both saw blades and burs, especially when cutting tougher materials such as brass.

Filing and Finishing

A set of needle files (cut 2) gives jewellers versatility for detailed shaping and finishing.

  • Half-round files smooth ring interiors

  • Pillar files sharpen outer edges

  • A screw-on handle allows for quick file changes

Finish your pieces with emery sticks and buff sticks in varying grits to achieve a professional polish.

Forming and Dapping Tools

To add domes or curves, a dapping block and punch set ensures smooth, even shaping.
Pair this with:

  • A ring clamp for holding small parts during filing or stone setting

  • A steel ring mandrel for shaping and sizing rings accurately

These tools enhance precision and control when forming complex shapes.

Magnification and Visibility

Fine detail work requires clarity. A head loupe with 1.75x magnification allows for close inspection while maintaining comfort.
Remember: higher magnification reduces your working distance, so choose the strength that best fits your bench setup.

Pliers and Hand Tools

A five-piece plier set covers every need — including half-round, flat, round-nose, chain-nose, and side cutters.
These are the backbone of every jeweller’s handwork, ideal for bending, shaping, and assembling intricate components.

Bench Pegs and Work Surface

The bench peg is the focal point of every jewellery bench.
Bill recommends adding a V-cut for better control when sawing and piercing. Combination pegs with pre-cut slots also make repetitive tasks like jump-ring cutting more efficient.
Choose a solid hardwood bench — durable enough to withstand years of wear, without the cost of premium woods like mahogany.

Final Thoughts

A well-equipped jewellery bench forms the heart of every jeweller’s craft. Whether you’re building your first setup or upgrading your tools, these essentials will help you work with greater precision, speed, and consistency.

For professional-grade tools, accessories, and expert advice, explore the full range of jewellery-making tools at AJS — your trusted source for jewellery tools and equipment in Australia.

Join Our NewsletterStay up-to-date with the latest products and get exclusive discounts straight to your inbox! Including 5% off your next order.