Tools of the trade: Piercing Saw

As a jewellery designer, I have collected lots of different tools over the years.  This is one of my favourites, one of the simplest and the most versatile: my jewellers piercing saw. 

This year, Santa brought me a brand new beauty made by Greenlion Studio to add to my collection.

I am now back in the studio catching up on orders and am beginning to experiment with new designs for the year ahead.  Stay tuned for progress.

Each of my tools has a specific place, organised with the most often used within arms reach.

Sometimes you just know when a tool feels right.

On the right, you can see my benchpeg.  Used to support the jewellery while working, every piece that I make begins here.

Cutting with the work held firm against the bench peg.

You can see the way the handle on my old saw has worn over the years.  This was one of my first tools when I began making jewellery in 2007.

The sawblades I use are super fine.  They are easy to snap if you are not careful.  It takes practise and an intuitive feel for the metal.