Alan Revere has refined and redesigned pliers. After two years in development, a newly refined and improved set of pliers, designed by Alan Revere, is available for goldsmiths and jewelry makers everywhere. The result of research, refinement and redesign, the new pliers incorporate a unique textured grip, which was designed by goldsmith Alan Revere of San Francisco, California. "We started with the finest German-made pliers available and added a totally new grip that increases function and efficiency. These pliers help get the job done, rather than getting in the way," says Revere of his latest design.

Revere pliers will soon be available across the United States and around the world, distributed exclusively through Euro Tool, Inc. Revere pliers can be purchased individually or as a set with a wooden stand. Revere pliers come with instructions on use and maintenance, as well as the history of Revere pliers.

Riveting is frequently used at the bench to join parts, create moveable components or to cold-join heat-sensitive items.

If you want to rivet two pieces of metal together in a fixed position, clamp the pieces together and drill a 1 mm hole through them. Separate the pieces and remove the burrs around the holes. Now draw a piece of wire to fit the holes' diameter as tightly as possible, with no play or wobble. Trim the wire to about 1 mm greater than the thickness of the materials to be joined, and then file the ends flat.

Line up the parts and insert the pin into the aligned holes, centering it so that 0.5 mm protrudes from each end. Support the bottom of the pin on a steel plate, then use the thin fin of a cross peen (such as a goldsmithing hammer) to gently tap the top of the pin, spreading it slightly. This is called "upsetting" a rivet. Be sure that the pin remains centered between the materials, while using the hammer in one direction so that the metal stretches and the cross section of the end becomes elliptical.

Flip the work over and repeat the process to begin to upset the other end of the pin. Now turn the work 90 degrees and strike across the previous marks, spreading the metal in the other direction so that the head of the upset rivet returns to round. By now the metal has flared and the parts are locked together. Tighten carefully as needed by hammering. Avoid slipping which would mar the surfaces. To create a dome head, finish with a polished concave-ended punch, like a beading tool.

This tip is an excerpt from 101 Bench Tips by Alan Revere, published by MJSA. Illustration is by Sean Kane. Order now!

One thing all of us can do minimize our environmental impact in the studio is reduce the use of chemicals. Chemical cleaning agents are often overlooked, but commonly used in most jewelry workshops.

Traditionally jewelers have used chemical based cleaners such as Wisk, Mr. Clean and even ammonia in the ultrasonic cleaner. Jeffrey Herman, President of the Society of American Silversmiths, recommends a solution of several tablespoons of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap in cool or warm water for removing buffing compounds. He uses a plater's brush, made from a plant fiber that will not scratch metal surfaces, to remove the bulk of the compound first. Additional information about less-toxic alternatives for the studio can be found on Herman's web site.

Simple Green is a biodegradable, industrial-strength, all-purpose cleaner that can be used as a less-toxic alternative to other toxic cleaning agents in your workshop. It is extremely concentrated, so be sure to dilute according to the directions, and try it on floors, sinks, and countertops. It is also a degreaser, so it will even work for wax removal. For daily cleaning, store a dilute solution of Simple Green and water in a spray bottle. Always use cleaning products in areas with good ventilation.

Making this "simple" switch to less-toxic and biodegradable cleaners will result in savings for your pocketbook and for the environment.

The Revere Academy is a professional jewelry school where master craftsmen pass on their skills and knowledge to students at all levels. Beginners and hobbyists as well as experienced working bench jewelers come for dozens of short, intensive classes (just 3-days!) and diploma programs lasting 2-4 months. I hope you will be able to join us for a class soon!

 

Sincerely,

 

The American Craft Show will celebrate its 33rd year in San Francisco at Fort Mason Center, August 15-17, 2008. Past Revere students Genevieve Yang, Michele Friedman, Susan Kinzig,  Thea Izzi, Sana Dourmet, Anna Tai, Cornelia Goldsmith, April Higashi, Marianne Hunter, Marne Ryan and Carol Windsor will be exhibiting at the show. Enjoy live technical demonstrations, an AltCraft section devoted to emerging artists, many objects made with sustainable or green materials, complimentary wine tastings, and more!
More details

***Special offer for friends of the Revere Academy***
Print this email and bring to the box office to receive $1 off a single day admission price. Not to be combined with other offers.

Above: 24k and sterling silver ring by Genevieve Yang

Open Exchange Magazine included a feature on the recent successes of two Revere Academy Graduates, Ryan Borzin and Genevieve Yang.
Read the story.