MJSA Tech Sheets
Published periodically as special inserts in MJSA Journal and distributed at industry shows, the collectible Tech Sheets offer insights into all aspects of jewelry making and design. The topics range from the latest CAD/CAM technologies to best bench and casting practices, and all are written by noted industry experts.
Recent Tech Sheets are listed below in the left column. MJSA members may also download PDF files of past sheets, or order them in print form through the MJSA Bookstore. For assistance, please e-mail MJSA or call 1-800-444-6572.
Recent Tech Sheets
CAD Modeling Methods: A Primer
By Steven Adler, A3DM Technologies
An overview of the four available methods of CAD modeling—solid, surface, relief/sculpting, and subdivision. Learn their strengths, their challenges, and their opportunities for wokring in tandem to expand design possibilities. From MJSA Tech Sheet 32, sponsored by 3Design, a product of Vision Numeric.
Tips for Casting RP Materials
By J. Tyler Teague, JETT Research
Unlike standard injection wax, which melts and flows out of a casting flask as it expands, rapid prototying (rp) materials expand, shrink, and combust; this could damage the investment mold and affect the quality of the castings. These tips will show you how to get the best results when dealing with rp materials. From MJSA Tech Sheet 31, sponsored by Ransom & Randolph.
A Guide to Evaluating Gemstone Settings
By Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education, The Jewelry Training Center
Setting faceted gems in metal is not difficult in itself; the difficult comes in doing it well, and consistently so. These guidelines identify important areas to consider when judging a faceted stone setting. From MJSA Tech Sheet 30, sponsored by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Tips for Handling Glass-Filled Rubies
By Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education, The Jewelry Training Center
General guidelines for identifying glass-filled rubies, as well as tips to prevent damaging them at the bench. From MJSA Tech Sheet 26, sponsored by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.
Tips for better burnouts, steam dewaxing, and eliminating moisture from platinum and palladium castings. From MJSA Tech Sheet 27, sponsored by Ransom & Randolph.
Tips for Soldering Set-up
By Charles Lewton-Brain
How to hold parts together securely for soldering. From MJSA Tech Sheet 25, sponsored by Rio Grande.
Tools for Working with Findings
By Arthur Anton Skuratowicz, Director of Education The Jewelry Training Center
Tips for modifying bench tools to assist in holding and working on jewelry components. From Tech Sheet 24, sponsored by Rio Grande.
Solutions for the Workshop
By Kate Wolf
Cheap, simple solutions to improve efficiency and ease in the jeweler’s workshop. From Tech Sheet 21, sponsored by Rio Grande.
Tech Sheet Archive
MJSA members can download the Tech Sheets below as PDF files, free of charge. Click here to access the online archive, or click on any of the titles below. Printed sheets can be purchased through the MJSA Bookstore. To download PDFS or receive the discounted price on printed sheets, members must enter their member IDs and passwords. If you need help, please contact MJSA.
#1: Wax Carving Tips. Author: Kate Wolf. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#2: Laser Welding Tips. Author: Bob Staley. Sponsor: LaserStar Technologies Corp.
#3: Bench Tips. Authors: Gregg Todd & Greg Gilman. Sponsor: Stuller.
#4: Tool Tips. Author: Arthur Skuratowicz. Sponsor: SEP Jewelry Tools of Chicago.
#5: Tips for Preparing and Finishing Waxes. Author: Kate Wolf. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#6: Tips for Ergonomic Bench Work. Author: Charles Lewton-Brain. Sponsor: Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company.
#7: Tips for Investing Flasks When Casting. Author: Daniel Grandi. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#8: Tips for Working with Findings. Author: Daniel Grandi. Sponsor: B.A. Ballou & Co.
#9: Preparing Your Scrap for Refining. Author: Gary Dawson. Sponsor: Academy Corp.
#10: Polishing Tools & Tips. Author: Charles Lewton-Brain. Sponsor: 3M Co.
#11: Tips for Buying Computer "Solutions." Author: Bill Kopelcheck. Sponsor: Labyrinth Business Solutions LLC.
#12: Creating a Palladium Diamond Ring. Author: Daniel Ballard. Sponsor: Precious Metals West/Fine Gold.
#13: Working with Hinges. Author: Charles Lewton-Brain. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#14: Turning Household Items into Bench Aids. Author: Jurgen J. Maerz. Sponsor: Johnson Matthey.
#15: Casting Tips: The Experts Weigh In. Authors: Charles Lewton-Brain, Daniel Grandi, Kate Wolf. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#16: Tips for Soldering Findings. Author: Mark Maxwell. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#17: Don’t Throw Away That "Bonus" Metal. Author: Arthur Skuratowicz. Sponsor: United Precious Metal Refining.
#18: Tips for Precision Laser Welding. Author: Bob Staley. Sponsor: Neutec USA.
#19: Like a Brick House: Grading Quality. Author: Arthur Skuratowicz & Julie Nash. Sponsor: National Assn. of Jewelry Appraisers.
#20: Tips for Casting Challenging Metals. Author: Linus Drogs III. Sponsor: Au Enterprises.
#21: Solutions for the Workshop. Author: Kate Wolf. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#22: Fine Tuning Your Casting Alloys. Author: Daniel Ballard. Sponsor: Precious Metals West/Fine Gold.
#23: Working with Your Caster. Author: Daniel Grandi. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#24: Tools for Working with Findings. Author: Arthur Skuratowicz. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#25: Tips for Soldering Set-Up. Author: Charles Lewton-Brain. Sponsor: Rio Grande.
#26: Tips for Handling Glass-Filled Rubies. Author: Arthur Skuratowicz. Sponsor: National Assn. of Jewelry Appraisers.
#27: More Casting Tips from the Experts. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#28: Buttons Are for Wimps. Author: J. Tyler Teague. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#29: Powder Power. Author: Paul Coen. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#30: All Set: Evaluating Gemstone Settings. Author: Arthur Skuratowicz. Sponsor: National Assn. of Jewelry Appraisers.
#31: Tips for Casting RP Materials. Author: J. Tyler Teague. Sponsor: Ransom & Randolph.
#32: CAD Modeling Methods: A Primer. Author: Steven Adler. Sponsor: 3Design, a Product of Vision Numeric.