I want to introduce you to my brother-in-law, John Lewis. John, a custom homebuilder, just opened an etsy shop, Treasure Locker, and is in the process of learning the ropes. You remember how that was ... Stumbling toward Ecstasy as Sarah MacLachlan put it! John has an eye for the unique and unusual ... and he's always on the hunt.
But what I want to feature is something I've spoken to you about before. Robert Dancik shows this in his book. Unfortunately, I didn't remember where I had seen it until after I gave myself a very nasty cut trying to make 14 gauge jump rings! Before I lost any more digits, John happily made me one of these:
I can't begin to tell you how many jump rings I've cut recently. Large 11 mm ones out of 14 gauge wire, tiny ones out of 22 gauge and all sizes in between. With this jig, it is virtually impossible to cut yourself.
You form a spiral of wire around an object like a pencil, knitting needle ... whatever. Undo the blade of your jewelers saw and slip the blade THROUGH the middle of the spiral.
Place the spiral in the "V" notch of the jig. Use the slot in the plexiglass to guide your blade. Press the spiral of wire firmly down in the "V" notch while you cut your jump rings by sawing back and forth. And don't forget to lubricate your blade with burr life or candle wax, etc. Saw the jump rings with the saw blade on an angle so that you're only cutting through two or three at a time.
That's it. Perfectly cut jump rings every time and with no danger of hurting yourself. The Jump Ring Cutter Jig is designed to fit perfectly in a vise.
You can purchase the jump ring jig from John at his etsy site. He'll appreciate your business and because he's a perfectionist, you'll receive a work of art!
