Tools for STACKED Course
This page contains tools I use in the online course, Stacked: Bangle Techniques.
YOU DO NOT NEED EVERYTHING HERE.
Several duplicates are included in this kit. Please note that this is to provide you with ample resources for shopping and comparing of prices, features, and styles. When pricing out your items, don't forget to take into account pro discounts, shipping rates, and any sales or coupon codes you may have access to.
Happy sourcing!
Xuron 2175 Maxi-Shear Flush Cutter
A decent pair of economical flush cutters that will cut up to 12g copper wire. Makes cutting bangle wire and stock a breeze.
Swanstrom Double-Ergo Super Flush Cutters
These superior flush cutters will slice through wire and stock up to 12g. Not the most economical brand, but excellent in that they stay sharp a very long time. I use mine constantly and have had them for years. Makes cutting thick stock and wire a breeze.
Waymil FLAT HALF ROUND NOSE JAWS JEWELRY MAKING PLIER
A good, basic pair of half-round/flat pliers that's useful for bending wire, stock, and strips of sheet metal into closed forms for soldering. A great tool to have when hand strength just isn't quite enough.
Flat and Half-Round Forming Pliers
An essential tool for anyone who makes rings, bezels, bracelets or hoops. These are useful for bending wire, stock, and strips of sheet metal into closed forms for soldering. A great pair of pliers to have when hand strength just isn't quite enough.
Grobet USA CLEARANCE PRICING: Grobet Swiss Made Files Barrette 6 Inch Cut 2
A basic, not-too-expensive file with a flat side that works well for using with a miter jig. The knife silhouette and lack of teeth on the back side are a bonus, as you're able to file in tight areas without inadvertently removing metal from behind your zone of focus. This is the file I use to perfect the ends of my stock and wire.
Glardon Vallorbe Precision Barrette Hand File, Swiss Cut #2
A quality file with a flat side that works well for using with a miter jig. The knife silhouette and lack of teeth on the back side are a bonus, as you're able to file in tight areas without inadvertently removing metal from behind your zone of focus. This is the type of file I use to perfect the ends of my stock and wire.
Glardon Vallorbe Precision Half-Round Ring Hand File, Swiss Cut #2
A slightly more expensive, higher quality file offered by Rio Grande. The curved, half-round silhouette makes cleaning up the inside of bangle forms and other curved surfaces a breeze.
EURO TOOL Miter Cutting Vise
An economy miter jig that's useful for perfecting the ends of your stock, wire, and strips of sheet. When used correctly, this tool makes for edges that fit flawlessly together- making your job of soldering much easier.
Economy Miter-Cutting Vise and Jig
Rio's offering of a cost-effective miter jig. Use to perfect ends of stock and wire and create flawlessly flush ends that solder together seamlessly.
Grobet USA Grobet Swiss Files Halfround 6 INCH Cut 2
A great file whose curved, half-round silhouette makes cleaning up the inside of bangle forms and other curved surfaces a breeze.
27pc Bangle Bracelet Sizer Gauge
A killer set of bangle gauges with 27 different sizes, ranging from baby bangles up to diameters suited for men. I much prefer this set to an adjustable metal ring or paper template.
Rosenthal Collection Bracelet Sizer Professional Metal Bangle Sizer Bracelet Size Measure Tool Jewelry Wrist Size Measure Tool 1-27
A killer set of bangle gauges with 27 different sizes, ranging from baby bangles up to diameters suited for men. I much prefer this set to an adjustable metal ring or paper template.
Bangle Bracelet Hand Wrist Metal Sizer
An Etsy source for this bangle sizer- I've used this shop before and have always had a pleasant experience.
Neiko 01409A Electronic Digital Caliper with Extra Large LCD Screen | 0 - 12 Inches | Inch/Fractions/Millimeter Conversion
So this might be overkill.... BUT, when most adult bangle blanks measure over 8" or 9" flat, it's really nice to have a digital caliper that extends up to 12"! This fun tool will make measuring your wire and stock as simple and accurate as possible.
Sangabery Digital Caliper, Sangabery 0-6 inches Vernier Caliper with Large LCD Screen, Auto - off Feature, Inch and Millimeter Conversion M
A good, basic digital caliper for measuring the thickness of wires and stocks or for figuring out the interior diameter of a bangle bracelet. Free shipping AND two batteries! Winner.
General Tools 641 Ultra Rule Flex Stainless Steel Ruler
I'll sound like a total nerd here, but I think every metalsmith should be forced to own this ruler. I've been with mine since college and hate every other ruler I've dated since. The flexible shape makes measuring even crooked or wonky metal strips no problem, and the small perforations in the design make it super easy to accurately mark your metal at the correct length by using a fine scribe. The most accurate old-school ruler you'll find.
Grobet USA Gunsmith Swiss Pattern File by Grobet Pillar Checkering 6 Inch Cut 00 20 lines per inch
A coarse patterning file with 20 lines per inch, this makes bold parallel lines on your silver edges and surfaces. A great way to add texture when a hammer will add too much length or size.
Grobet USA CLEARANCE PRICING: Grobet Swiss Files Pillar Checkering 6 Inch Cut 0
A medium grade patterning file with 30 lines per inch, this makes clear parallel lines on your silver edges and surfaces. A great way to add texture when a hammer will add too much length or size.
Friedrich Dick Checkering File- Cut #1- 40 Lines per Inch
A finely toothed patterning file that will create delicate parallel lines along your work's surface and edge. This is a great way to add texture to metal without adding length or warping the form like a hammer would. 40 lines per inch. For an even finer linear pattern, try the #2 cut for 50 lines per inch.
PMC Supplies LLC Combination 3" Steel and 4" Rubber Bench Block Jewelry Repair Making Metal Wire Forming Stamping Flattening Work Surface T
An economy steel and rubber block set. Great for flattening bangles and making sure they'll lay flush against one another on your arm. Free shipping on anything this heavy always makes me happy.
Premium Steel Bench Block, 100 x 100 x 20mm
A good, basic bench block that's large enough to accommodate a bangle resting face down. Use this to help flatten and refine the bangle's silhouette.
Rubber Bench Block
A 4" rubber base to go beneath your steel bench block, this tool works to help eliminate bounce and reduce noise.
Finder Bastard Cut Mill Square, 8 Inch Square File with High Carbon Hardened Steel, Ergonomic Grip, Plastic Handle, Finder Hand File for Fi
A large, coarse square file that's excellent for "carving" notches and angles into thick wire and stock. I use one like this when creating the cutouts in the 6g round wire in this class.
Friedrich Dick Square Hand File, Cut #2
A large, quality square file that's excellent for "carving" notches and angles into thick wire and stock. I use one like this (but not as new or as nice) when creating the cutouts in the 6g round wire in this class.
Friedrich Dick Square Needle File, German Cut #2
A nice, small square file. This is great for cleaning up and widening the initial notches cut out with your saw and as a prerequisite to following up with a larger, coarser file for more dramatic textures.
Nano Nylon Mallet
I love this mallet. I use it almost everyday for one task or another. In this course, I use it to refine the shape and flatten/smooth my bangles after soldering on embellishments. The flat face and delicate wedge end make this a versatile hammer to keep in the studio.
Micro Nylon Mallet
My favorite mallet (and its larger sibling) for rounding out metal on mandrels, refining shapes, and flattening curves. These hammers are handmade to order here in North Carolina and are more practical/versatile than the rawhide alternatives I've used in the past.
Small Nylon Mallet
My favorite mallet (and its smaller sibling) for rounding out metal on mandrels, refining shapes, and flattening curves. These hammers are handmade to order here in North Carolina and are more practical/versatile than the rawhide alternatives I've used in the past.
Shot Plates
An assortment of shot plates offered by Buffalo Rutland Company. Great for creating embellishments and adding interest to your bangles.
Chris Pruitt Shot Plates
Mores shot plate styles. These are offered up by Chris Pruitt. You can also find him on Etsy.
Tds Online Store Bangle Dapping Die Small 20 Wave
These bangle dies are designed by Wubbers and made by EuroTool. Stock in most online shops is low, so I'm offering as many sources as I could find for your to purchase one or two. TDS Online Store has shops on Amazon, Etsy and eBay. Different online shop locations may have different selections, so check them all if you're looking for a particular design.
Tds Online Store Bangle Dapping Die Large 8 Wave with Ripple Design
These bangle dies are designed by Wubbers and made by EuroTool. Stock in most online shops is low, so I'm offering as many sources as I could find for your to purchase one or two. TDS Online Store has shops on Amazon, Etsy and eBay. Different online shop locations may have different selections, so check them all if you're looking for a particular design.
Bangle Bracelet Forming Presses
I got my bangle dies from this company. Selection is varied and may be low, but last I checked, they did still have a few styles remaining. Just another source for you if you're wanting to try some of these!
Bangle bracelet forming design die press shape tool jewellery | Etsy
Etsy supplier of bangle forming dies.
tdsonlinestor on eBay
These bangle dies are designed by Wubbers and made by EuroTool. Stock in most online shops is low, so I'm offering as many sources as I could find for your to purchase one or two. TDS Online Store has shops on Amazon, Etsy and eBay. Different online shop locations may have different selections, so check them all if you're looking for a particular design.
Micro-Tools Bangle Press No. 24 Small Waves
Micro-Tools currently has a wide selection of bangle forming dies. Peruse the website to see other styles.
Koala Tools | Circular Grid (Polar Coordinate) Graph Paper
If you want to create your own circle divider charts for evenly embellishing your bangles, this circular graph paper is a great tool to have on hand. (Also excellent for mapping out mandalas and other radial symmetry in your work.)
Sterno Professional Culinary Torch, One Size, Black
This compact, portable torch head packs a punch. Pair it with a disposable butane canister (see next item in this kit) for a highly efficient torch that feels safer and more user friendly to beginners and those working in home studios. Super economical, adjustable flame, easy to use, and all you need for the projects in this course. (NOTE: The Smith Silver Smith torch and Smith Little torch would also work.)
GasOne Sterno Butane Fuel 8 1 pk
These disposable, inexpensive butane canisters pack a punch. Pair them with a detachable Sterno brand torch head (see previous item in this kit) for a highly efficient torch that feels safer and more user friendly to beginners and those working in home studios. Super economical, adjustable flame, simple to operate, and all you need for the projects in this course. (NOTE: While the butane canisters don't have to be this brand, they must be disposable, not refills- look for the metal collar at the top of the can that indicates it can be attached to a torch tip).
The Studioflux Jewelry Making Sawing Wooden Bench Pin | Etsy
This pin design seems to be out of stock at most major retailers like Rio and Contenti, but here's a reputable Etsy shop that sells them. If you don't need the clamp, simply disregard it and use the screw holes to permanently mount the pin to your work surface.
Studio Flux Bench Pin by Eurotool
This is the unbranded, Eurotool version of Thomas Mann's classic bench pin. I love this design, though I'd recommend screwing it to a secure work bench surface as opposed to using the clamp feature (unless you plan on using this one for travel).
StudioFLUX™ Bench Pin
Rio's offering of Thomas Mann's bench pin design. Again, if using this in your home studio, I'd forget about the clamping bracket and just screw the pin directly into a solid work surface.
German Adjustable Jeweler's 4" Saw Frame
Classic German saw frame. This basic staple is the saw I use daily.
German Jeweler's Saw Frames
A variety of classic German frames. Various depths make sawing larger pieces of metal possible- excellent to have on hand if you don't have a bench shear and want to cut strips of sheet metal to make bangles. I'd recommend at least a 5" throat/depth for this.
Laser Gold™ #4/0 Saw Blade, Pkg/12
4/0 will make a smoother cut through narrow pieces of strip and wire. 2/0 would also work nicely.
BurLife® Stick Lubricant
My standard go-to for lubricating everything from saw blades to drill bits to disc cutters.
Foredom® Flex Shaft Lubrication Kit
This is the liquid lubricant I prefer to use when hammering silver balls into a shot plate. One drop and I've never had a ball get stuck. Also helps prevent rust.
Garland 11010 Rawhide Weighted Mallet, Size-10
A fantastic brand when it comes to quality rawhide mallets. Use a weighted rawhide like this one pound swinger to hammer down on your steel bangle forming dies without the risk of damaging or denting them. I like the weighted version as it gives your arm a bit of extra "oomph". NOTE: You could use a deadblow hammer instead. Another heavy item with free shipping for Amazon Prime members.
Lead-Filled Rawhide Mallet, 16 oz.
Use a weighted rawhide like this one pound swinger to hammer down on your steel bangle forming dies without the risk of damaging or denting them. I like the weighted version as it gives your arm a bit of extra "oomph". NOTE: You could use a deadblow hammer instead.
Halder 3377.030 Supercraft 20 oz Dead Blow Hammer, Steel Handle
The benefit of a deadblow hammer over a rawhide mallet is that the deadblow doesn't need to be taken through the conditioning process first. Use this heavy mallet to hammer your bangle forming die without risk of marring or damaging it. 20 ounces gives your swing some extra power behind it and the ergonomic handle is comfortable to grip.
Vaughan TC2012 12-Ounce Commercial Ball Pein Hammer
A classic utility hammer. This workhorse is excellent for hammering your force tool down onto the silver ball being formed in a shot plate. I often prefer this type of hammer to larger brass mallets, as it's a bit easier for me to swing and the narrower face makes me feel like I'm getting a bit more of a concentrated impact.
Short-Handle Brass Ball-Peen Hammer, 1 lb.
Though I've never used one of these hammers myself, I've seen many students over the years turn to them for basic hammering jobs. Use this to drive the force tool down onto your silver when forming it in shot plates.
Fretz 3.1oz Planishing Hammer
My favorite hammer for hammering balls flat, tapping bangles down level on my bench block, and gently stretching metal without leaving much, if any, of a texture. A really lovely general purpose hammer that I use regularly.
Hammer, Fretz HMR-14 Raw Silk Texturing
This is one of the texturing hammers I use on my bangles in this course. I LOVE the silk pattern! Leave it without patina for a nice satin finish and subtle shine. Add patina and tumble or burnish to create a softly contrasting surface.
Hammer, Fretz HMR-15 Circle Texturing
This is a fun texturing hammer! Use it on wider stocks and sheet to see the full circle pattern emerge, or use it as I do on narrower wires and stocks to get a series of broken but curved lines that start to resemble a starburst pattern.
Hammer, Fretz HMR-12 Sharp Texturing/Raising
I use this hammer for creating a linear texture along my bangle wire and stock. Also great for addressing and adding some interest to edges!
Fretz® HMR-4 Jeweler's Large Embossing Hammer, 2.5 oz.
This is the hammer I use for creating that "old currency" look in this course.
Mercer Industries 216240 Grit 240 9" x 11" Multi-Purpose Emery Cloth Sheets (50-Pack)
My go-to grit and emery cloth. This pack of 50 will last forever! Cloth beats paper for sanding in terms of longevity, durability, and suppleness (no creasing or tearing). Use this cut with scissors into strips in a split mandrel (flex shaft accessory) to smooth and remove visible solder seams, or leave as a flat sheet to sand down and even out the edges of bangles.
Cast Iron Round Bracelet Mandrel
This economy mandrel is on sale and if you're looking to save some money, this is a great one to get you started. The less expensive mandrels DO tend to dent more easily... so keep that in mind; however, it's not a bad investment for beginners or those who just want to make the occasional bracelet.
Durston Cast Iron Round Bracelet Mandrel
It's hard to go wrong with a Durston, though you will pay for the quality and durability of this mandrel. Recommended for more experienced smiths and those who plan on creating a lot of bangles.
Round Bracelet Mandrel
Another less expensive mandrel, but this time with a tang for securing into a bench vise. Rio also offers an economy model with a tang, which you'll find under item #112384.