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Sawing Tips
I?ve talked to other jewelry makers before and hear two different ideas about putting in the blade. Some say the teeth go up, and some say they should go down. I was originally told by my first instructor and still prefer today that the teeth point down. I feel I have more control when I saw down than up.

When sawing, it?s very important to keep the saw straight and not to angle it. This will assist in keeping the filing of the metal down to a minimum.


Use long, even strokes instead of short, quick ones. It will cut much quicker that way.

Be generous when lubricating your blade. I still favor plain old bee?s wax and wax my blade often. However, there are a number of commercial products on the market that I?ve heard work very well.

When inserting the blade into the saw frame, make sure it?s nice and tight. I push the handle into the middle of my rib cage (not that comfortable let me tell you) while I use a pair of pliers to tighten the thumb screws. Once the blade is in to my liking, I give the blade a light pull with my fingers so it makes a ping sound. Then I know it?s as tight as I can get it.

Be prepared to break some blades. No matter if you have the best quality blades and the correct size, you will break blades. Just be patient and the better you get at sawing the fewer blades you will break.