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Sawing Tiny Shapes

by Susan LeGuyader
Have you wanted to attempt to saw out those cute tiny silver shapes to adorn your jewelry creations? Tiny balls are just balled up pieces of silver but what about leave and flowers? And how the heck to you hold onto the silver to saw it out? And where to you get the design?
Instructions
If you are like me, you can't draw. Make jewelry, yes. Draw? Nope. I have been trying to figure out a way around this, the answer being a stencil or a rubber stamp. For this tip, we will be working from a stencil (Photo 1). You can find stencils online, at your local craft store or if you have a die-cut machine, make you own.
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
I've used 22 gauge sterling silver sheet metal here, I don't know that I would thinner than 24 gauge. Place your stencil on your sheet metal and trace your shape (Photo 2). I've used a Sharpie marker here, use what you have on hand.
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
My trouble between this point and the sawing part is that I would rub the Sharpie off as I was attempting to saw out my design.
What I came up with was Scotch tape.
Use enough tape to cover the design, I covered the whole piece.
Trim around the edges, so you aren't battling them while sawing. And you don't want to fold the tape under, you just have to remove it after.
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
At your bench pin, saw out the tiny pieces. Having a bigger piece of sheet metal allows you to have something to hold onto. I filled in the shapes to make it easier to follow the lines. And use a 4/0 saw blade, the smaller saw blade makes a big difference.
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes
As you can see, sawing out tiny shapes does not have to be stressful and there are no limits now that you have all the tips to success.
Susan LeGuyader's Sawing Tiny Shapes - , Metalwork, Sawing, Saw, Wire Saw, sawing tiny shapes

Materials

24 Gauge Dead Soft Sterling Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H8-24SM6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
  • Price: $47.28
  • Gold Club Price: $35.46
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Tools

4 Saw Frame with Tension Screw
SAW-334.00
  • SAW-334.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.97
  • Gold Club Price: $16.48
Out of Stock
2/0 Relentless Sawblade - Sold by the Gross
SAW-400.05
  • SAW-400.05
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.97
  • Gold Club Price: $22.48
Out of Stock
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  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Sawing

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