[Tool Time] Polishing

Jewelry Discussion
21

We do some large runs for some of our customers … Up to 5000 pieces
at a time in some cases… Our Guys Use masking tape (1/2 inch wide)
to wrap their fingers. Wrap lightly so not to cut blood flow, but
heavily wrapped so that your fingers feel no heat from grinding and
polishing.Usually, we wrap the thumb, forefinger and middle finger
from after the first joint to the end of the finger nails. Now, when
you need to sand or polish the inside of rings, after a short time
the ring creates a slight groove in the tape allowing you to hold the
ring easily .You can also wear the tape while polishing the outside
of the ring. We have never had an accident grinding or polishing using
the tape in this manner. Daniel Grandi http://www.racecarjewelry.com
model, mold making, casting and finishing for stores and designers in
the trade.

22

I worked for a long time at a cabinet factory - our sanders used a
green gauze tape that stuck only to itself. I think I ordered it
from Baer Supply in Chicago, or maybe from Grainger Tool. I’m sure
it is pretty widely available.

The sanders swore by it - they said it was great to have fingerprints
again.

D. Marie Williams

23

Rio Grande also sells this safety tape. I buy it by the box @ a time;
also very handy with stringing beads. It’s green gauze with sticky
added. Works great for several applications from knot tying to picking
up small beads & finger protection is at the top of the list! After
cutting off the amount needed, just fold an end under to itself on the
spool or it’s a chore trying to pry it loose the next time you need
it!!

-Marcia Ingham

24 
   I occasionally use surgical gloves that stretch on and have no
loose ends to catch the wheel.  They help keep hands clean, even if
they offer little heat protection.  Of course whenever possible, I
use a clamp to hold the piece during polishing, but we all know
sometimes there's really nothing to clamp on to.

I used to use these too, then one day I was looking at a little
shredded rubber clinging to my wrist and the rest of the glove was
going around and around…I just use leather finger cots now :slight_smile:

Ben