Mini metal bending plier in anodized aluminum and steel
We make tools to help the jewelry industry. We already have the sanding strips and thrumming ribbon and now we have just finished the metal bending plier. The ring bending plier is a very useful tool for giving a consistent arc to a bracelet or shank that needs to be sized or made by hand. The existing version available through jewelry tool distributors has a 12mm center pin and is 7, 1/2 inches long. Our custom made metal bending plier you see here is a mini version of it with a 6mm center pin and 4, 3/4 inches long. With such a tool the jeweler who seeks precision and speed in his work can consistently shape smaller arcs for bezels and other jewelry parts.
Back of custom metal bending plier in anodized aluminum and steel
Bending a strip of metal into a setting
Imagine a tool you need, and imagine that you have the skill to make it. Before the CNC we made tools by hand. When I saw Gregore’s mini hand made metal bending plier I was really impressed. Once upon a time he was making the same cushion shaped bezel over and over again. After making the pliers for these cushion shaped bezels he made back the time invested in the next bezel because he was more precise and efficient with the new tool.
The inspiration was this converted plier
When you have a passion for a craft and an art form, tools become a bit of an addiction because they foretell more experimentation and more new exciting ideas. Tools and the making of art is just plain good fun, but tools also need to be practical. If buying a tool saves you time, five minutes here, five minutes there, it adds up quickly and before you know it the tool is payed for.
The standard ring bending plier and our smaller version
It was a lot of work to get the metal bending pliers correct, overcoming tolerance issues and designing programs to run multiple pieces so that cutting was efficient. The final result came out really well and the pliers also feel good to use because the edges are soft and the clear coat is a nice barrier from the aluminum.
The metal is fixed and the CNC is coded ready to start cutting the pliers
The CNC never fails to impress because the precision is so clearly visible. The cleanup is solved with the use of a hood or barrier.
cutting the plier handles
We decided to market our own version of the metal bending plier when we built the CNC, the wonderful CNC because it can make very precise jewelry and the tools we need. We are trying to adopt the advances of our time while bringing craftsmanship back into the industry. There is a place for machines and there is a place for hand work, both are necessary to get the results of finely made and finished designs.
The finished plier handles
The plier handles together
The finished back plates for the pliers
The fine art of jewelry is made possible with the old world skills and today’s advances. The key is to keep what is useful and to try whatever is new. When we chose this field it was because it integrated us in the humanitarian effort to bring happiness to others. We offer our dedication and skill to those who love the art form and craft and to those who love adornment as well.