Pads (Rio Grande Item NO. 337020). The Micro Mesh
pads last a LONG TIME and are great for polishing metals,
as they bend to get into tiny spaces. I use the Pro Pads as
a final buff – use them until that pad is completely black
– they take off tarnish, fingerprints, etc.
Lastly, my tumbler! Not a piece of metal
leaves my bench without spending at least
an hour in my tumbler. It is an invaluable
tool for hardening the metal, incorporating
incredible shine, and removing the fine tool marks that I
may have missed in sanding and finishing each piece.
16.
Tools - I have many other tools that I reach for daily,
but these are my basic “must haves”!
I have set of Tronex pliers that, in my mind,
are irreplaceable. I have used both inexpensive tools and other high end brand
tools that just do not work for me. I have
relatively small hands, and the Tronex tools
fit my hand like a glove: round nose, chain nose, flat
nose, and flush cutters. I have several Wubbers pliers. My
all-time favorite is the “mini” Wubbers bent nose pliers,
pictured here. It fits my hand perfectly, and the bent
nose allows me to ‘tuck that wire’ in the tiniest of spaces.
12.
I have several hammers that I use on a
daily basis – Fretz being my favorites - each
with specific intents: chasing hammers for
flatten