Bench Pins, Saw Frames & Blades, Oh My! Part 2: The Jeweler’s Saw

An assortment of jeweler’s saws

If you’ve found yourself without access to a studio, you’re not alone! 
In this second of 3 posts, you'll find a short list of jewelers saw options along with a few PROS and CONS. If you have something to add to the discussion, please do so in the comments below.

The Jeweler’s Saw

There's nothing you can't do with a jeweler’s saw!

Using the saw can be frustrating when you're first learning, but believe me when I saw, lol say, that perseverance will pay off. Practice, practice, practice and use good blades!

The web offers some insights into the beginnings of the modern day jeweler’s saw. What's most interesting is that, like many of the tools that we use today, it really hasn't changed all that much. Its basic function remains the same; it holds the blade taught, which allows us to cut the metal.

It's thought that the jeweler’s saw was a derivation, made by German clockmakers, of the marquetry saw used in the 16th and 17th centuries. It's similar to a coping saw, but is a more precision tool that allows for height and depth adjustment and the use of very fine blades. 

Please keep in mind that the choice of which style of jeweler’s saw and which depth is verypersonal. My go-to frame is a 5" Dixon German frame, but if my project is very intricate with lots and lots or piercing I'll use the Knew Concepts 5" frame. 

German saw frames

The German frame is, until recently, the one that everybody used. 

PROS: It's a terrific frame that has stood up to the test of time. It's available in different throat depths from 2.5" all the way up to 8" or more! It's depth and height are adjustable, it's readily available and it's affordable. It will accommodate slight variations in blade length from 8/0 to 8. Economy versions of the German frame are made in India and Pakistan. They are available wherever jewelry supplies are sold.

CONS: In comparison to some of the newer options on the market today, the frame itself is often heavier. 

Knew Concepts

The Knew Concepts frame is a relative newcomer to the field. Lots of research has gone into the creation of this frame, including the color, red.

PROS: It has a lightweight, rigid frame. It's very easy to load (once you've figured it out). There are lots of videos showing how to adjust the locking mechanism. They stand behind their products.

CONS: Height and depth are not adjustable. It's significantly more expensive than the German frame. But, keep in mind that cost is relative if you plan to use the frame for many years! It can be a bit fiddly to adjust and doesn't always want to hold 6/0 or finer blades. Note that it is made to work with standard 5 1/8" length blades. Too long can be snipped, too short won't work. Only available from select supply houses.

Green Lion

The Green Lion frame is newest on the scene. 

PROS: It has a comfortable wide rubber handle, which makes it more ergonomic. The locking mechanisms for the blades allow this frame to be switched from a right to a left handed design. It will accommodate slight variations in blade length from 8/0 to 8.

CONS: Height and depth are not adjustable. It's more expensive than the German frame, but again cost is relative over time. It's weight is comparable to the german frame, not as lightweight as the Knew Concepts. It's made in small batches, which can make it difficult to find.