Running a jewelry business takes more than creativity and design. It also requires the right metalsmithing tools and supplies to create your pieces and keep your workflow running smoothly. Over the years, while building GaleForce Design Jewelry, I’ve tried a wide range of products and discovered the ones I truly rely on every day.
On this page, I’ve put together links to metalsmithing tools and supplies that I personally recommend. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a jewelry business, these categories can help you find what you need. Some of the links are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I’ve used myself or would recommend to another jewelry maker.
This is not a complete list of metalsmithing tools or supplies, just the ones I’ve found most useful so far. I’ll be updating this page and adding more recommendations as time goes on.
Metalsmithing Tools
The right tools make all the difference. From pliers and hammers to specialty tools like center punches and flex shafts, these are the items I reach for every time I work in my studio.
Flex Shaft Tools & Accessories
• Flex Shaft Jewelers Kit – Foredom® K.2230 with H.30 Handpiece, 115v
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PSOTIq
• Flex Shaft Motor Hanger – Bench Clamp Model HOL-620.00
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pSenGY
• Slotted Mandrel for Emery Paper
Available at Rio Grande: Slotted Mandrel for Emery Paper
• Rotary Polishing Wheels – Dedeco Sunburst Radial Bristle Discs
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48MOFNO
• Flex Shaft Electric Rotary Tool Kit – 30,000 RPM, 1000W, Foot Pedal Control, Forward-Reverse, Multi-Function with Accessories
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mJtUqp
*Note: I haven’t personally tried this flex shaft model, but it looks like a descent, budget-friendly option for beginners.
Metalsmithing Bench Tools
• Jeweler’s Saw Set – 3-in-1 Professional, Saw Frame, 144 Blades, Wooden Pin Clamp
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4g5rPTi
• Jeweler’s Saw Blades – Herkules White Label 2/0 Size
Available at Rio Grande: https://bit.ly/3NRK30C
• Jeweler’s Saw Blades – Herkules White Label 3/0 Size
Available at Rio Grande: https://bit.ly/4qXyS4X
• Cutting Lubricant for Jewelers – PepeLube
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nyQq5E
• Filter Bench Lathe Hood w/light – Foredom®
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49ruELj
• Replacement Filters for Polishing Bench Lathe Hood – Foredom®
Available at Rio Grande: Filter Multi-Pack for Foredom® Polishing Bench Lathe Hood
• Bench Pin and Anvil
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/460FN3Z
• Anvil – Easmvetaln, 25 lbs., Cast Steel
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/475lVPj
• Anvil – VEVOR, 9 lbs., Cast Steel
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46Vg8vp
• Automatic Center Hole Punch – NEIKO, 6-Inch with Adjustable One-Handed Spring Impact
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mreMhd
• Rubber Mallet Hammer with Wood Handle – 24 oz
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pWm5zB
• Rawhide Mallet – Garland, Size 2
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48N4cgs
• 8-Ounce Cross Peen Hammer – Woodstock, Hickory Handle
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oUVORM
• Bracelet Mandrel 4 Stepped with Tang – Oval – SFC Tools
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42nj1me
• Rotating Holder for Bracelet Mandrels – with Tang
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48b6GFl
• Steel Ring Mandrel – SE 13-Inch, Marked 1 to 16 US Sizes, Ungrooved
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4piUY1A
• Ring Mandrel Stand – EURO TOOL
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nZEf1z
• Ring Mandrel Stand – BENCH WIZARD
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4o3tLyg
• Mandrel Vise Holder Kit with Mandrel – 360° Degree
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4o2r543
• Dapping Doming Block & 8 Matching Punch Set – Splenor Tools
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n4pev8
• Jewelry Pliers Set – Shynek, 10 Professional Tools
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4niVhHT
• Stone Setting Tools – SE Jewelry, Set of 3, Prong and Bezel Set
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lSAWYz
• Ring Sizer Measuring Tool Kit with Mandrel
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rwtd5L
• Metal Ring Sizer Kit for Wide Bands – Rosenthal Collection
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rBnbAV
Annealing Tools
• Acetylene and Air Torch Kit without Tank – Smith® Silver Smith™
Available at Rio Grande: Acetylene Torch Kit
• Flint Torch Striker – Replacement
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KMxS3k
• Lab Tripod – Hicarer, 12-Inch with Mesh Screens (4 pcs)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JKmzrU
• Cross Locking Tweezer – This helps hold the mesh screen on the tripod. You’ll want two of them.
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nvhhjl
• Heavy Gauge 6 x 6 Mesh Replacement Screen
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lIpoHt
• Soldering/Annealing Torch Pan – Rotating with 3rd Hand Tweezers (7 inches)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4x7ImgQ
• Copper Tongs – Rosenthal, Curved for Jewelry Pickle Pots (8.5 inches)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HIcpaO
• Glass Casserole Dish with Glass Lid – I just use this for my pickle pot. Some people use a plug-in heated version, like the model shown below.
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46KOQql
• Pickle Pot – 24 Ounces
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/483NsRX
• PickleIt™ Surface Preparation
Available at Rio Grande: PickleIt
Soldering Tools & Equipment
• Rotating Turntable with Fire Brick – 9 Inch
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KmCQnx
• Acetylene and Air Torch Kit without Tank – Smith® Silver Smith™
Available at Rio Grande: Acetylene Torch Kit
• Silver Solder Wire – 26 Gauge (Easy, Medium, or Hard)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ks4yiF
• Self Pickling Flux – My-T-Flux
Available at Rio Grande: My-T-Flux – RioGrande
• Soldering Pick Set – Deluxe Titanium
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nnZaeU
Filing, Sanding, Polishing
• Needle File Set – LIBRATON, Small, 13 Pieces and Carry Case
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nhkPVC
• Bastard File – Crescent Nicholson, 8″ Rectangular Double/Single Cut Handy
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c94HTN
• File Card and Brush – Crescent Nicholson, 10″
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46QNURe
• Slotted Mandrel for Emery Paper (use with Flex Shaft)
Available at Rio Grande: Slotted Mandrel for Emery Paper
• Rotary Polishing Wheels – Dedeco Sunburst Radial Bristle Discs (use with Flex Shaft)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48MOFNO
• 1500 Grit Wet Dry Sandpaper – 9 x 11 Inch Sheets, 15 Pieces
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lV9Hgc
• 320 Grit Sandpaper – 3M, 20 Sheets, Professional Grade
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4n55M1c
• 220 Grit Advanced Sandpaper – 3M, 20 Sheets, Pro Grade Precision, Wet or Dry Use
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4p2fGlV
• Sanding Sponges – Romeda, 8-Pack, Four Grits (60/80/120/220), Reusable
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4m6Zu0o
• Bench Buffer Jewelry Polisher – POWERTEC, 6-Inch
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gVgyFG
• Jewelers Rouge & Polishing Compound Kit – ENKAY
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42ZCHfZ
Metal
• Copper Wire, Dead Soft (Multiple Gauges)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49cJzJf
Copper Etching Supplies
• Ferric Chloride Copper Etchant Solution – MG Chemicals
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46SFEQW
• PNP Blue Transfer Paper
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aveVg3
• Heat Press Machine – VEVOR Swing Away Digital
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bAe9iR
• Plastic Containers with Lid (Any will do, just be sure to use one with a lid, and an appropriate size for your work.)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c5W38z
• Electrical Tape
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/45Pi4oh
• Sharpie Black Permanent Markers – Chisel Tip
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZQtsNa
• Sharpie Black Permanent Markers – Fine Tip
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NUj4Br
Metal Finishing Supplies
• ProtectaClear – Everbrite, Protective Sealer for Metal (Great for copper and other non-ferrous metals.)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mGJ92o
• Poly Foam Brushes (for ProtectaClear Metal Sealer)
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qYIP2j
• PickleIt™ Surface Preparation (Removes firescale after annealing.)
Available at Rio Grande: PickleIt™
• Liver of Sulphur – The Beadsmith, Extended Life Gel
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nVHckr
Metalsmithing PPE
• Dust Respirator Kit – Sundstrom Silica, SR 100 S/M Half Mask, P100/HE Filter and Prefilters
Available at Acme Tools: Sundstrom Respiratory face mask suitable for fumes
• Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridges
Available at Acme Tools: Sundstrom Safety Organic Vapor and Acid Gas Replacement Cartridge (in addition to the Sundstrom Respiratory Mask)
• Nitrile Gloves – Medline SensiCare Silk
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/41z3SwR
• Safety Goggles – YunTuo, Adjustable, Lightweight, Anti-Fog
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iVl1YL
• Soundcore – Anker Space, Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3In6M2h
• Cotton Canvas Apron – Cross Back, Waterproof
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ig9tPK
Jewelry & Metalsmithing Books
• The Complete Metalsmith: An Illustrated Handbook
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mY1jhq
• Metalsmith Society’s Guide to Jewelry Making: Tips, Techniques & Tutorials for Soldering Silver, Stone Setting & Beyond
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3I5Ju0o
• The New Silversmith: Innovative, Sustainable Techniques for Creating Nature-Inspired Jewelry
Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ILtT6x
I share these products because I use them or think they are helpful for jewelry makers. I am not responsible for the performance, quality, or condition of any product purchased from Amazon or other websites.