What are Jeweler’s Bench Pins?
Jewelry makers use bench pins to steady their hands, tools, and pieces for intricate work. Learn which type of bench pin will best meet your needs.
1 Minute Read
A bench pin is a notched piece of wood you attach to your work table to aid with sawing. Bench pins also help steady your hands and tools, so you can do intricate work in small spaces. For example, you can snugly anchor numerous tools, such as ring clamps and pliers, into the bench pin's notch. This will help you with filing and polishing metals as well as setting gemstones.
Bench Pins with C-Clamps
You can attach a bench pin to your work surface with a C-clamp. This also makes removal easy. Amazon has many models with C-clamps available, including this well rated set. This setup is ideal if you're just starting jewelry making or not yet ready to purchase a jeweler's workbench.
Some jeweler's workbenches come with bench pins. However, you may need to notch the included pin yourself. You'll have to saw a notch in the middle of the pin.
Bench Pins with Fixed Holders
You can also purchase separately a bench pin to fix permanently to your workbench or table. These come with a metal holder, not a clamp. Secure the pin to your workbench by inserting it into the metal holder and tightening a screw on the side. Then, bolt the metal holder to your bench.
Of course, Amazon has bench pin sets with holders. Gesswein also sells a very sturdy, well-rated permanent bench pin.
Custom Bench Pins
You can have bench pins custom made or modify existing models to suit your workspace and needs. Before you make any modifications, consider these ergonomic factors.
Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist
Megan Coward is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.
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