Of all of the jewelry making techniques, piercing or sawing is often the most challenging.  Simple in principle, yet tricky to master, jewelers are divided on whether they love or hate this part of the creative process.  Some love the high level of concentration required and the instant gratification of seeing something take shape, and I have even heard one jeweler call it soothing, like meditation.  Others (myself included) often end up snarling at the lack of cooperation between blade and metal.  So here are some top tips on how to take some of the hassle out of sawing.

Use a Paper Template

Draw your design onto paper first, and then stick this to your piece of silver.  Not only with this provide you with a clear pattern, but will also mean less surface marking.  Some jewelers also find that the paper provides a good texture for sawing.

Get Slippery

Be sure to use wax or another lubricant on your saw.  Although some jewelers apply lubricant to the teeth of the saw, this can cause it to clog and prevent a clean cut.  Rubbing beeswax or lubricant down the back (blunt side) of the blade, as well as on the underside of the piece of silver will make a huge difference to the ease and smoothness of your sawing.

Watch Your Angle

Keep your saw blade at a 90 degree angle while cutting. If you find this difficult to do it may be because the level of your bench or vice is wrong.  You should be able to draw your saw up and down comfortably without straining your wrist or back while you work.

Choose the Right Blade

Using the right size of saw blade can also make a big difference to your work.  While most beginners may only have one or two sizes in their tool box, if you are using different gauges and types of metals you will need to research and purchase the best blade for the material you are working with.

Support Your Work

How is the piece of metal held in place while you are working?  Do you have it on a surface that allows you to easily cut at the correct angle?  Do you have to put excessive pressure on the metal to hold it in place while you saw?  One neat trick that I have learned is to use a putty adhesive such as Elmer's Tack to adhere the piece to the bench or anvil.  The Tack can also be molded around the piece to stop it from slipping in any direction, reducing the force needed from either your hand or a clamp to hold it in place.

Online Video Tutorials

There are some great online resources to help you perfect your sawing technique.  Rio Grande have a nice video in their series of jewelry making tutorials on YouTube that introduces beginners to the practical elements of sawing metal.  Art Jewelry also has some good video tips.

Most importantly, if you get frustrated don't give up.  Practice makes perfect, and the only way you will get better at this technique is by continuing to try.