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The E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers
May 2000
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<> <> <> <> <> TABLE OF CONTENTS <> <> <> <> <> RUN YOU SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU A feature article on shop management issues. This Issue – Comes In Late
QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING Motivational insights from some of the best.
FEATURED PRODUCT Make your Shop more Profitable with Products from B W Simon.
TRADE SECRETS Tips and Tricks to make your work on the bench a little easier and more productive.
SIMON SEZ See and hear Bradney W. Simon in person, Check when he is speaking in your area.
PRODUCT REVIEW Learn about an innovative new product in this new feature.
ON THE BENCH Learn a new technique or brush up on basic skills with this feature article. This Issue – Back To Basics - Filing
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* * * RUN YOU SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU * * *
COMES IN LATE
After a recent seminar, a storeowner asked me what he could do to get his bench jeweler to come to work on time. He had tried everything he could think of (including nagging), but nothing seemed to work.
Now I know there are a lot of dependable, conscientious, highly motivated bench jewelers. However, as I travel the country putting on seminars on shop management, I find this to be a growing problem. Whether it is showing up on time or some other job function, more and more storeowners are asking how they can get their bench jewelers to do what they want done, and in the manner they want it done.
First of all, my advice is to sit down and talk with your jeweler. (Actually sit down and have a conversation not just make comments when he comes in late) Two things need to be accomplished in this conversation.
Find out why he comes in late.
It maybe lack of interest, lack of motivation, or lack of responsibility. However, it also maybe a legitimate reason, such as he needs to drop off kids at school or he shares a ride with his wife to work and can not make it in sooner. If that is the case you can either adjust his work schedule or work out other arrangements for him to get to work.
You need to explain the importance of coming to work on time.
Often we expect things from our employees and have never fully explained what it is we want. Our Employees Can Not Do What We Want Done, If They Do Not Know What It Is We Want Them To Do!
You may find out that they do not come in on time because then they have to put jewelry out in the cases and they feel that is the salespeople’s job. Knowing the reason they are habitually late will allow you to work out a solution with them. Maybe instead of putting out the jewelry, they can have other responsibilities, such as getting the shop ready (filling the steamer, etc.) or organizing the shop’s work and filing the work-in-progress slips. Something that needs to be done and they feel is related to their job in the shop.
Don’t assume they just lack the motivation to come to work on time. It maybe any number of other reasons. Talk with them to find out the reason, then you will be in a position to find a solution you both can live with.
If it comes down to lack of motivation - that they are just not interested in coming on time. You have your work cut out for you. But don’t despair, there are thing you can do to help the situation.
First of all understand that you CAN NOT motivate him. No one can motivate anyone but themselves. You have all heard the statement "You can lead a horse to water, but you can not make it drink. Well, I've coined a new phrase; "You Can Lead A Jeweler To A Bench, But You Can Not Make Them Work." The desire to work is just like the desire to drink. It must come from within the individual. You can not force anyone to work any more than you can force them to drink a glass of water.
Now, a long time ago, farmers learned that they can get their livestock to drink adequate water, if they feed them enough salt. By adding salt to their diet the livestock becomes thirsty and will want to drink.
In business it is no different. We need to find something to "feed" our employees to get them to want to work. Dwight Eisenhower said, "The key to leadership is to get people to do what WE want done, because THEY want to do it."
This "something to feed them" falls into two categories:
1. Negative Consequences
2. Positive Reinforcement
Negative Consequences is common in disciplining children. If they misbehave, they get a spanking, etc. Although not talked about as much, it is also effective in changing behavior in adults. It is what the police use to get motorist to obey the speed limit. If you break the speed limit, you will receive a ticket.
In business, you can do something similar. If an employee continues an undesirable behavior, such as coming in late, they will receive a negative consequence. These can range from reprimands, loss of pay, suspensions, and ultimately firings.
Although this can be effective in changing behavior, you need to be careful not to rely on these too often. You do not want to create a "firings will continue until the moral improves" atmosphere.
Often the better approach is to provide positive reinforcement by providing a reward when the desired behavior is received rather than punishing the undesired behavior. Putting your jewelers on commission is a form of positive reinforcement. When your jewelers perform their work to your standards (desired behavior), they are paid (reward).
However, commissions are far from the only means of providing positive reinforcement. There are many ways to provide incentives and they do not necessarily have to be monetary rewards either. I heard of one lady whose husband had a very well paying job. Money did not motivate her to perform at her job. However, her employer saw that she liked to give her opinion on how the store should be run. So, he told her if she meet certain weekly goals, he would give her 15 minutes of his undivided attention and she could express her ideas. She never missed a week.
For other ideas see the book "1001 way to reward employees" by Bob Nelson. (You can get it at your library or any bookstore) Be creative and find what incentives you can provide that your employees desire (if they do not desire it, they will not be motivated to receive it)
Both negative consequences and positive reinforcement can be used together effectively. For example, if the jeweler shows up on time every morning for a month, he will receive an incentive. If he receives the incentive three months in a row, a larger reward will be given. However, if he is late five or more mornings during a month, he will receive a warning. Three warnings in a 6-month period maybe ground for dismissal.
The fun thing about managing is there is no ONE right way to do things, and what works today may not work tomorrow because things change! Have fun, be creative, and most important of all sit down and talk with your jewelers. Find out their likes and dislikes. Remember: You Need To Work Together As A Team - Not As Adversaries.
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* * * QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING * * *
You cannot go from try to triumph without the umph. Harvey MacKay
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Luke, there is no try. There is only DO or NOT DO. Yoda
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Consider the postage stamp, my son. It secures success through its ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. Josh Billings
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Never give up. Never, never give up! We shall go on to the end. Sir Winston Churchill
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Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. Calvin Coolidge
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Having chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear and with manly hearts. Abraham Lincoln
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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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* * * FEATURED PRODUCT * * *
Run Your Shop Without It Running You A Practical Guide To Efficient Shop Management
With over one hundred and fifty pages of information, illustrations, and worksheets, this is the most comprehensive book on Shop Management available today.
This Valuable Guide Is A Must In Every Retail Jewelry Store
>“For too many years, Simon says, jewelry storeowners have
Only $39.95 (US dollars) plus S&H - $3.50 US, $8 International
Send your order and check to: B W Simon 1066 Hopkins Street Spartanburg, SC 29307 U S A
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* * * TRADE SECRETS * * *
When using a split mandrel for emery paper, use a section of emery belt for belt sanders rather then cutting strips from sheets of emery paper. The emery belts are designed to be used at higher speeds than the sheets and will last longer.
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Have two saw frames for two different size saw blades. Both are always ready for use. You do not have to change saw blades just because the wrong size is in the frame.
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Drill holes in the top of the side rail on your bench, large enough in diameter for your torch tips to fit into them. Keep different size tips there when not in use; it makes them easier to find when needed.
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To make certain prongs are down tight on the crown of the stone, hold the stone eye level. Then, hold your index finger about 1” above the stone. This will shield direct light from the stone, causing a silhouette of the stone and prong. Then, you can easily see light coming through any gaps between the stone and prong. If necessary, tape a 3 X 5 white index card on the wall in front of your bench to provide a light background to hold the stone in front of.
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When channel setting place a strip of tape over the stones. This will keep them from bouncing out of place when hammering.
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To solder closed a link in a hollow link bracelet, take a small section of wire that matches the color and karat of the bracelet link. Use a wire diameter that will semi-snuggly fit inside the link. Then, place some paste solder in each end of the link and insert the wire. Gently hold the link closed and heat until the solder melts. The wire will provide more surface area for the solder to flow to make a stronger joint.
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When soldering hollow link chains or other fine chains do not use a solder pick. The pick will draw heat away from part of the chain causing the remaining chain to melt easily.
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* * SIMON SEZ * * *
Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker and provides Keynote Speeches, Educational Seminars, and Bench Demonstrations. For information on having him speak for your organization visit us on the web at www.BWSimon.com
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See and hear Bradney W. Simon in person at the following Events.
Run Your Shop Without It Running You <=> All-Day Seminars
This brand new all-day seminar will be offered in 22 cities during 2000. This seminar will help retail jewelers increase profits by operating an efficient jewelry repair shop. It contains innovative and practical information that you can use in your store. Topics include: Pricing, Take-In Procedures, Productivity in the Shop, Employee Development, and Much More.
Seminar Dates Remaining:
Alabama Birmingham <=> June 19 Mobile <=> July 10 Arkansas Little Rock <=> June 22
Florida Fort Lauderdale <=> July 15 Jacksonville <=> July 12 Orlando <=> July 13 St. Petersburg <=> July 14 Tallahassee <=> July 11
Kentucky Louisville <=> August 7
Louisiana New Orleans <=> June 24
Mississippi Jackson <=> June 23
North Carolina Raleigh <=> August 10 Winston-Salem <=> August 9
Tennessee Memphis <=> June 21 Nashville <=> June 20
Virginia Richmond <=> August 11 Virginia Beach <=> August 12
West Virginia Charleston <=> August 8
For additional information on these seminars contact: B W Simon 1066 Hopkins St. Spartanburg, SC 29307 864 – 598 – 5274
We would like to Thank the following Sponsors who help make these Seminars possible.
Southern Jewelry News 704-827-2171
Rio Grande 800–545–6566
Impact Specialties, Inc. 770-458-9077
Southeastern Findings & Namano 800-282-8285
Gesswein Co, Inc. 800-243-4466
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PRODUCT REVIEW
GMX Wheels
These wheels are composed of aluminum oxide abrasive in a laminated cotton fiber. The result is a very hard, long-lasting abrasive wheel. (I have actually had several of these last well over a year) Small wheels can be mounted on a mandrel to use in your flex-shaft. Cylinders come pre-mounted on a 1/8” shank. They come in three grits 120, 180, and 320. (I am most fond of the 320 grit.) They are extremely helpful in preparing platinum for polishing, as well as useful on gold and silver. The only draw-back is that you need to grind down the 1/8” shank to fit a quick change handpiece. It would be helpful if the manufacture would add a 3/32” size shank. These can be purchased from Gesswein.
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* * * ON THE BENCH * * *
Back To Basics – Filing
Over the years, bad habits creep into our work procedures. Periodical review of our techniques is needed to assure us that these “bad habits” are not allowed to continue to effect the quality of our work. This month we will continue our Back to Basics Series with an article on Filing.
Files are used for cutting, shaping, and smoothing metal. Filing is a basic technique used by jewelers, and the file is one of the most important shaping and finishing tools. Because the file is such a simple looking tool, most people think there is no right way to use it. However, this is not true.
Filing incorrectly waste time, causes unnecessary work, and waste precious metals. Proper filing, to a large extent, determines whether the finished jewelry will look professional or amateurish.
Accurate and rapid filing can only be developed through study and practice. For speedy filing the answer is in method, not muscle. Work with steady, even, long strokes. Frantic aggressive filing or short, broken, "fiddling” strokes will produce in-accurate results.
All files are designed to cut on the forward or push stroke. An efficient file stroke is smooth, steady, and even, using the full length of the file. The backward or pull stroke does not cut; it only returns the file to the start position. Many jewelers develop the habit of lifting the file from the metal surface for the return stroke. Others leave the file in contact but allow it to lightly slide back. Either method is fine, however when working in areas of critical fit or precise edges, lift the file on the return stroke and take careful, deliberate cutting strokes. This permits constant visual inspection.
Hold the file handle firmly with your index finger extended on top of the file. This permits you to apply the needed pressure during the cutting stroke. Line up your hand and wrist in a straight line from the file tip to your elbow. As you file, do not bend your wrist. Only your elbow and shoulder should move during filing, not your hand or wrist. Whenever exerting forward pressure on the hand, keep the wrist straight as possible. Putting pressure on the wrist in a bent position over time will develop corporal tunnel syndrome.
FILE TYPES
Files come in many widths, lengths, shapes, and cuts. Cuts range from the finest #8, to the coarsest #00. (this numbering sequence is the opposite of saw blades) Hand files and Needle files are the two types most commonly used in jewelry work. Hand files are used for general filing. The most useful cut is a #4 with a #2 cut used for heavy coarse filing.
Needle files shape and smooth areas that are unreachable with the larger hand files. A common mistake made by jewelers is using too coarse of a needle file. A #2 cut needle file is too coarse for jewelry work. It leaves deep file marks in the metal which are difficult to remove from the tight spaces needle files are used. When attempting to remove them the clean straight edges or contours developed by filing are lost, resulting in a mediocre job.
A #4 cut needle file should be saved for times where heavy filing is needed in tight areas. A #6 cut needle file is used for general filing. Often a jeweler can go straight to polishing with tripoli after using a #6 file. This will save not only time but reduce waste material. More importantly, the clean straight edges, contours, and sharp corners produced with the file are not lost in the sanding process. This results in a more professional looking finished piece of jewelry.
FLAT FILING
When filing flat surfaces or straight lines, hold the work steady. Move only the file. A flat-faced file is needed. Using the flat side of a half-round, barrette, equalling, or other file is a matter of personal choice.
OUTSIDE CURVES
Filing an outside curve (convex surface) is similar to flat filing and the same file is used. As the file moves forward bend your wrist slightly and lift your elbow to follow the contour of the surface. Use long strokes, and keep the file moving in a smooth continuous curve or you will develop flat spots on the jewelry.
INSIDE CURVES
To file an inside curve (concave surface) a file with a rounded face is need. You can use a half-round, oval, round or crossing file. Allow the file to roll from side to side as it is pushed forward. This not only keeps the contour of the curve, but also prevents cutting irregular flat spots in the edge of the metal.
You should always take great care when filing that you do not remove too much metal. It is impossible to replace the metal removed. When filing to remove excess solder, often the mistake is made of filing too much resulting in thinning the metal. Stop filing when the outline of the solder is just barely visible. Sanding to prepare the metal for polishing will remove the remaining solder. If you continue to file until all evidence of the solder is removed; when sanded the metal will be thinned more than necessary.
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* * * EMPLOYMENT NEWS * * *
We are looking for someone to help us in house. This situation is for an experienced all around jeweler who likes to and can design. We can guarantee a minimum of $35-45 K plus benefits depending on experience, with a real range of $65K or $75K based on actual production, royalties and bonuses. Benefits include Health ins, vacation up to 3 weeks, and education and certification money. Also, we'll pay interview and moving costs for the right person. We are looking to continue our tradition of fine custom, repair work and to develop limited edition designer collections. We are on the southern edge of the Washington DC metro area. You will be living in the beautiful, green Virginia countryside and working in a spacious shop with any tool you need including CAD-CAM. John Caro Jewelry By Design 703-580-8880
Bench Jeweler Needed. Mainly repairs with some custom opportunities. Work with and learn from our JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler. Live in beautiful South Carolina with both the mountains and the beaches near by. Benefits include: Health Insurance, 401k, & Bonuses. Call Louis at Smithworks Fine Jewelers 864 – 573 - 5252
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* * * READERS RESPOND * * * I liked your ideas on describing the contents of the repair envelopes. In our shop we draw sketches of the items on the back of the envelope. Our jeweler knows immediately what goes where. Chains are measured and marked at what inch the break is at. So if we have more than one figaro chain usually only one is broken "three inches" from the lobster clasp. Prongs needing to be retipped are marked in red. Drawing the pictures takes only a little extra time but saves us countless minutes when it's time to put the items back in the proper envelope. The pictures also serves as proof to the customer that the chain we fixed last month was soldered "three inches" from the clasp and not where it is broken now!
I hope this info helps. I enjoy your E-Bench tips, please keep them coming. PSD55@aol.com
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Thank You for Reading.
For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas or requests, please send an E-Mail to mstrjwlr@spartanburg.net.
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Information provided in this document is provided ‘As Is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information concerning the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the author or publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. PRIVACY STATEMENT We honor your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose our list of subscribers. Your email address is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with anyone for any reason. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyrighted, 2000, B W Simon. All rights reserved.
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