Inserting a Saw Blade into a Jeweler's Saw Frame

Untwist the wire around the bundle of saw blades until you can pull one out easily (twist the wire back around the blades once you have one out).

Loosen the two wing nuts on either side of the opening of the jeweler's saw frame.

Prop the far end of the saw frame against the edge of a table or desk. Hold the handle and push the frame end against the table with a steady pressure, yet without bending the saw frame.

The blades in this frame type are slightly stretched, much like stringing an archery bow, so insert the blade end into the clamp nearest the handle first and tighten firmly. Be sure the teeth are facing out and down toward the handle.

Insert the far end of the blade into the frame, tighten slightly and release the pressure against the table or desk edge. Tighten the far end firmly. Pluck the blade—if you get a tinny or flat note, reposition the frame on the table, push on the handle a little more firmly, release the wing nut on the far end, reposition the blade and tighten the wing nut.

Repeat until the sound you hear is a good note, indicating the blade is ready to cut metal.

When using this type of blade, avoid pushing against the metal; it will catch and snag, damaging the metal or breaking the blade. Do not force the blade into the metal, the teeth will do the work for you.