BENCHđ„FUSION SCHEDULE
Benchđ„Fusion Seminars containing the Bench Fusion logo next to the description are part of the Bench Fusion Event. Bench Fusion Registration Fee: $129 per person for a 2-day weekend pass, valid for one or both days. While AJS is producing Bench Fusion, please be aware that it is a separate paid event running alongside the Atlanta Jewelry Show.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Welcome to the Bench Fusion Community!
Presented by Joel McFadden & the Bench Fusion Team
Town Hall
Start the morning right with this friendly greeting and orientation to the Bench Fusion event! Meet the experts and presenters, and meet your fellow Fusion attendees. It is a friendly group! Enjoy the camaraderie!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Jewelry Borders: Design & Construction
Presented by Tira Mitchell & Rob Mitchell
Stage 1
Did you ever want to add a border to a piece of jewelry but weren't sure how to lay it out? Join Tira Mitchell as she shows how to design and layout common borders used in jewelry and engraving. See how to cut the designs and learn what gravers to use.
Borders covered include wheat leaf, running leaf, double leaf and more as time allows.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AMÂ
Social Media for the Bench Professional
Presented by: Jordan Mantzke
Stage 3
Join Jordan Mantzke, goldsmith and YouTube sensation with over 30 million views and 325K subscribers, for a session on using video to transform your jewelry business. Learn his one-man filming setup, essential editing tools, and strategies to leverage video content to drive sales and grow your online presence. Get practical tips and inspiration from Jordan's success story!
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Engraving: An Overview of Lettering
Presented by Tira Mitchell & Rob Mitchell
Stage 1
Join Tira Mitchell from Engraver.com to up your lettering game. Discover the gravers for each type of lettering, proper letter formation, and learn tips for practicing the fundamentals. Tira will demonstrate the techniques for both block and script lettering. Topics covered: block lettering, script lettering, Roman lettering, lettering layout & design.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The Art of Mokume Gane
Presented by Chris Ploof
Stage 2
Mokume Ganeââwood pattern metalââis an ancient Japanese technique. Numerous layers of precious metals are bonded into a single billet using the time-honored technique of applying heat and pressure. The billet is then transformed into exquisite patterns using the various tools in our studio to smash, twist, bend and fold the metal. Delve into the fascinating world of Mokume Gane with Chris Ploof, a master metalsmith. Explore its rich history, from ancient Japan to its modern-day applications. Learn about the intricate techniques used in crafting Mokume Gane and how Chris incorporates them into his award-winning designs. Perfect for jewelers seeking inspiration and practical insights into this timeless art form.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Modeling with Rhinoceros 3D
Presented by Gary Dawson
Stage 3
Rhinoceros 3D is used in architecture, shipbuilding, automotive and footwear design, and many more industries. It also happens to be the most widely used CAD application in the jewelry industry. Gary will discuss NURBS vs. mesh modeling and the evolution of Rhino into the highly versatile design tool it has become today and demonstrate modeling a variety of simple forms. He will demonstrate some basic modeling techniques, best practice workïŹows and share some tips and âtricks.â This session may be helpful to both those not yet fully familiar with the Rhino interface, and more advanced CAD users.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Town Hall - All About Torchwork
Presented by Joel McFadden & the Bench Fusion Team
Town Hall
Take part in these engaging hands-on opportunities showcasing live torch demonstrations. Gain valuable insights and mastery over jewelry fabrication techniques from the experts themselves. With the tips and tricks shared during these sessions, your future soldering projects will become effortless. Come prepared with your queries and receive expert advice and solutions from seasoned industry professionals.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Managing Alloy Hardening & Hardness: Simplified Science
Presented by Gary Dawson
Stage 2
Though hardness and hardening are well documented, there seem to be few bench or studio jewelers who utilize age-hardening and even fewer who have easy access to equipment for verifying the hardness of jewelry alloys. This session will be a truncated version of a presentation at the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology and discusses the process and beneïŹts of age-hardening jewelry alloys.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Filleting in Rhino 3D: Rounding Edges & Blending Surfaces
Presented by Gary Dawson
Stage 3
Struggling with filleting in Rhino? You're not aloneâit's a common challenge in online user groups. Filleting, the process of rounding sharp edges and blending surfaces, can be frustrating until you master the use of subcommands to adapt it to specific geometries. With the introduction of SubD in Rhino 7, creating smoother, more organic designs has become even easier. Join Gary Dawson in this session to learn practical solutions and take your filleting skills to the next level!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Intro to Stone Setting: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Have Tools
Presented by Joel McFadden
Stage 1
For countless years, Joel McFadden has honed his skills in the intricate art of stone setting. As a true master in this field, Joel stands ready to share his wisdom with eager learners. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Joel is more than equipped to guide and educate aspiring jewelers in stone setting. In this session, Joel will show you the must-have tools for stone setting, and share valuable tools you can make yourself. Don't miss this opportunity to glean insights on setting from a true master.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Town Hall - All About Stone Setting
Presented by Joel McFadden & the Bench Fusion Team
Town Hall
This group gathering will be all about setting stones. You have pros here to give you tips and tricks that will save you time and effort. Get the professional setting results you want by applying setting planning and techniques to your next jewelry project. Bring your questions and setting challenges to this group of pros! Find the right tools for setting stones.
 SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2025
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Welcome to the Bench Fusion Community
Presented by Joel McFadden & the Bench Fusion Team
Town Hall
Begin your day on the right note by engaging in this warm and welcoming salutation and orientation session for the Bench Fusion event! This is your chance to introduce yourself to the esteemed experts and presenters who will be helping you through the event and forge connections with your fellow Fusion attendees. The atmosphere is characterized by its friendliness, providing the ideal environment to kickstart your day. Embrace the spirit of camaraderie and immersion in Bench Fusion as you embark on this exciting journey of learning and networking!
10:00 PM - 11:00 AM
Production Soldering
Presented by Gary Dawson
Stage 2
The correct metallurgical term for what we often call soldering in the jewelry industry is brazing. Gary Dawson will briefly explain and discuss soldering vs. brazing. vs. welding in this session and why understanding these differences may be helpful at the bench. Gary will discuss and demonstrate the difference between laying solder âchipsâ and touch soldering with solder wire and the use of a solder pick to rapidly place solder. Torch heat and flame adjustment for each technique will also be discussed. The info shared should be helpful to beginning to intermediate bench workers.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Art of Mokume Gane
Presented by Chris Ploof
Stage 3
Mokume Ganeââwood pattern metalââis an ancient Japanese technique. Numerous layers of precious metals are bonded into a single billet using the time-honored technique of applying heat and pressure. The billet is then transformed into exquisite patterns using the various tools in our studio to smash, twist, bend and fold the metal. Delve into the fascinating world of Mokume Gane with Chris Ploof, a master metalsmith. Explore its rich history, from ancient Japan to its modern-day applications. Learn about the intricate techniques used in crafting Mokume Gane and how Chris incorporates them into his award-winning designs. Perfect for jewelers seeking inspiration and practical insights into this timeless art form.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sculpting on Metal
Presented by Tira Mitchell & Rob Mitchell
Stage 1
Join Tira Mitchell as she demonstrates the fundamental techniques of sculpting on jewelry and engraving projects. In this overview, Tira will show cutting techniques from flair cutting, which mimics sculpting with minimal work, thru full-on 3D sculpting with the background removed. Topics include planning the sculpting, tips for cutting, gravers to use, and understanding the work/price balance.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Using SubD in Rhinoceros 3D
Presented by Gary Dawson
Stage 3
For designers who need to explore organic shapes quickly, SubD is a new geometry type that can create editable, highly accurate shapes. Unlike other geometry types, SubD combines free-form accuracy while still allowing quick editing. Join Gary Dawson in this session to explore both converting your NURBS object to SubD for achieving more organic shapes and designing directly using SubD in Rhinoceros 3D.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Town Hall: Marketing Your Shop with Video
Presented by Jordan Mantzke & the Bench Fusion Team
Town Hall
Join Jordan Mantzke and the Bench Fusion team of experts as they demonstrate how to use video to improve your visibility online. YouTube is getting lots of action from potential clients, and Tic Toc is where you will find your younger clients. Get the strategy needed to put your videos to use!
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
DIY Ring Sizing Stock: Tip and Tricks
Presented by Gary Dawson
Stage 2
It would be impossible for most bench jewelers to inventory every size of stock (Sheet or wire) to make repairs and/or fabricate new jewelry. Gary Dawson will provide a detailed demonstration of a âquick and dirtyâ way to make stock âon the flyâ at the bench. Only a torch and rolling mill are required. Always have the correct sizing stock! You will never have to delay a ring sizing chore when making your own stock.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Jewelry Borders:Â Design & Construction
Presented by Tira Mitchell & Rob Mitchell
Stage 1
Did you ever want to add a border to a piece of jewelry but weren't sure how to lay it out? Join Tira Mitchell as she shows how to design and layout common borders used in jewelry and engraving. See how to cut the designs and learn what gravers to use. Borders covered include wheat leaf, running leaf, double leaf, and more as time allows.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
How to Start & Grow a YouTube Channel
Presented by Jordan Mantzke
Stage 3
Join Jordan Mantzke, a goldsmith and YouTube sensation, for an insightful session on how video content can revolutionize your jewelry business. With over 30 million views and 325K subscribers, Jordan has mastered the art of engaging audiences through custom jewelry, restoration, and videography. In this session, he will reveal his one-man setup for filming, the essential tools he uses for editing, and his strategic approach to leveraging his video library to generate business and close sales. Gain practical tips and inspiration from Jordan's success story to enhance your own online presence and grow your jewelry business through compelling video content.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Science of Flush SettingÂ
Presented by Joel McFadden
Stage 1
When you choose to use a flush setting in your fine jewelry, you're opting for a style that balances the stone's protection with a subtle, contemporary appearance, making it an ideal choice for an active lifestyle or a preference for understated elegance. Joel McFadden will show you how preparing and measuring correctly are essential to mastering this setting style. It helps to have the right tools on hand as well. Joel has mastered this setting technique and is also an excellent instructor. If you set stones, you will not want to miss this session!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Transform Your Jewelry Business: Social Media Secrets
Presented by Jordan Mantzke
Stage 3
Come hang out with Jordan Mantzke, the talented goldsmith and popular YouTuber! Get ready for an awesome chat about how social media can totally transform your jewelry business. Jordan is a pro at creating beautiful custom pieces, restoring jewelry, and making amazing videos that people love. During our time together, he'll share all his secrets on how to use social media to boost your business and make those sales happen. Jordan's got some great advice and stories to help you spruce up your online presence and expand your jewelry business. Looking forward to seeing you there!
