The Secret of the Saw

The Secret Behind My Favourite Jewellery Saw: A Look at the Green Lion Saw Frame

I’m often asked about the tools I use in the studio, and one of the most frequent questions I get is about my beautiful saw – where it comes from, and what makes it so special. Well, today I’m sharing that secret with you! 

The saw I rely on for intricate cuts and precision is made by Green Lion Studios, and honestly, it’s hands down the most comfortable and efficient saw I’ve ever used (and I've used a lot of them over the years!). As a jewellery maker, comfort, durability and precision are key, and this saw frame ticks all the boxes.

The design of the Green Lion saw is thoughtfully crafted, with a handle that’s shaped to fit the natural curve of your hand, which makes a huge difference when you're working for hours on end. This unique handle design allows for a looser grip, reducing strain on my wrist, and making it easier to work on delicate details without causing discomfort. Anyone who’s spent hours sawing knows just how much of a game-changer this can be!

Beyond comfort, the saw is incredibly sturdy. The 11 gauge steel frame provides the perfect balance of strength and lightness. It’s solid enough to handle the demands of jewellery making, yet not too heavy to make the sawing process tiring. The frame holds up beautifully, even with years of frequent use, which is crucial when you're cutting out intricate patterns and shapes.

One feature that I absolutely love is how easy it is to change blades. The thumbscrews are designed with a wide surface area, making it super quick and simple to swap out blades when needed. This is such an important detail when you're working with jewellery, as there are often so many little cut-outs to make, and the last thing you want is to be fumbling with a tricky saw frame. Quick blade changes allow me to stay in the flow and keep working without interruptions.

Let’s talk sawblades because people keep asking, so here’s my opinion:

The best blades on the planet? Glardon Vallorbe Swiss Made Round Back. No, they don’t pay me to say that, I just genuinely love them. They’re sharp, smooth and slice through metal beautifully.

Nano blades? Pretty good. They cut well, but trying to turn a tight corner with them feels like trying to do a three-point turn in a bus - possible but frustrating. 

And then there’s Hercules blades. If you love them, good for you. Personally? I find them dull straight out of the pack, and using them is about as fun as cutting with a blunt knife.

There you have it. Choose wisely, and may your blades be forever sharp!

Depending on the intricacy of the design I use anywhere between 2/0 to 6/0 size sawblade. For example, if I am cutting a design out of 1.5mm thick sterling silver, I will use a 2/0 sawblade. If I am cutting something very intricate out of 0.4mm sterling silver, I will use a 6/0 blade. 

If you’re a fellow jewellery maker and are interested in trying out this incredible saw, I’m excited to share that these Green Lion saw frames are available for purchase directly from my website. You can find them here.

Additionally, Green Lion Studios sometimes offers saw frames with slightly different handle shapes, including the "Big Bellied" and the "Mini" sawframes. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, these can be found in the Tools section of my website.

I hope this gives you a little insight into why I love my Green Lion saw so much – it’s truly one of the best tools I’ve found in my jewellery-making journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I highly recommend checking it out. It’s made a world of difference in my studio, and I’m sure it’ll do the same for you!