Post up your favorite bench tools and accesories

It is a 6 inch ruler on one side with measurements in Millimeters also.  On the other side is a scale for measuring out metal for ring shanks as well as bracelets.  I tried and tried to find a better pic, but had to settle for a link hoping it would show enough detail
www.ottofrei.com/Store/Dividers-Squares-Rulers-Wire-Drill-Degree-Gauges/Jewelers-Rule-Otto-Frei-Jewelry-Makers-Scale.html
www.silversupplies.com/catalog/tools/measuring/

Rio has one, but it is plastic and not worth the postage even if it took only one stamp

for measuring metal for a shank, find your customers size with a ring gauge, then lay the metal for the shank on the ruler and mark at the needed size.  Be sure and add one and a half times the thickness of the metal to the actual measurement.  for split shanks that will be soldered to base of a bezel setting, use the exact measurement, or even subtract one size.  I'm not a fan of soldering a bezel mount on a completely circular ring shank.  There should be a decent gap between the ends of the shank where it is soldered to the base

Interesting topic. I have a few. Will study your ruler, too.

That's an interesting ruler Arlen. I'll have to look them up. I can see how that would simplify things immensely!

An abundance of charts are available from the simple to the absurd.  Measurements in millimeters are easier to comprehend than deciphering thousandths of an inch and having the ruler with ring sizes already engraved on it greatly simplifies the process.  if I have a custom, non standard size to make where size is critical, I usually cut the material then shape it around a ring mandrel to confirm it is correct before soldering.  It is very common for me to have customers with arthritic fingers that present challenges in sizing, so I try to make the ring as small as possible fitting over the knuckle as once it is past there, it becomes very loose on the finger.  This often involves 1/4 sizes and is a royal pain, but customers are always pleased someone goes to the length to get the best possible fit.

My favorite bench tool works for smithing and for rock carving. I can use both hands to manipulate the work.

The small vise in the background is also very handy. Again, I can use both hands.

IMG_1570 by Pat, on Flickr

Front view of same tool. Foredom makes this. I've seen a similar device by Dremel; I think it suctions onto the workbenchIMG_1574 by Pat, on Flickr

I didn't think I would like them so much, but DH also got me the arms that attach to the foredom pole. I have 2 shelves and one that holds mandrels with tools on them. In my space, these are are essential to my work flow. I have another, but it won't fit. He got me the flip light that goes with it, but it turned out to be too big and we had to return it.

And, oddly, I find that I use a burnishers an awful lot. But maybe that's because of what I have been doing. I haven't actually soldered in a long time. (I should change that.)

toiv0. We have a much smaller shearer. It is a big help.

Re hand shears: have you tried Joyce Chen shears? Very good, and with hand shears you can cut curves.

Another little gem I would be reluctant to do without. A hand vise is indispensable for twisting lengths of wire chucked in a drill as well as a multitude of other tasks

Yep, it's exactly what it looks like: a common hardware store corner bracket screwed to a piece of wood. But if you've ever wished you had a 3rd hand when forming a bezel strip around a stone and marking it, this is the answer.

I drilled a couple of small holes through the board and into my bench top so I can fasten it into place temporarily on the bench with some dropped-in nails. Arrange it so the inner part of the "L" is facing you. When you have the bezel wrapped part way around the stone, push the stone and bezel against the corner of the "L" to keep it secure while you complete the wrap and mark it for cutting. Simple, but it's saved me a lot of frustration (and mismarked bezels) over the years.