Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) and The Ganoksin Project will collaborate on a new series of books dedicated to basic bench practices.

The first book, to be published by MJSA/AJM Press under the imprint “Orchid in Print,” will be How to Make the Most of Your Flex-Shaft. Written by Karen Christians, owner of the Metalwerx school in Waltham, Mass., the book will focus on how jewelers can ensure they choose the right flex-shaft systems and accessories and operate them safely at maximum efficiency. It will also include a chapter of tips compiled from the Ganoksin technical archive, which includes postings from the popular Orchid forum as well as the related “Tips from the Jeweler’s Bench” e-newsletter. The book is scheduled to be published in the summer of 2005.

The prime sponsor for the flex-shaft book is The Bell Group/Rio Grande, the Albuquerque, N.M.-based suppliers of tools and equipment, gemstones, findings, and display and packaging. Patron sponsors are The Foredom Electric Co. in Bethel, Conn., and 3M Inc., which is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn.

For additional information about the “Orchid in Print” series, contact MJSA at (800) 444-6572 or (401) 274-3840, or e-mail the MJSA at mjsa@mjsainc.com.