Whats the one thing you haven't been able to master?

**EmmaRose** · 24-07-2009, 10:52 AM

OK, here is my confession....I can't make rings! (I am sooooo embarassed!

) Unless they don't involve solder. After all these years and many attempts I can never get the two ends to fit properly/closely enough to solder! I land up filing until there is no ring left!
Please make me feel not totally hopeless and 'fess up what you can't do!
Em

**Coco** · 24-07-2009, 12:18 PM

I'm really bad at making holes round in the front and square at the back.

**EmmaRose** · 24-07-2009, 12:24 PM

can't say I have ever tried that Coco! how do you do it? I would drill all the way through then use triangular file to square out the back. not easy though!
E

**Coco** · 24-07-2009, 01:54 PM

I was taught to drill a little hole and then scrape bits away with a saw blade. It's harder than it sounds.

**MuranoSilver** · 24-07-2009, 02:14 PM

Filigree - can't do it and now I don't ever want to again....
(well not at the moment) definitely more of a solid piece kind of gal!
Nic x

**ps_bond** · 24-07-2009, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Coco

I was taught to drill a little hole and then scrape bits away with a saw blade. It's harder than it sounds.

Ah, saw cutting azures? It is that. I tend to use a flat graver instead - lacks the finesse!

**MuranoSilver** · 24-07-2009, 03:03 PM

There's a fab article here about cutting Azures with burs
http://aboutstonesetting.com/article...08/azures.html
I guess looking at it is another reason I prefer doing solid rubover
cabouchon settings in silver!
Nic x

**silver Girl** · 24-07-2009, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by EmmaRose

OK, here is my confession....I can't make rings! (I am sooooo embarassed!

) Unless they don't involve solder. After all these years and many attempts I can never get the two ends to fit properly/closely enough to solder! I land up filing until there is no ring left!
Please make me feel not totally hopeless and 'fess up what you can't do!
Em

hey em
I would love to help you if I can ?
do you solder rings , or do you just make ring without soldering ??
ether way , let me know and I see if I can help you

**Charlotte** · 24-07-2009, 07:03 PM

I am terrible for giving up with polishing and just giving a piece a scratched or satin finish

Although I usually prefer an oxidised and satin finish, it seems to suit my work

I find sawing small pieces (e.g. earrings) very difficult.

**The Bijou Dragon** · 24-07-2009, 08:51 PM

Wire wrapping... particularly making spiral cages... I gave up trying to make those by hand they drove me insane. My Mom still lusts after some crackled marble caged jewellery.... might have another go as it's her birthday in October!