Durston ring bender/stretcher/reducer

[enigma]

I recently bought one of these and its absolutely brilliant, don't know how I ever managed without it!
One small thing though, when I use the ring bender it marks the outside of the ring, its no huge deal as it polishes out ok but I just wondered if I was doing something wrong?

[trialuser]

You're lucky, when I use the bender there is no chance of polishing out the marks.
I don't know if I'm doing something wrong as there were no instructions, but I reckon in a steel - silver - steel sandwich, the steel will always win!
Edit - I suppose the answer is a bit of Dennis's leather

[Dennis]

I've not seen more than the photo of the Durston, but with my ring bender, I insert a strip of leather (rather like a watch strap) between the steel and what will be the outside of my ring.
This preserves the surface which will show. The inside is quickly restored with a sanding drum after soldering. Dennis.

[enigma]

Thanks very much Dennis that sounds like it might well work!

Trialuser, I find the marks are less deep if I do it slower, a little bit at a time rather than pulling it as far as it will go each time if that makes sense.

[trialuser]

oh er, ok, I'll try that