A reamer tool, or bead reamer, is a great addition to your jewellery making collection. But if you’ve never heard of it, you may be wondering: what is a reamer tool? We’ve outlined some of the basics on reamer tools and how they can be used to benefit your jewellery making project below.
What is a reamer tool and what is it used for?
A reamer tool is used to widen the size of a pre-existing hole in metal by a small amount to leave smooth sides – removing any burrs or rough edges. It’s a pointed round file with a tip that’s typically coated in diamond dust to create a hard, durable surface that’s great for filing. Reamer tools are ideal for those who are looking for a more precise hole, as they take the pre-drilled hole made by a drill bit and make it truly round and of an exact diameter size.
What is the difference between drilling, boring and reaming?
The three processes all follow the same purpose, but how do you differentiate them? The main differences between drilling, boring and reaming are that they each perform a different role and uses different tools:
- Drilling is used to form a brand-new hole with a drill bit.
- Boring is used to expand a hole using a lathe.
- Reaming is used to perfect and smoothen and uses a reamer tool.
When creating a hole, the boring process should always come after the drilling, and the reaming should be last – this sequence never changes, as you cannot bore until you’ve drilled, and you cannot ream until When creating a hole, the drilling process should always come first, then boring, and reaming should be last. This sequence should never change. Drilling forms the hole and the other two processes are there to help form an exact or better hole.
So, what is a reamer tool used for in jewellery making?
Typically, a hole reamer tool is used in metalworking. But in jewellery making, reamers are great for beading projects as they allow you to create precise holes for different sized chains to thread through. You may find a reamer tool useful when you have sharp edges that can cut your beading thread, when your beads don’t quite line up properly or the holes are too small for your beading needle or wire. A reamer deburring tool is handy for beading as it can gently enlarge the holes in glass, stone and ceramic beads – meaning you don’t have to feel disappointed when your bead doesn’t fit onto your wire or thread.
So if you’ve found the perfect bead for your design, but you’re not happy with the finish, then pick up a set of 4 diamond reamers to get rid of any unwanted residue and enlarge your beading holes. With a choice of two tapered reamers, one cylindrical-shaped reamer and one cone-shaped, you have everything you need.
Types of reamers: Which should you choose?
As mentioned, a reamer is a round file that is used to enlarge, straighten or smoothen holes that have already been drilled using a drill bit or cutting tool. But which should you be using for your jewellery making project? That will depend on your requirements and the materials you are working with. We’ve put together a list of some of the types of reamer tools that may be beneficial to you when bringing your jewellery designs to life:
- Hand reamer – typically, hand reamer tool sets come with different sized tips to suit a range of beads – from flat files to pointed reamer tools. These are perfect for anyone who
- Pearl reamer – ideal for anyone who’s looking to create pearl jewellery.
- These reamer tool sets have narrow tips that are able to fit inside the naturally small holes in pearls.
- <strong>Battery reamer:</strong> These are great for those who regularly work with reamer tools or anyone who may have difficulty gripping tools with their hands. Essentially, they do all the filing for you and help to speed up the manufacturing process. They’re available with different sized attachments to suit a wide range of beading projects and requirements.
- <strong>Wire rounder tips:</strong> These are often available as an attachment for battery reamer tools. These tips can be used for rounding off the ends of wire and removing any sharp edges that may snag or scratch. These can be used for both fine wires and handmade ear wires.
No matter which type of reamer tool you choose, you’ll be able to reap the benefits. From saving money by not having to discard unusable beads to protecting your thread and chain projects from snagging against the rough burrs in the bead holes.
Head to Cooksongold to find all of the beading tools you need to perfect your next jewellery making project – from reamer tools to beading mats and boards to make sure that your materials stay in place while you work. Order your jewellery making tools online today.
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