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View Full Version : Grain tools ..other uses.



Gemsetterchris
21-02-2013, 11:23 AM
While on the subject of these things.
Old grain/beading tools are probably my favourite multi tool..

You can with a grinder/small diamond disc & abit of imagination make:
Half round scorpers
Stone "picker uppers"
Pushers
Burnishers

All different shapes & sizes to suit. Stuff that you just can`t buy & don`t need to.

Just to add, brass rod of the same thickness to fit your holder can be fashioned the same way..much better for softer stones than steel.

ps_bond
21-02-2013, 11:51 AM
That list is what most of my worn-out burrs get used for...

mikethejeweller
08-07-2013, 12:01 PM
What do you use on the end of them for a "stone picker upper" tried some beeswax but seems to need slight heating every time i wish to use it as it harden and wont stick to the stones

ps_bond
08-07-2013, 12:07 PM
For small stones, the surface tension of a drop of water is enough.

Gemsetterchris
08-07-2013, 12:19 PM
Just dab the end on your tongue.

ps_bond
08-07-2013, 12:28 PM
I got *such* a telling off for doing that!

Gemsetterchris
08-07-2013, 12:38 PM
?! So long as you use your own tools:D Make a damp sponge dabber if you must.

ps_bond
08-07-2013, 12:40 PM
"You're spitting on the customer's jewellery" - yebbut, the ultrasonic does a lot to deal with that... So yes, I have an Ikea nightlight holder with a small amount of sponge in the bottom of it.

Wallace
08-07-2013, 04:25 PM
What do you use on the end of them for a "stone picker upper" tried some beeswax but seems to need slight heating every time i wish to use it as it harden and wont stick to the stones

add a small bit of glycerine to the mix


my brass burnisher is brilliant. I got some 2mm rod from ye olde ebay and then filed the end down. It is wonderful for amethyst, tourmaline and labradorites. Haven't used it on any other stones yet, but it doesn't leave a mark on them.

ps_bond
08-07-2013, 05:35 PM
add a small bit of glycerine to the mix

Should we swig it from the bottle?

josef1
08-07-2013, 06:11 PM
on the rocks ? (see what I did there )

Wallace
08-07-2013, 06:38 PM
on the rocks ? (see what I did there )

too cool to drool! lol

Tabby66
08-07-2013, 08:52 PM
Sooo.......how does a dab of spit on blade sound......works well with the piercing ;)

adam p
10-07-2013, 07:13 PM
Hi all. I have allways used a small piece of plasticine on the end of a broken burr

mikethejeweller
11-07-2013, 12:36 PM
I tried the plasticine route, but think the water ( spit) way seems best as its then easier to push the stone firmly in place at the same time. Another tip I heared for picking the stones up is a small piece of the wax baby bell wraping stuck on the end of a burr :)

ps_bond
11-07-2013, 02:44 PM
Tried that, but it doesn't half leave a lot of cack on the stone.