Ring benders

[enigma]

More novice questions sorry folks!

I normally just bend using a mandrel but 3mm thick gold is a bit tricky and as I have the grooves cut first it is really tricky trying to prevent it bending where the groove ends.
So I was wondering about getting a ring bender, had a brief look on Cooksons and saw these:
http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/Durston-Combination-Ring-Stretcher-Reducer-Bender-prcode-999-8010

Bit expensive but how useful are they? it says they can bend metal up to 4mm thick so thats good.
Are they only for reducing/stretching plain bands?
And are there any cheaper ones that would do the job ?
Thanks

[caroleallen]

I got a much cheaper one on e-bay but it's a ridiculous price now http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ring-Stretcher-Ring-Bender-Jewellery-Tool-/300455395671

I've never used the ring bending bit though as I have some ring bending pliers for that but I can't seem to find them anywhere online. I think they're the same ones that Dennis uses, so maybe he can remember where they came from.

[enigma]

Thanks Carole,

Gosh that makes the Durston one look like a real bargain price now! =:-O

[camalidesign]

After George's recommendation (or was it Carole?) I bought these Wrap n Tap stepped pliers and they work a treat for bending ring shanks:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wrap-n-Tap-3-step-forming-pliers-Multisize-bail-making-wire-looping-13-x16-x20mm-/231305734599?pt=UK_Crafts_JewelleryMaking_GL&var=&hash=item7b876d41dc

Not used them on as thick stock as 3mm but worth a try for the price!

Carin

[trialuser]

I got a much cheaper one on e-bay but it's a ridiculous price now http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ring-Stretcher-Ring-Bender-Jewellery-Tool-/300455395671
......

I think that's probably just an ebay marketing ploy.
Sellers work hard to get their items at the top of the search results.
If an item is temporarily out of stock they just put it on at a sill price rather than not list it.
This keeps it high in the results and saves them having to work their way up again.

[caroleallen]

Ah, that's sneaky!

[Dennis]

Anyhow some of those you have been looking at are combination ring benders and ring stretchers.

The advantage of a ring bending tool is that it will tackle heavy strip and wire turning them into a ring. Once soldered the ring stretcher will stretch it up to size, make it round and harden it without recourse to a triblet or hammer.

I bought mine at separate times years ago and ended up with these below. Were I buying now, I would probably consider the Durston combination one. Dennis.

[art925]

The Durston is similar to to mine, I have up until recently only used it to bend metal as the stretcher part was misaligned. Anyway it works wel, before you order, check that you receive the metal beding dies to go on the side.

[enigma]

Brilliant thanks all!