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A have an air/ aceylene setup....but whenever I mention it to jewelers (not that I go around braggin' about it) they say either it cant be used because it's too sooty, or it cant be used on platinum...

Thanks Peter,

Agreed. A bit of experimentation ahead.
Thanks

hI, hope someone can help on this.

I picked up this ring stretcher/ shrinker 'thing' last week. It has stickers on it saying that it is made by 'popular progress'. It's very well made and...

Inspired by the self build. I have been tempted, read all the websites and even put together a component and sources list, but just had a feeling that it would not be as easy as simply rigging up a...

I tossed a coin for you. It landed heads up, so it's a 'go'. Could be life changing.

If things get out of shape you can always stop and get a partial refund (make sure you know the cut-off dates...

Thanks Pete, but I was after some objective experience. I do not have a £3-4 k budget so a couple of hundred makes it an option with risks attached....but what are the real risks?

There are a few...

And a big hello from over the ridgeway in Weymouth.

Having looked into the technology behind PUK and Orion welders, they broadly seem to be sophisticated 'capacitive discharge welders' and cost more than most hobby jewellers (like me) can afford.
...

I like the metal...but what a con.

Instead of mixing silver with copper to get sterling, they simply use a splash of germanium and then charge a huge premium for the privilege. It shouldn't be...

If you're after 'proof of process' rather than consistent results there are some easier ways of going about this...
Don't bother with coating the ferrules, you're only going to be using a few volts...

You can also try using a bench shear - works for me and none of the issues discussed so far. I found my local garage/bodyshop had one so just pay them a visit when I have something that needs cutting.

You could go for the big spend, but I was thinking more along the lines of;
Rhino - £200
Merchant Dice CNC router (fleebay no. 220495847651) for £2000.

Still a lot of money...

that's useful...Rhino does a special student price and seems to be a bit of a standard.

I'll see how much ArtCAM is - I've contacted them and waiting to find out.

Next thing will be saving up...

Anyone out there familiar with 3D modelling - CAD CAM software?

ArtCAM seems interesting...although my local college tends to use Rhino.

any views/reviews of either?