Hello. When do you use a ring reducer similar to the picture vs cutting the ring and resoldering it at the correct size? This is for plane gold bands. Wondering about pros and cons of each.
Cheers!
Hello pacman,
To use the ring reducer at the base of the ring stretcher shown, the ring must be made of round, oval or D-shaped wire, and not with a texture. Trying it with flat strip, will begin to turn it into a ball
You anneal the ring, and place it into a hollow which just allows it to stand proud of the surface. Then push down hard using the lever. You might have to even out the effect by doing it again, with the ring turned over.
As you can guess, this method of re-s sizing is a bit hit and miss. You might have to use the upper part of the tool to enlarge it again, which is more under your control.
Most professionals would just cut a bit out, bearing in mind that 1.0 mm removed would reduce a ring by about one English size.
The choice is yours.
For your interest, below is my bangle made from strip, using the reducing function. Dennis.
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