The pillar of the ring stretcher will enlarge an annealed shank by about two sizes without compromising the seam. To keep the shank from developing slight angles the ring is rotated between stretches . If it has a flat internal surface, you must also invert it from time to time, to avoid a cone shape. There are some parallel ring stretchers, but they do not allow you to see your progress in the same way. Lastly the size is repeatedly checked on a standard ring stick, as the calibrations on the ring stretcher are unlikely to correspond. Nothing is simple in jewellery making.
The carousel at the base, which has a series of chamfered holes and a second alternative set on the underside, will reduce the size of round bands. It can also be used for closing round bands before soldering. With rings made of flat sheet it will cause the edges to curve inwards. If the resultant ring is large enough, it could then be soldered over a correctly sized flat ring to make a hollow D shape. You might have to experiment with a test piece to get this right.
Now lift off the carousel and, if it is not hopelessly rusted on , the centre pin as well. Then, combined with a steel block, you have a super planisher for small pieces of sheet. For instance should you need to make a groove for a right angle fold, this is more easily done if the metal is first curved in a swage block at right angles to your intended groove. You then proceed with a saw and files as usual, and finally planish it flat again.
Substitute a shallow doming block and you can close the ends of short pieces of tubing for making stone set charms. Dennis.
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