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Thread: Which handgraver for cleaning bezel after setting.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
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    23

    Default Which handgraver for cleaning bezel after setting.

    Hello all. I'm wondering what shape and size of hand graver I should use to clean up bezel edges, like this ring (made from brass)or earring. I mainly work in silver now and this part of my making is a bit of a mystery to me. The bezel thicknesses I usually work with are between 0.3 and 0.6 mm. I'm also curious how makers avoid scratching the stone which seems a tricky task.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Central London
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    You can use a narrow square graver, but they need setting up, sharpening and keeping sharp.
    However if you are not used to using them, you might find it easier to use half round needle files which have been ground and polished along the side nearest the stone.
    Hard and medium stones will resist marking, if you are careful not to go on too long or too hard, but soft stones will inevitably become grooved.
    The only way out is to make a close fitting bezel, and finish the edge before setting. Then continue with a burnisher, and/or soft silicone points.

    It's always a good idea to have the bezel height correct before setting, rather than carve it down afterwards. In your examples they are a fraction too high. Dennis.
    Last edited by Dennis; 06-03-2021 at 10:55 AM.

  3. #3
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    Aug 2010
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    I use a scorper with a polished cutting face to cut and clean up bezel settings.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    James

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Goldsmith View Post
    I use a scorper with a polished cutting face to cut and clean up bezel settings.
    Me too. Sometimes I also use a polished spitstick occasionally. I find that good magnification helps as well.

  5. #5
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    Jan 2019
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    Quote Originally Posted by Goldsmith View Post
    I use a scorper with a polished cutting face to cut and clean up bezel settings.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	406 Scorper and ring sheet.jpg 
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ID:	12914

    James
    Great, thanks for your answer.

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  6. #6
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    Jan 2019
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    Quote Originally Posted by alastairduncan View Post
    Me too. Sometimes I also use a polished spitstick occasionally. I find that good magnification helps as well.
    Ok, these will be on my shopping list.

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  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dennis View Post
    You can use a narrow square graver, but they need setting up, sharpening and keeping sharp.
    However if you are not used to using them, you might find it easier to use half round needle files which have been ground and polished along the side nearest the stone.
    Hard and medium stones will resist marking, if you are careful not to go on too long or too hard, but soft stones will inevitably become grooved.
    The only way out is to make a close fitting bezel, and finish the edge before setting. Then continue with a burnisher, and/or soft silicone points.

    It's always a good idea to have the bezel height correct before setting, rather than carve it down afterwards. In your examples they are a fraction too high. Dennis.
    I really appreciate the sound advice. I am still at the stage where I'm afraid of having my bezel to low and no being able to catch the stone. I'm basically guessing and I know theoretically a shorter bezel would be fine, if not better, but I afraid to waste all that time just to have to remake it again.cheers.

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  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
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    South Australia
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    It is a much simpler exercise to make the bezel correct rather than having to cut all the excess away with a graver, using the graver should basically be a clean up operation.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
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    No need to guess when you're making a bezel, take a look at your stone and see where the curve starts. This infographic from Lucy Walker is useful Click image for larger version. 

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  10. #10
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    Jan 2019
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    Quote Originally Posted by china View Post
    It is a much simpler exercise to make the bezel correct rather than having to cut all the excess away with a graver, using the graver should basically be a clean up operation.
    Yes, I wouldn't consider cutting away excess bezel.

    Sent from my BTV-W09 using Tapatalk

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