Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 23

Thread: Looking for advice yet again!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    East Anglian
    Posts
    638

    Default Looking for advice yet again!

    I am attempting to learn how to set stones, starting with tube settings. I have had problems “pushing” the silver over neatly to secure the stone as you can see in the photo. I had been advised not to tumble the item as this hardens the silver making it even more difficult to “mould”. Even so it was a struggle! Any advice or constructive criticism re the design of the ring etc will be most gratefully received! David.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Ruedeleglise; 05-07-2021 at 11:05 AM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    Yes David, that is everyone's problem.
    The secret is to file a knife edge bevel at the rim, keep it as short as you dare, have it as smooth as possible before you continue, and use a softer pusher made from brass to turn it over.

    The final finish can be done with silicone points, such as this set:https://www.cooksongold.com/Jeweller...prcode-970-426

    You will also need a cheap diamond plate to run the points on for regular re-shaping

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Am-tech-E25...95348585&psc=1

    Below, a similar ring, made for a project.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Project ring Mar.'12.jpg  

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    East Anglian
    Posts
    638

    Default Looking for advice yet again!

    Wow! Beautiful finish. Mind if I plagiarise? What supporting compound did you use….a clear silicone?
    David


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    Supporting Compound? No just held it. Dennis.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    East Anglian
    Posts
    638

    Default

    ? cant see your fingers…Held in tweezers?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Scotland
    Posts
    3,392

    Default

    I just grip it tight! You can get a nice edge with a burnisher. It’s a great tool to have for general hand finishing anyway.
    I’ve used one like this since College and I’ve also found it good for keum boo
    https://www.cooksongold.com/Jeweller...her&channel=uk

    I’ve never used a tumbler but isn’t it usually said on here that it doesn’t work harden ?
    Last edited by CJ57; 05-07-2021 at 03:32 PM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Posts
    470

    Default

    Tumblers don't really work harden, it's just a few microns of surfce metal if they do. It looks to me as though your setting was just a touch too deep, so the walls are pushed over the stone a little. other than that, great job, I have tube setting on my list but never seem to get around to doing it.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Bristol
    Posts
    173

    Default

    I've just done my first tube set too and horrible problems getting the stone to stay in. Sheer brute force in the end

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    I have posted about this before, but without any enthusiastic response.

    If you adapt some round nosed pliers, by filing a small flat on one beak, they will serve as setting pliers without any any great force needed.
    You rest the flat on one side, at the level of the girdle, and use the round side to gently persuade the edges to turn over, north/south east/west etc.

    This is especially useful for fragile pieces.

    Another useful aid, but not essential, is a collet closing tool, which will restore any deviation from roundness. Dennis
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Pliers for tube setting.jpg   Collet Closing Set.jpg   Shs1 Short Chain With Red.jpg  

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    East Anglian
    Posts
    638

    Default

    Would love to see the adapted round nosed pliers in action…..is there a video available anywhere? Not easy to envisage quite how you apply them.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •