Whats the one thing you haven't been able to master?

**The Bijou Dragon** · 24-07-2009, 08:51 PM

Wire wrapping... particularly making spiral cages... I gave up trying to make those by hand they drove me insane. My Mom still lusts after some crackled marble caged jewellery.... might have another go as it's her birthday in October!

**Milomade** · 24-07-2009, 10:16 PM

I settle for a textured sanded look for all my work as I'm scared of the polisher at college - things get far too hot and I always burn myself and I hate it when things go flying off - especially my small items. I also hate the noise it makes.

Can't comment on much else as I've not got that much experience.

**Charlotte** · 25-07-2009, 03:05 AM

I used to be so scared of the polisher and sand belt at uni, they never felt safe even after 2 years of use... although your fingertips get used to getting burnt

I'd be even more scared owning one now though, being on my own with a deadly machine

**AlexandraBuckle** · 25-07-2009, 10:57 AM

I don't think i even used the polishing machine at uni!
I bought a wire brush and opted for a satin finish on my work!

**Coco** · 25-07-2009, 01:40 PM

Can't you polish pieces with a drill instead of a scary polishing machine (I'm scared of it too

) Or am I just imagining that you can?

**wendy** · 25-07-2009, 04:14 PM

I've recently acquired a polishing motor that purrs it's so quiet, it has made my life so much easier. I used to find that if someone wanted something polished I'd chuck it in the barrel polished and forget it for a few hours, and only really had success with uncomplicated shapes (I've ranted about this before!). I'm finding that the polish achieved with the mop is much brighter, and best of all quicker = less electricity.

**Di Sandland** · 25-07-2009, 05:41 PM

I can polish and sand with the best of em - comes from having been a wood turner (until I started to get 'brain-fog' from time to time and had to give it up). Finishing is my strong point.

What I really have problems with is (gulp) soldering

**wendy** · 26-07-2009, 09:28 AM

Has anyone ever worked with Niello? It's something that I've always wanted to try, and never actually got round to because the recipie I have is a little vague. I have plenty of lead, but wonder if liver of sulphur would do for the 'add plenty of sulphur' bit, is liver of sulphur the same as sulphur?? I'm no scientist!!

**bustagasket** · 26-07-2009, 12:58 PM

EVERYTHING!!!!!! oh wait prolly cos i am so new to it :P

**ps_bond** · 26-07-2009, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by wendy

...is liver of sulphur the same as sulphur?? I'm no scientist!!

Nope, liver of sulphur is mostly potassium sulphide. For elemental sulphur, flowers of sulphur is a possible source. Not the nicest of things to melt though - a combination of seriously unpleasant gasses and the all the fun of handling something akin to molten sugar - if it gets on skin, it will stick and will cause some nasty burns.

There's a fairly thorough essay on niello in Metals Technic IIRC.