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

[EmmaRose]

OK, here is my confession....I can't make rings! (I am sooooo embarassed! ) Unless they don't involve solder. After all these years and many attempts I can never get the two ends to fit properly/closely enough to solder! I land up filing until there is no ring left!
Please make me feel not totally hopeless and 'fess up what you can't do!
Em

[Coco]

I'm really bad at making holes round in the front and square at the back.

[EmmaRose]

can't say I have ever tried that Coco! how do you do it? I would drill all the way through then use triangular file to square out the back. not easy though!
E

[Coco]

I was taught to drill a little hole and then scrape bits away with a saw blade. It's harder than it sounds.

[MuranoSilver]

Filigree - can't do it and now I don't ever want to again....
(well not at the moment) definitely more of a solid piece kind of gal!
Nic x

[ps_bond]

I was taught to drill a little hole and then scrape bits away with a saw blade. It's harder than it sounds.

Ah, saw cutting azures? It is that. I tend to use a flat graver instead - lacks the finesse!

[MuranoSilver]

There's a fab article here about cutting Azures with burs
http://aboutstonesetting.com/article...08/azures.html
I guess looking at it is another reason I prefer doing solid rubover
cabouchon settings in silver!
Nic x

[ps_bond]

Tried that - still felt it needed bright cutting too!

[silver Girl]

OK, here is my confession....I can't make rings! (I am sooooo embarassed! ) Unless they don't involve solder. After all these years and many attempts I can never get the two ends to fit properly/closely enough to solder! I land up filing until there is no ring left!
Please make me feel not totally hopeless and 'fess up what you can't do!
Em

hey em
I would love to help you if I can ?
do you solder rings , or do you just make ring without soldering ??
ether way , let me know and I see if I can help you

[Charlotte]

I am terrible for giving up with polishing and just giving a piece a scratched or satin finish Although I usually prefer an oxidised and satin finish, it seems to suit my work

I find sawing small pieces (e.g. earrings) very difficult.