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Thread: Stone setting

  1. #1
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    Default Stone setting

    I'm quite happy with all types of bezel setting stones
    but would quite like to try tube setting.

    Is it best to learn this on facetted stones or cabs?
    Should I start with CZs or a gemstone (I've got sapphires, peridots, topaz and diamonds to hand)

    I know Peter suggested a DVD set a while back but I can't remember what it was called (think it was rubover setting).
    Do I need a pillar drill or do you do it freehand with a pendant motor?

    Sorry to ask so many questions
    Nic xx
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  2. #2
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    I started out with facetted stones in tube settings; there's a really good tutorial on Ganoksin - [Ganoksin] Jewelry Making - Tube setting - an introduction to setting

    Freehand, one burr to start cutting the seat and a setting burr to complete it is what I tend to do.

    I don't *think* I've ever tube set a cab; I don't use cabs all that often really, and if I do they're usually chunky.

    Might as well go for CZ to start with, they're not so bad when you manage to lose them on the floor!

    The DVD I like is Bezel & Flush Setting by Blaine Lewis at Welcome to Jewelry Videos - if you have a look at the video clips you'll get some idea of why I'm quite so impressed by it.

    Keep 'em coming... Bigwol should be able to add some more to this too?

  3. #3
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    That Blaine Lewis Tutorial, I really really fancy getting that.
    It's a shame no one in the UK sells it I can't get their shop site to work
    so will have to e-mail them

    If I started with 3mm & 4mm stones can you suggest some tube widths
    that work well and aren't too difficult for beginners (my tolerence area may need to be wider as I embrace my initial wonk,lol)

    Would I buy 3 & 4 mm burrs for that or a different size?
    nic x
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  4. #4
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    I think Otto Frei carry it too? I bought mine direct; they were very helpful in communications.

    For 3mm stones, I'd use a 3mm setting burr, a 2.9ish mm round burr (although I prefer bud burrs) - i.e. just fractionally smaller than the stone - and probably RSA004 tubing, per Dave's useful chart - makes for a really nice fit on 3mm stones; you've enough material to form a shelf to support the stone while the resulting wall isn't so thick it is difficult to burnish over.

    4mm stones - 4mm setting burr, 3.9ish bud or round, RSA002 tubing.

    Or draw your own tubing

    You can of course cut the seat with gravers, but this is a bit quicker & easier for round stones.

  5. #5
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    Forgot to say - the burrs more-or-less self-centre in the tubing, so the wall thickness isn't a problem. You end up with about 0.25mm with these dimensions - that's loads!

  6. #6
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    Thanks Peter!
    I'm off to order some Tube now
    Hmm I have loads of burrs that I've hardly used but have no clue on size
    do you measure them using a drill guage or put them in your diamond guage holes?
    My measuring calipers have points so are useless grrr
    nicx
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  7. #7
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    I use a cheap brass slide gauge - pick up the stone with it, then pop the burr between the jaws & turn it gently the wrong way. If the burr is too large then it forces the jaws open and the stone drops out of the gauge.

    I don't tend to work with absolute measurements for this, unusually for me.

    Might see if it works with my calipers this evening.

  8. #8
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    Default Tube Settings

    I find that turning the burrs by hand in a pin vise after wetting them with a trace of oil gives a good true setting and preserves the burrs.
    Dare I mention that you use a piece of tubing long enough to hold comfortably,unless you have a chenier clamp, prepare the setting and then cut it off when it is ready? Unlike Peter I like to use my 100mm digital electronic calipers so that I can check and double check the size of everything.The cheapest ones are about £20 from Walsh or Maplin and you don't have to squint at a vernier.
    Kind regards to both of you, Dennis.

  9. #9
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    One thing that is pleasantly surprising about the £20 calipers is just how accurate they are, despite their low cost.

    I do use absolute measurements elsewhere in setting, honest!

  10. #10
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    Thanks Peter & Dennis
    Dennis my pin vice is too small to hold the burrs that fit into my Foredom -
    where can I purchase a bigger one?
    Nic x
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