Accurate piercing

[snow_imp]

Didi - that looks so amazing. Congrats.

[medusa]

oh that is lovely! I'm dead impressed!

[ShinyLauren]

Nice piercing - that's a lovely necklace!

[caroleallen]

Lovely work.

[Goldsmith]

Well done, now what's your next project?

James

[Didi]

Why, thank you all for your kind comments. It was a bit of a learning curve. James, I'm now working on a set of about 9 lockets for my sisters and nieces. I want them to look like stained glass windows Here are the first ones in construction. Just thought, I would really like to hide the hinges inside instead of them looking all 'clunky' outside. Any tips would be gratefully appreciated.
Didi

[Goldsmith]

Didi, it's not easy to explain how to make what we call a hidden joint (hinge). To do this job successfully you will need a joint file that is the same diameter as the tube you are using for the hinge. There are two type of joint files available in many diameters and cuts. The most popular one used in the trade are like parallel round needle files, there are also ones that are like flat files, but with only teeth on their half round cutting edges. Then you will need to solder what is called a bearer wire on the inside of the bezel where the hinge will be and use the joint file to file a groove in the bearer wire to take the tube.

Take a look at this apple that I made, it has a hidden joint / hinge, it might be easier to see what I trying to explain.

James

[Didi]

James, I think i understand. You have to make a platform to take the tube, file it to fit the tube and then set the tube on that. Ive been making the hinges in one go by using oiled wire to keep them aligned , very little solder and tippex as a resist. Am i right in thinking i would have to make the hidden ones in 2 goes - i.e. box first then lid? Where can i find joint files - my tubes are 1mm internal diameter. Love the apple.

Didi

[Goldsmith]

Didi, I have had a look online and am surprised that the UK jewellery tool supply shops do not stock many joint files.
Cookson only list this one; http://www.hswalsh.com/Needle-File-.aspx?i=TF8132&c=248
H S Walsh offer this type but they do not specify what size they are; http://www.hswalsh.com/Needle-File-.aspx?i=TF8132&c=248
Otto Frei in the USA stocks the type of joint files that I have; http://www.ottofrei.com/store/Round-...el-Hand-Files/

When I make boxes I make the box and lid at the same time so that they fit together perfectly, then I add the joint. I also use what we call a joint tool for filing the tubes, this ensures that you have a tight fitting joint; Cookson sell these; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...prcode-999-596

But I made my own joint filing tools way back when I was an apprentice.

James

[Di Sandland]

Interesting James - I have enamelled boxes running round inside my head at all hours of day and night!