Tips on making soldering clamps

[Goldsmith]

I have posted this on other forums, so forgive me if you have seen it before. I use home made clamps to secure sections when soldering. I make my clamps from sheet stainless steel, available from many sources, but I get mine from eBay.see; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/stainless-...8#ht_500wt_969

I use a piercing saw to cut strips from 0.9mm. thick stainless steel sheet. The strips are 4mm. wide and 100mm. long. Then I file the strips clean and bend them into shape using pliers. The photo below shows the shapes I make and some of their uses during soldering.



James

[medusa]

I really intend to get some of these made. What I can't work out is how the T shaped ones fit though.

[Goldsmith]

I really intend to get some of these made. What I can't work out is how the T shaped ones fit though.

Liz, take a look at Dave's photos on the UKJC forum, page 2 of the thread,"putting together a silver chain". Dave made a T clamp and gave it a try, now he likes them.

James

[medusa]

cheers james!

[theresa]

Thanks James - I have been meaning to make some for ages now and fortunately have a piece of stainless steel knocking around. So here goes...
Theresa

[Pauline]

I have posted this on other forums, so forgive me if you have seen it before. I use home made clamps to secure sections when soldering. I make my clamps from sheet stainless steel, available from many sources, but I get mine from eBay.see; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/stainless-...8#ht_500wt_969

Yay ...... my steel has arrived :-) The company you recommended were absolutely fab! All I need now is diferent blades to cut it with..... not willing to be delayed me thinks I will have a play and start marking it out for cutting. Thanks loads James

[Dennis]

Actually, If you have standard 2/0 blades, a light touch and a candle for frequent lubrication, you will easily make James' clamps as I did. Just rub the candle on the back of the blade every 2.0cm or so.
Dennis.

[Pauline]

Actually, If you have standard 2/0 blades, a light touch and a candle for frequent lubrication, you will easily make James' clamps as I did. Just rub the candle on the back of the blade every 2.0cm or so.
Dennis.

Thanks for the suggestion Dennis. I'm still building up tools etc - I don't have 2/0 but I do have 3/0 and possibly 6/0 .... are the 3/0 any good for the task?

[Keia]

James, do you sell these atall for us busy part-timers?

[Dennis]

James, do you sell these at all for us busy part-timers?

There are all levels of jewellery making, of course, but if you are unwilling to tackle something like this, you are missing some of the learning curve which would make you a better worker.

Besides there is much satisfaction in making or adapting your own tools. Dennis.