Removing embedded collets?

[Sim]

So, due to inexperience I embedded some rubover collets into silver as an alternative to actually embedding the stones into the silver. Now I want to remove them and replace with a larger size. Any ideas how I might get these things out?

Many thanks!

[silken]

Are you referring to PMC that has now been fired?

[Dennis]

If you try to cut them off with a saw blade, you will almost certainly make unwanted marks elsewhere, so I suggest grinding them off with a heatless wheel (just a coarse grey carborundum wheel) on your hand held motor or flexshaft. You need to be very controlled at the end so as not to mark the surrounding area. Your new larger collets can then be soldered on to hide the scars.

Be aware though that fired silver clay soaks up solder like a sponge, so you will need more of it than usual, placed inside and leaning against the collets for soldering. Also the piece must be brought up to temperature first, not the collets.


Dennis.

[Sim]

Thanks Dennis! You never let me down!