Hallmarked Napkin Rings

[mizgeorge]

I wouldn't say the wooden blocks last for ever, but for the price (under a tenner), they do the job for long enough, and I just replace them when they get a bit manky. You can use them with the large hardwood punches (which are much better than the mushroom shaped ones), or (gently) with the largest metal punches you have.

[Vanessa]

I wouldn't say the wooden blocks last for ever, but for the price (under a tenner), they do the job for long enough, and I just replace them when they get a bit manky. You can use them with the large hardwood punches (which are much better than the mushroom shaped ones), or (gently) with the largest metal punches you have.

Under a tenner? well thats on my shopping list! haha thanks George!

[Goldsmith]

Check out this on Amazon, it might suit your purpose; http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wooden-Dappi...6945088&sr=8-1

You can also hammer deep dome shapes by using a domed hammer and a lead block, or if you only want a shallow dome then you can use a slightly domed hammer on a steel flatplate.
Check out this tutorial about using a lead block that I did on another forum, most of my best doming hammers are just standard cheap hammers filed to suit the shapes I want;
http://www.guildofjewellerydesigners...d=15&Itemid=67

James

[caroleallen]

I use Argex for large bore tube - they go up to 50mm OD. The easiest for little boxes, though are their 32 and 30mm sizes as they fit inside each other. A small (5mm will do) length of the 30mm soldered just inside one end makes a lovely inside edge which the lid will fit over.

I wish there were more sizes of tube available that nested this neatly. It would make some sizes of tube settings so much easier!

edited to add - just seen your last post, and you can get some very inexpensive wooden doming blocks for larger sizes.

On checking out the Argex site, I spotted that they do sized tubes for rings. I've never come across that before. Does anyone use them and are they any good?

[mizgeorge]

On checking out the Argex site, I spotted that they do sized tubes for rings. I've never come across that before. Does anyone use them and are they any good?

I do from time to time, and yes, it's very easy to use

[ShinyLauren]

On checking out the Argex site, I spotted that they do sized tubes for rings. I've never come across that before. Does anyone use them and are they any good?

I was just looking at those as well! Need to get my maths head on and work out if it's cheaper than buying the wedding ring blanks from Cooksons...

[caroleallen]

Let me know when you've worked it out Lauren, cos I don't have a maths head! I guess the advantage is that you can have any width you like.

[mizgeorge]

If it's any help Carole, I find them cheaper than wedding ring blanks, and I love being able to choose the width. I have no problems taking them up half a size for between sizes either.

[caroleallen]

Thanks George. I think I'll give them a go.

[Patstone]

Why do you guys buy blanks, thought you would have made them from sheet or wire.