Headpins

[Patstone]

I dont normally make headpins but when I do mine dont seem to be perfectly round, is there a knack to this or is it just pot luck and filing after.

[Dennis]

I dont normally make headpins but when I do mine dont seem to be perfectly round, is there a knack to this or is it just pot luck and filing after.

Nor do I Pat, but I had a session of experimenting. I found that keeping the wire vertical was essential obviously. Using a bushy flame and withdrawing it slowly also gave a better result.

I have read here that tarnish resistant silver was ideal for this, but I cant remember which. I think it was Argentium.

You can also tap the heads flat if you thread the pin into a draw plate or a watchmakers riveting block. Regards, Dennis.

[caroleallen]

Argentium is brilliant for this Pat. Balls up like a dream.

[ajda]

Argentium is brilliant for this Pat. Balls up like a dream.

Agreed - I use 960 grade from Allied Gold, and 935 is available from Cooksons. Apart from balling up nicely for headpins, you don't get firescale and it needs minimal pickling and cleaning. You might find this link useful as a starting point - http://riograndeblog.com/2011/08/mak...david-plumlee/

[Wallace]

I just use fine silver, no fire scale issues it either.

[caroleallen]

I use fine for pendants and earrings, but it wouldn't last a minute on a bangle.

[Nick martin]

Argentium is brilliant for this Pat. Balls up like a dream.

Carole,

If you use Argentium for pins, do you employ the same technique you would using other silvers. I.E. suspend the wire vertically and heat with a bushy flame?

Cheers,

Nick

[caroleallen]

Yes indeed Nick.

[Stacey]

I dont normally make headpins but when I do mine dont seem to be perfectly round, is there a knack to this or is it just pot luck and filing after.

A tip I found somewhere works for me with sterling, which is when the ball first forms it will ride up the wire. Remove the heat immediately. Otherwise I will try Argentium too :-)

[medusa]

I'm weird. I like the less than perfect pins.