Member
Stone Setting Assistant
Hello
I have recently been asking about a depth gauge for setting stones...I have found this one : https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/st...rs?code=C45698
Has anyone used it ?
I have successfully made two 4 stone rings using the "By hand" method, but in truth, I think they look slightly uneven.
One went back in the melt and the other one went to a family member, who was just happy to haver a free ring !
Are these drill assistants any good ?
Thank you
Skie
Senior Member
This might make me sound grumpy, which I try not to be. But you have started three separate threads on this subject, but not apparently taken in the answers.
http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9069.
I did not personallky talk about these depth stops, but I know and it was confirmed by others, that with a little patience you wiill learn the trick without them.
They are a complete waste of time and money and would involve learning a new layer of skills just to use them, which would be better spent learning without. Dennis.
Senior Member
I agree with Dennis, the simple fact is that to get stone setting right takes a LOT of practise.
Back in the day it was a full career on its own involving a 5 year apprenticeship before you were ready to be selling your wares.
Even now stone setting is a specialised job because, very simply, it takes time and practise to get good results.
Keep practising as much as possible and in a few years you may be happy with the results
Senior Member
One thing I would say if you want to invest in a tool that will improve results is spend the money on a good microscope and ball vice because unless you can hold the work steady under a microscope you will never produce results that look good under any cameras magnification.
I have one of these and along with the microscope I have it is one of my most important purchases that I wouldn't be without, there are various other makes too.
https://www.bettsmetalsales.com/p-Gr...ode=TOOLSGRSBV
Member
I did read the previous replies. I would have thought it was obvious that I am at best finding the levelling proccess difficult to get on top of.
The reason I posted this depth gauge set question was because I have tried to set the stones by hand but due to my self criticism, I would like to start getting the stones as level as possible...I was hoping maybe someone who had tried this gauge set might be able to reply and give a view of their effectiveness.
I get that practise makes perfect, but in my personal circumstances, time may not be on my side.
Perhaps, instead of keep trying to answer every post I put on the forum with the same advice, your help is very helpful please don't misunderstand, but perhaps another person on the forum could give their perspective, especially if they were once in my position.
On a personal note, whenever I see any question on this or other forum where a senior or longterm member gives an answer, I pull back even if I feel I could add something, this is simply because I respect their views have been appriciated in the past and their experiance will be more than mine on certain subjects.
If however, I can see the asker is struggling, as I have on this subject, I will add a view from my leftfield position, because sometimes, different opinions might just make something click
Super Moderator
I did. They won't help on level, they're pretty much useless for depth for the reasons I outlined with the Allset.Originally Posted by Skieferins
You need to be able to see what you're doing clearly - trial fits & inspection are the way forwards. I wouldn't hamper yourself with wonky stones either - go for something with a consistent cut (decent CZ brilliants are ideal for practice, for example).
Like Dennis, I was somewhat puzzled by the repetition of the question about depth gauges and similarly assumed the answers hadn't been read.
There are no shortcuts, although good training helps. Good training isn't cheap - and vice versa.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks