Durston Metal Bending Set

[Susie]

Does anyone have one these tools that can advise if it bends 5mm round silver wire?
I'm having a nightmare trying to bend this with the ring bending pliers, so need something more substantial.
I know this machine has been discussed on here before, but i can not find it, so I would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks

Sue

[Susie]

Oh, and I want to bend it into a ring for the finger.

Thanks

[enigma]

5mm round wire is extremely thick for a ring, are you sure you want to use wire that thick?
Its going to feel rather uncomfortable to wear.

[Susie]

Hi Enigma. That's exactly what I said to the lady, but she assured me that this is to replace a 5mm ring that she lost, so I'm assuming she's right...

[Dennis]

Making a finger ring, which might be 17-20 mm in internal diameter, becomes progressively more difficult as you increase the thickness of the material. What you propose is close to the limit of what is possible by bending.

So first I would make a shank in 5.0mm copper wire for her to try, because she has more than likely got it wrong and you will suffer for it. Annealed copper is very soft, so you won't have so much of a problem, even though you might have to anneal it several times.

Next although the Durston might do the job, again with lots of annealing, it is an expensive option and over the top for most rings.

If the size is confirmed as correct, you could consider making it in wax and having it cast. Dennis.

[enigma]

Are you sure she means 5mm round?
5mm D shape would be more usual , I wonder if she's confused?

[Susie]

Funnily enough Dennis, that was the exact video that made me think i was putting too much undue strain on the ring, by rounding it after it had been soldered. Well i have my answer then, I’ll keep using the ring bending pliers and for thicker wire, I’ll round it up afterwards.
I am going to buy a ring stretcher/reducer though. I’m guessing it’s got to be a Durston then?


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[Susie]

I’ve just seen one on Cookies that is a third of the price of the Durston one, so think I’ll go with that one and will post my results. Thanks all for the information. As always, this forum puts me right


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[Dennis]

If you shop around, there are some bargains to be had Susie and you will be able to stretch to size instead of bothering with a formula.

Here are some general precautions:
1. Stretch slowly, because it can happen quite suddenly that you have overstepped your mark.
2. Keep turning the ring round and round and also flip it over to avoid a faceted or conical shape.
3. Check with your ring stick, because the marks on the stretcher are often different.
4. Re-anneal after two sizes to avoid stressing your solder joint.

Hope you enjoy using it. Dennis.

[Susie]

Thanks Dennis. Will keep all of that in mind.


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