Having moved house etc. etc. I am now back looking at my metalsmithing again and I can binge watch your new content! I think I have seen all of your other videos. So good to even see somebody soldering lol! I was so nostalgic I got teary eyed. I am getting all my stuff organised and set up ( you have a new video on that, which I must watch!) Anyway great video ❤️
I have a dilemma and I hope you can help me with it. I am taking a online course from Penn Foster, on jewelry repair and design. I am nearly half way through the course, but I have been stuck on my graded projects for quite some time. One of my projects is to resized a bracelet to 7" and to use the left over chain to extend a necklace to 22". However, the chain that was provided is very delicate. The links are approximately 1 mm. In order to lengthen the necklace I have to open one of these tiny links, attach it to the chain, pinch the link back together, and then solder it to prevent it from opening back up. I do not know how I am to do this. The links are too small to use a jeweler's saw to open the link. The only thing I can think of is to use a pair of flush cutters that cuts flush on each end. Since I don't have fancy tools to work with, just basic tools such as pliers, jeweler's saws, a rotary tool to name a few, how can I do this? I have ordered a pair of flush cutters that cut flush on each end, but what would you do with minimal tools to work with?
@@altheamayberry6142 I think you’re on the right track. Using flush cutters to open a link is good. Soldering the link shut is a lot trickier. You need to exercise great care. You could easily melt it if your torch is too hot. Not knowing what your setup looks like I can’t provide you with exact instructions. I’m surprised that the required tools and materials weren’t outlined in the course description. Good luck. Feel free to let me know how things turn out.
Hi prof. I watched one of your videos where you mentioned that we shouldn't use copper ear wires. Could you please explain why? Is it toxic? I've made and worn ear wires of copper, so if it's toxic I want change them. Like all your videos. I always learn something. Thanks
Copper isn't good to put through a piercing. This is because the oxides that form on a copper surface are toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. Some jewelry suppliers do sell copper ear wires. But, these ear wires are coated with a material that prevents the copper from oxidizing. 😀
Hi there, I was wondering if you could explain why copper jump rings seem to bounce off or jump when I try to "soft solder" them to a piece I'm working on with soft solder?
I'm not sure you mean by "soft solder". If you're referring to the solder used in making stained glass, I'm not your guy. In most cases where items move during soldering, it's because they are not being securely held in place. You might need a thirdhand to help you keep your copper rings in place. 😀
Hi, I like all the videos I watch from you. From what I can figure out there is not copper solder? It’s actually the silver solder? Because I can’t seem to find it online anywhere. I only want to solder jump rings. Do I need any solder at all?Thank you for your videos.
There is such a thing as copper solder. But, it's hard to work with and doesn't completely blend in with the copper you are soldering. My advice is to use silver solder and plate over it with spent pickle. Here's a link to help you: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com/copper-plating-video.html And yes, you do need to solder your links shut. Have fun! 😀
Thank you for making these videos. I learn better techniques with every video. Can you answer a question please. What is the maximum gauge of copper wire that can be soldered with a butane torch? My solder attempts with 10 gauge are terrible. I'm thinking that at this thickness I should move up to propane. Thanks.
It is often difficult to create enough heat to solder a 10 gauge wire with a butane torch. I don’t know the dimensions that you’re working with. But if you think you need more heat to make soldering possible, then it’s time for a hotter torch of your choice. Good luck 🍀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you for your speedy reply. I am trying to solder 10 gauge wire jump rings with a 6mm ID to make a cuban chain for myself. This is my first attempt to make a chain, as well as working with such a thick gauge. My first attempts were with wire solder that I touched the ring with. The solder spread over half the ring. Then I tried cutting the solder wire into 3mm palions to put under the rings. Most took, but again some had too much solder over the ring and others did not connect properly. When I twisted my chain about 30% of my jumo rings broke. Now I will try silver solder sheet cut into palions. Watching your vido and others, the palions appear tiny, would 2 x 2mm do? Or is there a specific size for each gauge of wire? By the way I am using copper as practice till I get this right, then I have bought silver wire for the finished product. Thanks again.
The typical size for a solder pal lion is 1x1 mm. You can purchase a pair of solder cutting pliers that will cut sheet or wire solder to a workable size. It’s great that you are practicing with copper. I hope that you find a hotter torch that you like to work with. And make sure that your seams are completely closed tight. Good luck. 🍀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you so much. I have practiced the jump ring making and am satisfied that my joints are straight, filed and close enough. I've purchased a hotter map gas torch, and now know to not use so much solder. This weekend I will get back to it and make my first chain.
Hi Professor John, I'm having issue the red rouge polishing compound ,every time I use it turns my piece black .I don't know if I'm putting too much on the piece or if it works better with another compound can you Help?
The best results are achieved with American wire gauges between 15 to 20. Here's a link to the OJA's longer video on this tool: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com/durston-ringer.html You can find all of the OJA's videos organized by topic on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com 😀
Hello OJA & community, has anyone here got an estimate of how much wire it would take to make a 20" curb chain using anywhere fro 18 gauge to 20 gauge yellow gold wire? I'm sure it's a lot!
You also need to factor in the size of the jump rings. One way to determine exactly how much wire you’ll need is to make a practice chain out of copper wire. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thanks so much for the swift response...and on a Sunday!!!! You're right, I forgot to write the jump ring size, which I hadn't factored at all. I'll do some tinkering. and some math!! I'll let you know how it goes, have wonderful OJA!!!
I make large chain but these days I have better things to do than make small chain is is just far less expensive to buy, I made my own jump ring winder and draw bench, the prices especially for Durston ($1000AUD) are ridiculous
It is more cost effective to purchase small chains than to put the time and effort into making them. It's great that you have the ability to create your own tools. Although you might not like the price of Durston tools, they are a good alternative for those who aren't as resourceful as you are. 😀
pijnto I agree, especially these days price does matter. I’ve seen a good video on making a portable draw bench for around $100, but would love to know how you made the jump ring maker. Most importantly how to cut them easily, my hands don’t handle a jeweler’s saw as well as they used to.
@@aliceharvey1226 I am handy with welding and a metal lathe so making the jump ring winder was not a problem I used a chuck from the hardware store, and used silver steel for the mandrels, I just cut then with my piercing/jewellers saw, you could make a cutter like the Durston ( a copy of the Pepe tools item ) although it would require some metal work machinery.
I like Chains,
I like you to Professor Ahr....
Sounds good. 😂
Having moved house etc. etc. I am now back looking at my metalsmithing again and I can binge watch your new content! I think I have seen all of your other videos.
So good to even see somebody soldering lol! I was so nostalgic I got teary eyed. I am getting all my stuff organised and set up ( you have a new video on that, which I must watch!) Anyway great video ❤️
Welcome back! Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you like the studio organization one too. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Of course I did! 😁
Brilliant!! Always learn so much from you Mr. Ahr. Thank you for sharing all of your incredible knowledge!
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 😀
Love your style of presenting, clear precise and to the point, gives me the confidence to have a go at some of your projects. ... well done
Glad you felt empowered after watching the video. Thanks for watching! Good luck with your projects. 😀
Just got one thank you !
Thanks for watching! 😀
You guys are great and I’m headed to your website to sign up now!
Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Thanks for watching! 😀
I have a dilemma and I hope you can help me with it. I am taking a online course from Penn Foster, on jewelry repair and design. I am nearly half way through the course, but I have been stuck on my graded projects for quite some time. One of my projects is to resized a bracelet to 7" and to use the left over chain to extend a necklace to 22". However, the chain that was provided is very delicate. The links are approximately 1 mm. In order to lengthen the necklace I have to open one of these tiny links, attach it to the chain, pinch the link back together, and then solder it to prevent it from opening back up. I do not know how I am to do this. The links are too small to use a jeweler's saw to open the link. The only thing I can think of is to use a pair of flush cutters that cuts flush on each end. Since I don't have fancy tools to work with, just basic tools such as pliers, jeweler's saws, a rotary tool to name a few, how can I do this? I have ordered a pair of flush cutters that cut flush on each end, but what would you do with minimal tools to work with?
@@altheamayberry6142 I think you’re on the right track. Using flush cutters to open a link is good. Soldering the link shut is a lot trickier. You need to exercise great care. You could easily melt it if your torch is too hot. Not knowing what your setup looks like I can’t provide you with exact instructions. I’m surprised that the required tools and materials weren’t outlined in the course description. Good luck. Feel free to let me know how things turn out.
Hi prof.
I watched one of your videos where you mentioned that we shouldn't use copper ear wires. Could you please explain why? Is it toxic? I've made and worn ear wires of copper, so if it's toxic I want change them. Like all your videos. I always learn something. Thanks
Copper isn't good to put through a piercing. This is because the oxides that form on a copper surface are toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. Some jewelry suppliers do sell copper ear wires. But, these ear wires are coated with a material that prevents the copper from oxidizing. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you🙂
Thanks for sharing
Diane Geary Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. 😀
Thank you!
Katie S. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. 😀
Yes super neat!! Thank you!
You are so welcome! 😀
BRAVO!
Thanks for watching! 😀
Hi there, I was wondering if you could explain why copper jump rings seem to bounce off or jump when I try to "soft solder" them to a piece I'm working on with soft solder?
I'm not sure you mean by "soft solder". If you're referring to the solder used in making stained glass, I'm not your guy. In most cases where items move during soldering, it's because they are not being securely held in place. You might need a thirdhand to help you keep your copper rings in place. 😀
Hi, I like all the videos I watch from you. From what I can figure out there is not copper solder? It’s actually the silver solder? Because I can’t seem to find it online anywhere. I only want to solder jump rings. Do I need any solder at all?Thank you for your videos.
There is such a thing as copper solder. But, it's hard to work with and doesn't completely blend in with the copper you are soldering. My advice is to use silver solder and plate over it with spent pickle. Here's a link to help you: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com/copper-plating-video.html
And yes, you do need to solder your links shut. Have fun! 😀
Thank you for making these videos. I learn better techniques with every video. Can you answer a question please. What is the maximum gauge of copper wire that can be soldered with a butane torch? My solder attempts with 10 gauge are terrible. I'm thinking that at this thickness I should move up to propane. Thanks.
It is often difficult to create enough heat to solder a 10 gauge wire with a butane torch. I don’t know the dimensions that you’re working with. But if you think you need more heat to make soldering possible, then it’s time for a hotter torch of your choice. Good luck 🍀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you for your speedy reply. I am trying to solder 10 gauge wire jump rings with a 6mm ID to make a cuban chain for myself. This is my first attempt to make a chain, as well as working with such a thick gauge. My first attempts were with wire solder that I touched the ring with. The solder spread over half the ring. Then I tried cutting the solder wire into 3mm palions to put under the rings. Most took, but again some had too much solder over the ring and others did not connect properly. When I twisted my chain about 30% of my jumo rings broke. Now I will try silver solder sheet cut into palions. Watching your vido and others, the palions appear tiny, would 2 x 2mm do? Or is there a specific size for each gauge of wire? By the way I am using copper as practice till I get this right, then I have bought silver wire for the finished product. Thanks again.
The typical size for a solder pal lion is 1x1 mm. You can purchase a pair of solder cutting pliers that will cut sheet or wire solder to a workable size. It’s great that you are practicing with copper. I hope that you find a hotter torch that you like to work with. And make sure that your seams are completely closed tight. Good luck. 🍀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you so much. I have practiced the jump ring making and am satisfied that my joints are straight, filed and close enough. I've purchased a hotter map gas torch, and now know to not use so much solder. This weekend I will get back to it and make my first chain.
Lol...I just bought a bunch of wire to make chain.. perfect timing.. thanks!
Glad I could help! Have fun making jump rings and chains! 😀
Best 👍
Thanks ✌️
Hi Professor John, I'm having issue the red rouge polishing compound ,every time I use it turns my piece black .I don't know if I'm putting too much on the piece or if it works better with another compound can you Help?
You’re using too much red rouge. A little goes a long way. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy I'm pretty sure I have too much on my buffing wheel - is it possible to clean the wheels? Thanks! (Great video!)
@@Poecilia1963 Yes, you can take off the excess rouge with a buff rake. Or, you can wash the buff with detergent. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thanks for the tip.
What size Mandril did you use to make these jump rings?
It has been years since we made that video tutorial. So I don’t remember. You can make jump rings any size and hat works best for your projects. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you so much for replying! I knew it was a long shot, bit am trying to decide what size to make so I don't tear it up! Lol
@@greyjohnson1097 Just make a few to experiment with various sizes. 😀
Would this tool work with 22 gauge wire?
The best results are achieved with American wire gauges between 15 to 20. Here's a link to the OJA's longer video on this tool: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com/durston-ringer.html
You can find all of the OJA's videos organized by topic on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com 😀
How much is the equipment?
You’ll need to check prices at durston.com 😀
cool
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 😀
Hello OJA & community, has anyone here got an estimate of how much wire it would take to make a 20" curb chain using anywhere fro 18 gauge to 20 gauge yellow gold wire? I'm sure it's a lot!
You also need to factor in the size of the jump rings. One way to determine exactly how much wire you’ll need is to make a practice chain out of copper wire. 😀
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thanks so much for the swift response...and on a Sunday!!!! You're right, I forgot to write the jump ring size, which I hadn't factored at all. I'll do some tinkering. and some math!! I'll let you know how it goes, have wonderful OJA!!!
@@leilahankinson4498 Glad I could help. 😀
I make large chain but these days I have better things to do than make small chain is is just far less expensive to buy, I made my own jump ring winder and draw bench, the prices especially for Durston ($1000AUD) are ridiculous
It is more cost effective to purchase small chains than to put the time and effort into making them. It's great that you have the ability to create your own tools. Although you might not like the price of Durston tools, they are a good alternative for those who aren't as resourceful as you are. 😀
pijnto I agree, especially these days price does matter. I’ve seen a good video on making a portable draw bench for around $100, but would love to know how you made the jump ring maker. Most importantly how to cut them easily, my hands don’t handle a jeweler’s saw as well as they used to.
@@aliceharvey1226 I am handy with welding and a metal lathe so making the jump ring winder was not a problem I used a chuck from the hardware store, and used silver steel for the mandrels, I just cut then with my piercing/jewellers saw, you could make a cutter like the Durston ( a copy of the Pepe tools item ) although it would require some metal work machinery.
@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Yes I have no argument with the quality, I just object to paying for "name"
pijnto Ha, those skills are not in my skill set, so I’ll just have to buy something. Thanks for the info.
ps. not sure about the wool, prefer your handsome looks. 😄
Awe, thanks.