Categories: Instruction and information; Jewelry
Word count/read time: 426 words; 2 minutes
While there are just a few ways to make good jump rings, there are limitless ways to do
the opposite. Therefore, this is about saw-cut rings using a jeweler's saw or equivalent.
Cutting your own doesn't guarantee anything but it's a positive step towards exceptional
quality control and a legitimate handmade good.
Novelty items and costume
accessories use pinch- or shear-cut rings, but not jewelry. It's about function and
fashion. Science, math, and physics show why they are unsuitable so don't dispute
the facts: jagged edges, stretched and deformed rings, razor splinters. Some nippers and shears are kinder
but they still destroy the rings.
Micromaille will throw a wrench into any method. Mini-me doesn't play nice.
It will be demanding and frustrating, the tininess a mere sampling of the upcoming aggravation.
There are suppliers for "bigger" micromaille rings.
If you happen to repair sterling silver mesh or chainmaille purses,
you have to go it alone.
Jump rings can be ruined before they are even started. Fresh wire has to settle before handling.
Spooled wire must be unrolled properly or it will
twist. Coiling the wire carelessly will cause size fluctuations and roundness issues.
Saw blades seem to get dull or
break so often that pricy ones can be difficult to justify. There seems to be less difference
in saw frames. With choices ranging from shallow to deep frames, select
the smallest one for the job to ensure the best outcome.
Cutting a straight line that is also perpendicular to the coil is challenging. Uneven cuts
happen quickly, don't look good, and prevent the ring from closing properly.
However they're cut, the blade must be straight.
When cutting on the mandrel, the coil might have to be anchored or secured.
Sometimes a slightly larger mandrel can be used for cutting. A sloppy coil is
an invitation for gaffed rings and pulled coils.
If the saw blade is removed from the coil,
re-positioning it the exact same isn't easy. A pinched or broken blade is sure to follow.
If flesh is nearby it could result in
an unpleasant experience.
Don't let rings jingle on the blade because they will get scratched as they bounce around.
Hardened stainless steel and its evil metallic siblings can be cut by hand
with a jeweler's saw. Using perfect technique, of course, which is fleeting at best.
Still, it's a lesson in futility because it's damn slow and goes through
blades faster than the wet on rain.
Save the hassle and get some good commercial saw-cut ones or use specialty ring/coil cutting equipment.
Posted by M: July 21, 2018
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