Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

HP TopShot Review: Part 1

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HP TopShot LaserJet Pro went from its carton to ready for use in about 15 minutes.Have you seen the new HP TopShot LaserJet Pro? HP is giving me a chance to review this new scanner, printer, and copier all-in-one — and then one lucky Craft Gossip reader is going to win one!

The box arrived at my door and within 15 minutes, I had the TopShot unpacked, together and ready to attach to my computer. The software installation files are in the TopShot’s memory so all you have to do is connect the cable and follow the on-screen instructions. That’s easy even if you don’t have much experience with computers, right? I attached the TopShot to my computer and in another 10 minutes, I have everything set up to print wirelessly!

I still haven’t told you the most exciting part about the TopShot. This is no ordinary scanner. The TopShot scans 3-D objects! The arm at the top has a high resolution camera in it that takes six images of your object, which are automatically combined into one high-resolution image. By combining multiple images, the TopShot quickly gives you a clear image on a bright, clean background. And your images can be immediately printed or posted directly to the Web!

Here’s my first scan of some tiny plastic forks. I was able to scan this image within 15 minutes of deciding to connect the this all-in-one printer to my computer! The actual scan took less than a minute.

tiny plastic forks scanned with the HP TopShot's 3-D scanner.

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Comments

  3. Haven’t seen or heard about this printer. I’ll watch for part 2 on your blog. Sounds interesting.

  12. I repair printers and copy machines professionally and I have to jump in here and say that HP printers are the best. The best quality prints, the most users friendly, the easiest to repair and the absolute workhorse printer of the entire industry. They last forever. I would love to have one of these!!
    I do NOT work for HP and repair many different bands.

  14. Wow, this is great! The 3D is awesome. I can already think of many uses for this printer. Can’t wait for the contest!!:0)

  15. I really, really want one of these. Going to retire soon and will depend more and more on my own computer and printer to stay in touch with my family and the world!!

  16. wow – what a great tool to use to make 3-d copies of multi-dimensional projects created.

  17. Would love to use one of these to copy old family photos and to help design art work!

  19. ah! this machine looks so cool! i have been looking at upgrading my printer to one that has a scanner too, this one looks awesome!

  21. OMG… this is such an awesome HP All-In-One! I love the 3D aspect of it — so cool. I would love to have one of these.

  22. Wow, this would be really cool for scanning your items and then publishing a 3-D picture on your online storefront so people can get a better idea of what it looks like. Would love to win one of these! Thanks for the opportunity!

  24. How fantastic is this piece of equipment? Can I have as much fun as you did, please?

  31. That looks amazing, I have so many 3d objects I want to scan! Do you know how big the scannner bed/area is?

  34. Holy smokes this is an amazing and nifty device – I would love, love, love to win one!!!

  36. Leave it to HP to come up with a tool from us crafters. This looks like one of those “must have” gadgets but it would be more wonderful to win this new printer with TopShot.

  37. My printer just died. I really need a new one. This one sounds perfect. And it is an HP, which is what I prefer!

  39. My first printer was an HPIII LaserJet that I had for over 20 years, and it was used when I got it. I’ve got anther used HP now, and I think it might last forever, so if I win this giveaway, my current printer will go back on CL for someone else to enjoy.

  41. WOW! This would be awesome to have! I have lots of family info, pictures, and documents I want to pass on to family. I would love to try this machine to preserve them! Crossing my fingers! Pick me! Pick me! 🙂 LOL!

  45. Awesome! Looks and sounds like a great machine. Go figure I really need a new printer! Please pick me!

Have you read?

Soldering Tips For Jewelry Making

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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