Make your own jump rings

There are lots of ways to make jump rings.Â Time is money, and it makes sense to buy base metal average size rings rather than make them. But sometimes you need a special size you can’t buy or you just need a few sterling or gold rings and don’t want to pay inflated prices for them..

The easy way to make them is with a dowel or mandrel, wrap a coil and cut it with a saw. You could use double flush cutters-but they are hard to find. Flush cutters leave a pinch of wire on one side which means you spend more time filing down the rings.

Â If you want to make rings in bulk, its better to get a tool. I got to use one and I’d LOVE the jewelry tools fairy to bring me one someday.Â The Jump Ringer Tool from Connie Fox is GREAT tool but pretty pricey!Â A moreÂ affordable tool is the Koil Kutter.Â Â Either would be a nice addition to a jewelry studio work bench.

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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.

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Comments

Gary Helwig says
September 5, 2007 at 10:12 am
I am completely self taught in making jewelry so I had to learn the wrong way before I could discover the right way to do things. For making jump rings, I always find that I am out of a jump ring in the metal that I need when I need one, so I usually make my own. I found as you indicated that making a jump ring using a mandrel or dowel and with one cut with a flush cutter did not work because one side was pointed and one side was flat. I now make my jump rings with two cuts for each jump ring. I begin by making a coil on my step jaw pliers and cut the first 1/8″ off the coil, leaving a flush cut on the coil. Then I reverse my cutter and cut the second time at the point on the coil where the wire completes the ring. This leaves a flush cut on both sides of the jump ring and a pointed end on the coil. Making the second jump ring requires two cuts with my flush cutter again.
Sincerely,
Gary Helwig
http://www.wigjig.com
Elizabeth MD says
March 9, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Actually the simplest way to do your own jump rings is to cut them with a micro handsaw. That gives you no sharp ends or points

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