CCP/Julius bend nail ring

[philip nod]

^ nine inches is sure making his presence felt

[Chinorlz]

im tempted to craft a scissor necklace since i really want one but cant afford to buy one from Ann D. I assume you just used an ordinary nail scissor? i wonder where i can find a nail scissor with the right look and size :/

Just check out Wal-mart or wherever... you can find them. Small surgical scissors have almost exactly the same profile, but it's possible that some of the stainless steel small scissors used for haircutting will work as well.

you'd be a fool to buy the Ann version anyways. This is a clear DIY :)

[swami]

^ nine inches is sure making his presence felt

Size matters?

[nutty07]

you guys ROCKz!!!

[delirium]

so i'm looking to buy a ring mandrel.

i was wondering how important the mandrel's material is.
or if someone could recommend a certain durable brand.

i guess i'm just picturing something that will snap after a few hammers.

[Chinorlz]

as long as you get a metal mandrel, it's pretty much never going to snap.

A solid steel one with notches marked for size gradations is going to be what you're after:

http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=17818

you would only use a wooden one for light work such as polishing. Metal for hammering the shit out of the silver :)

Cheap too... 27 buckaroos!

[delirium]

great

thanks for the help :)

[howinpark]

I wish I could make those rings

[paprik]

this is awesome!!! can you make me one?

[Ivans On High]

So I finally tracked down a solid steel mandrel here in Australia - a bit pricier than you lucky bastards get in the US, though I don't have to pay or wait for shipping.

Did you clamp the mandrel and then bend the nail by hand/hammer? or did you use some other method? Or are you strong like animal?

Could you elaborate on the actual shaping procedure?

[delirium]

you can try heating it to make it easier, but it'll probably take a good deal of strength.

[Chinorlz]

So I finally tracked down a solid steel mandrel here in Australia - a bit pricier than you lucky bastards get in the US, though I don't have to pay or wait for shipping.

Did you clamp the mandrel and then bend the nail by hand/hammer? or did you use some other method? Or are you strong like animal?

Could you elaborate on the actual shaping procedure?

curving a straight piece of metal is the hardest thing to start. Once the bend gets going, it's easier to shape it around the mandrel. Sometimes with thick silver, I kinda try to wedge one end of it under the mandrel (which I hold in my hand, never clamped) and then use the weighted rawhide hammer (leaves no toolmarks on the ring) to pound it until it starts to curve. Then once you get it going it gets easier much faster to shape it.

It's basically just a lot of hitting. Get seriously medieval on it. When I work with metal, I sweat. Throw in the welding/soldering/oxidizing and you've got yourself working in a virtual furnace.

It is glorious.

You may have to do some final fine-tuning adjustments with pliers. Get round nosed ones for jewelry... classic needlenose pliers and the like have a serrated tooth to them that leaves marks.

Good luck!!

[snafu]

nod your tone is fucking hilarious

i always laugh when i read your posts
seriously too funny keep them coming the dry wit makes my day

^ nine inches is sure making his presence felt