Frit-Happens !

Jewellery => Metal and wire => Topic started by: Blue Kiln Beads on May 25, 2011, 10:44:09 PM

Title: Anyone with silver know-how HELP.... - UPDATED with pics...
Post by: Blue Kiln Beads on May 25, 2011, 10:44:09 PM
I am doing a silver jewellery making course, I have only done an afternoon so far and I've made a ring!  Ideally what I wanted to do is make a bangle with some of my beads threaded on.  I am sure I have seen a bangle like this but the tutor says it won't work because the heat from the solder torch will cause the glass to shatter.  I'm sure I've seen it though, can anyone help please....?

I thought I would add some pics of what I got up to during my 2 day silver smithing course.  I didn't get to try adding beads to a bangle because i forgot to take some sand with me....  ::)  However, this is what I did get up to:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/5778014570_34783a8247.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778014570/)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/5778015696_fffd5abfff.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778014570%3Cbr%20/%3E%5Burl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778015696/)
Daisy Ring in Sterling Silver (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778015696/) by Blue Kiln Beads (http://www.flickr.com/people/ybeads/), on Flickr
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/5778057308_27691a43df.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778057308/)
Twisted and D-shape Bangles (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778057308/) by Blue Kiln Beads (http://www.flickr.com/people/ybeads/), on Flickr

The accompanying words are on my blog if you fancy a read.
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: mizgeorge on May 25, 2011, 10:46:41 PM
Lots of ways to do it. You just need to keep the beads from heating up. Water, wet sand (my usual choice), cool paste and just accept that that small section of silver won't be heated (which means it will take a little longer to get the solder to flow at the joint. Make sure it's really well closed (binding wire helps with this) though.
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Blue Kiln Beads on May 25, 2011, 10:53:44 PM
Thanks George.  So do I rest the beads on some wet sand on the work station while I solder...?  Think I might be abit out of my depth being new to silver..
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: mizgeorge on May 25, 2011, 10:58:59 PM
Not on, in. Put some wet sand in a shallow dish or cookie cutter and literally bury the beads (and that bit of the silver). Lots of other ways of doing it, but it's a cheap and efficient option!
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Blue Kiln Beads on May 25, 2011, 11:01:24 PM
Ok, I'll give it a go....... thanks again  :)
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: MadelineBunyan on May 25, 2011, 11:29:59 PM
George, your fab tips and tricks and your generosity in sharing them never ceases to amaze me!
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Nick on May 25, 2011, 11:39:35 PM
Hi,
You could use a small piece of tube and put a thread in it like a nut then thread the end of the wire. This would need to be glued with something like thread lock. Basically you make a nut and bolt if that makes sence. George's solution to solder would be much stronger though.
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Amber on May 26, 2011, 10:46:34 AM
So, George...when are you going to write a book?!  ;)
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: jammie on May 26, 2011, 10:57:03 AM
Hmmm now that I would like to see.  :)
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Kaz on May 26, 2011, 11:32:15 AM
OOh I'd like that too ;D
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: kathsd on May 26, 2011, 12:18:00 PM
me too, would look good on any bookshelf, there's lots of helpful tips from George on here (and other forums I've noticed!)
I may have to try this, mutters to self about 'spare' time!! :D
Kath
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Hazel on May 26, 2011, 01:11:42 PM
Thanks George for that brilliant advice - why didn't I think of wet sand?? we've tried water but then there's the problem of supporting the item.. and getting the angle on the flame right.. I knew there had to be a better way...- I'll try it out soon.

And as for a book - it's a brilliant idea, You're so full of useful advice and answers to questions that others of us hadn't dared ask (or to admit we don't already know!!)
Hazel
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: LesleyW on May 26, 2011, 04:20:35 PM
Definitely room on my bookshelf for that particular volume  :)
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP....
Post by: Blue Kiln Beads on May 26, 2011, 10:43:32 PM
Thanks for the pics Jo.  I didn't get around to trying it today, there is still tommorrow morning.....  I think it's something I can play with at home though.

Hope to post some pics of what I have been up to soon  :)
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP.... - UPDATED with pics...
Post by: Blue Kiln Beads on May 30, 2011, 10:47:46 PM
I thought I would add some pics of what I got up to during my 2 day silver smithing course.  I didn't get to try adding beads to a bangle because i forgot to take some sand with me....  ::)  However, this is what I did get up to:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/5778014570_34783a8247.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778014570/)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/5778015696_fffd5abfff.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778014570%3Cbr%20/%3E%5Burl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778015696/)
Daisy Ring in Sterling Silver (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778015696/) by Blue Kiln Beads (http://www.flickr.com/people/ybeads/), on Flickr
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/5778057308_27691a43df.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778057308/)
Twisted and D-shape Bangles (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ybeads/5778057308/) by Blue Kiln Beads (http://www.flickr.com/people/ybeads/), on Flickr

The accompanying words are on my blog if you fancy a read.
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP.... - UPDATED with pics...
Post by: poledra1958 on May 30, 2011, 11:16:21 PM
Lovely items you must be please with them
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP.... - UPDATED with pics...
Post by: Pat from Canvey on May 31, 2011, 06:45:08 AM
Looking good Sue.  The blue flower technique would seem to offer you lots of possibilities for cabochons.
Title: Re: Anyone with silver know-how HELP.... - UPDATED with pics...
Post by: Dee Dee on June 01, 2011, 01:13:14 AM
Beautiful work, I love the bangles!