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Post by radio on Jul 15, 2016 16:46:23 GMT -5
A soft kiln insulating brick is likely the most useful soldering tool one can have on the bench! I don't even own a set of third hands and rely on the soldering block for all my work. here you see a piece being prepared for making an unusual shaped prong setting. The half round for the prongs was cut just a touch longer than needed and pushed into the soldering block to hold them in place for soldering. Very simple to cut the excess off the back, then file flat and presto! You have a set of prongs!
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zekesman
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2016
Posts: 637
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Post by zekesman on Jul 19, 2016 13:29:34 GMT -5
Great Tip thanks !
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jul 19, 2016 13:31:16 GMT -5
nice. I've been seeing these puzzle-piece cabs on Facebook lately, is this intended for one?
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jul 19, 2016 14:27:09 GMT -5
Another newbie question. What are the globs (looks like epoxy) at 4 of the 6 posts?
Chuck
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Post by Pat on Jul 19, 2016 16:39:11 GMT -5
Another newbie question. What are the globs (looks like epoxy) at 4 of the 6 posts? Chuck I was wondering the same.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jul 19, 2016 16:55:01 GMT -5
Flux? Just a guess.
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Post by radio on Jul 19, 2016 20:56:16 GMT -5
nice. I've been seeing these puzzle-piece cabs on Facebook lately, is this intended for one? Yes, prong setting three of these for pendants
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Post by radio on Jul 19, 2016 20:58:21 GMT -5
Another newbie question. What are the globs (looks like epoxy) at 4 of the 6 posts? Chuck Yes,it is flux. Forgot to snap a pic until last minute before soldering.
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jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
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Post by jcinpc on Sept 12, 2016 14:06:10 GMT -5
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Post by radio on Sept 12, 2016 14:52:15 GMT -5
Used ones tend to crack, but can be held together by twisting three or four strands of binding wire together and wrapping horizontally around the brick near the top and again near the bottom. Use pliers to twist the opposite ends of the wire together applying just enough pressure to cut into the brick at the corners so it has constant pressure holding it together
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jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
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Post by jcinpc on Sept 12, 2016 16:49:11 GMT -5
this kiln was never used, had a few extra stacks, the only ones that broke where when I pried some off. They work great
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Post by radio on Sept 12, 2016 18:16:06 GMT -5
this kiln was never used, had a few extra stacks, the only ones that broke where when I pried some off. They work great Im in for a few if you will ship
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Post by Pat on Sept 12, 2016 21:56:27 GMT -5
I use the soft bricks, too. There are other soft materials that work well. Just learned of a Kaiser brick. Very soft and uniform.
I'm having trouble picturing the finished piece.
Could you post a photo of one of your puzzle pieces all done? Thanks.
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Post by radio on Sept 13, 2016 7:46:24 GMT -5
I use the soft bricks, too. There are other soft materials that work well. Just learned of a Kaiser brick. Very soft and uniform. I'm having trouble picturing the finished piece. Could you post a photo of one of your puzzle pieces all done? Thanks. I did not cut the stones.
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Post by roy on Sept 13, 2016 12:49:23 GMT -5
A soft kiln insulating brick is likely the most useful soldering tool one can have on the bench! I don't even own a set of third hands and rely on the soldering block for all my work. here you see a piece being prepared for making an unusual shaped prong setting. The half round for the prongs was cut just a touch longer than needed and pushed into the soldering block to hold them in place for soldering. Very simple to cut the excess off the back, then file flat and presto! You have a set of prongs! nice to know i need to find me one of the blocks so i can work on my project you sent me now that work has slowed down a bit and it aint to darn hot in my shop
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Post by pauls on Sept 13, 2016 22:18:14 GMT -5
I also have a piece of one of these bricks cut into a step, work placed on the step gets extra heat reflected back from the verticle piece behind it. Another with a couple of slots to hold rings. Also great for dopping cabochons, hold the gas torch on the brick until it's hot and then place your cab on the hot spot, it gently heats your cab to just the right temperature. You can do this on any surface as no heat gets through the brick.
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Post by Pat on Sept 13, 2016 22:43:00 GMT -5
pauls I like the multiple modifications/uses. I have a groove in mine,but will now dig deeper to make a step. Will also make the groove for the ring. Thanks!
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Post by 1dave on Oct 14, 2016 16:01:54 GMT -5
Great Info! There is always someone coming up with something new.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,439
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Post by NDK on Oct 14, 2016 20:17:43 GMT -5
Looks like an awesome tool, where can a soft brick be purchased?
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