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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 25, 2008 23:05:47 GMT -5
A lot of people think that gluing bell caps on rocks is easy. Well, it is if done correctly. First, I fit every one of them to the bell cap one at a time. As the cap is fitted, I place the stone into the slit that I have stabbed into the foam rubber, with the bell cap beside it. The cap must sit exactly like it came off the pendant, because that's the only way that it will fit perfectly.  This is the tool that I like to use to mix and apply the 2-part epoxy. A flathead screwdriver will work just as good. I use Hughes 330, I get mine from Exolite. I mix on an ice cream lid and scoop it right off.  Then simply swipe it across the top of the pendant.  The epoxy isn't the best thing to get on your skin, I always use tweezers to set the caps. This may be awkward at first, but you get the hang of it kind quick....    If you don't screw up, this is what it should look like. (just messin around) ;D lol.....  |
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Post by NatureNut on Dec 25, 2008 23:40:31 GMT -5
Summer's Dream??? LOL  |
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on Dec 26, 2008 8:54:46 GMT -5
It's very cool of you to post such clear directions and photos, randy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!
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Post by frane on Dec 26, 2008 12:21:55 GMT -5
Wow, made me feel that even I could do that. The foam rubber seems to be the perfect tool for that!
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 26, 2008 13:57:13 GMT -5
Yep, foam rubber is the best......  |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2008 14:23:33 GMT -5
Great tutorial Randy, thanks for sharing.
Shannon
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Post by sitnwrap on Dec 26, 2008 15:01:25 GMT -5
Now that's what I like seeing, a bunch o sweet cabs sitting snug all in neat rows. Great tutorial Randy.
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navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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Post by navi on Dec 28, 2008 16:10:38 GMT -5
what epoxy do you use and what do you use to clean up any excess epoxy? inquiring minds want to know.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 28, 2008 16:30:25 GMT -5
Excess? Oh yeah. If there's any excess, this is easily removed with a razor knife about two hours after the bell cap is attached. It can still be done once fully cured but be careful not to slip and cut your arm off. You can use Hughes 220 or 330, the 330 cures faster. Once you mix the two parts, it's workable for about 20 minutes.
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CUL-Ann
spending too much on rocks
rock lover~
Member since September 2008
Posts: 380
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Post by CUL-Ann on Dec 28, 2008 21:46:15 GMT -5
What size of caps do you use and do you also use silver ones??
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colliel82
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 664
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Post by colliel82 on Dec 29, 2008 15:07:34 GMT -5
great tutorial
THANKS
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Post by Tweetiepy on Dec 29, 2008 15:32:31 GMT -5
Do the caps fit on loosely? I mean do you have to squish them on or do they slip up?
Every time I've put on a bell cap, they seem to want to squish out of the top. I'd be interested in seeing how you move the prongs to make them fit on there
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fanatic
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2007
Posts: 233
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Post by fanatic on Dec 30, 2008 6:38:34 GMT -5
I use a variety of bell caps in both gold and silver and its rare indeed that they fit right. Sometimes you'll have a piece that only works with one type of bell cap. others may have several bell cap designs that will work. I make the top fit tight first by pushing the cap down tightly on the stone - even moving it some to spread the legs so the top contacts well. Fingers will work to tighten it from there and the final fit might take pliers and some very slight bends. Its patience, trial and error. Not sure about Randy, but I put the 330 on both the stone and the bell cap before I install. Probably doesn't matter. I usually don't spread the 330 all the way down the legs of the bell cap so a final adjustment is possible after the 330 sets up. Don't want any thing catching clothes or irritating skin. I clean any excess the same way - carefully using a utility knife. Once you get good at it you'll rarely have any excess 330 or adjustments to make afterwards.
One other difference in my process vs. Randys is that I "heat treat" them under a pair of 500W lamps for about 15 minutes to set the 330. Be careful as the rocks get pretty hot! Again, I doubt this makes any difference.
All this typing has made me realize I need to do what I've known all along. I need to take some pics and save the words! Randy - you have a pic tutorial ready?? lol
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Post by Noosh9057 on Dec 30, 2008 9:17:45 GMT -5
Very good info thanks!!!!!!
Roger
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Dec 30, 2008 12:54:52 GMT -5
I needed that....thanks, Randy!
Your tutorials are all excellent, easy to follow, and precise. Wondering if you've ever taught classes?
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 30, 2008 14:52:09 GMT -5
LOL, yes, I've taught classes in planning cruise missile engagements (radar over the horizon targeting), surface/subsurface warfare, surface to surface combat, amphibious warfare, at-sea navigation, track coorelation and some other junk. Wanna learn anything alse?? ;D
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Dec 30, 2008 22:03:35 GMT -5
LOL, yes, I've taught classes in planning cruise missile engagements (radar over the horizon targeting), surface/subsurface warfare, surface to surface combat, amphibious warfare, at-sea navigation, track coorelation and some other junk. Wanna learn anything alse?? ;D Peeee-shaw,,,,,,that's all in the family,,,my dad and brothers are/were Master Chiefs (dad on fast-attack nuclear subs and brothers on CV's and CG's) and I follow that pretty well... But if you've got another rock tutorial, I'll bow down and pay homage,,,,    |
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 30, 2008 22:18:00 GMT -5
;D lol, yes mam! ....I'll see what I can come up with |
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Jan 11, 2009 19:37:05 GMT -5
Another great tutorial Randy! As with wire wrapping, I have also been a failure at the bell caps.
Got glue everywhere except where I needed it. And made a huge mess. After this tutorial, I am ready to try again.
Going now to find all those bell caps and glue I have stashed away somewhere. Got tons of stones to practice on.
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Rogue Trader
freely admits to licking rocks
"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."
Member since December 2008
Posts: 839
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Post by Rogue Trader on Jan 11, 2009 19:55:30 GMT -5
Hey Dude, I notice in your fifth pic you have a bell cap already on the pendant and it looks like you are going to put another one on it. Note also next pendant in queue has bell cap beside it. What ya trying ta do? Mess me up some? ;D ;D ;D
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