garrett
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 62
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Post by garrett on Apr 22, 2012 22:30:32 GMT -5
I have started making some gifts and one of the problems I’m having is securing the stones to the settings.
I’ve started with some simple necklaces, earrings, money clips, etc.. I’m pleased with the way the stones are turning out but they sometimes don’t stay attached like they should. I am having especially difficult luck with the money clips.
I’m using “Epoxy 330” and following the instructions but haven’t seem find the secret.
Is there a better epoxy or glue to use for this application? Is there a better way to use this epoxy?
Thanks for helping.
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Post by Toad on Apr 23, 2012 1:33:17 GMT -5
I don't know how critical the 50% mix is, but if that is not the problem, are you using enough?
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Post by phil on Apr 23, 2012 9:59:06 GMT -5
Your problem leaves many unanswered questions.....
Are the stones and setting squeaky clean? What kind of settings? Are you mixing the epoxy well? I've never had mixed 330 fail to set. How old is the epoxy? How much are you using?
More details please so we can try and figure it out.
Pics of the before, after and failed ones might help too.
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 23, 2012 10:58:17 GMT -5
Temperature and humidity could be a factor too. Are you working in a warm and reasonably dry space ? Too cold a temperature and epoxy can take a long time to set up.
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 23, 2012 11:14:41 GMT -5
A friend makes big belt buckles using glue on backs. He drills holes in the metal wear it glues to the cab back. The glue oozes through a little and helps it hold better. Roughing up the surface of the stone where you glue should help too. A lamp would help it cure faster.
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Post by gr on Apr 23, 2012 11:19:46 GMT -5
Something very important is that the glue has to have something to hang on to. If your pieces are to smooth the bond can be weak. Rough up the mating surfaces with some sand paper. Also Don and Phil bring up some good points. And Phil has a good idea of showing some pics for analysis to help you
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 23, 2012 11:39:30 GMT -5
Forgot about the roughing thing. Back in the day when I used glue in findings, I left the backs of my cabs rough, and roughed up the glue surface of the finding. I also let my cabs soak in acetone for an hour or so, prior to glueing.
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gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Apr 23, 2012 12:21:29 GMT -5
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Post by christopherl1234 on Apr 23, 2012 13:40:24 GMT -5
Are you giving the stones a thorough cleaning before gluing? It is best to clean your stone with a little acetone first to remove any oils and dirt. Once clean take care not to touch it with your bare hands as your natural oils will transfer to the stone and interfere with the bonding process. I will usually run the bonding surface of the stone on my 600 wheel prior to cleaning to give the epoxy something to grab on to.
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Post by helens on Apr 23, 2012 15:45:22 GMT -5
Most jewelry makers don't use epoxy to glue stones to setting, they use this: www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H201949TLE-6000 is the Jewelery maker standard for gluing things to settings (not Epoxy 330). It's thick, and gloopy with strong tack, definitely glue:). Epoxy varies in drying time (depending on type of epoxy and accelerator), but thing thing about ALL epoxy is that immediately after mixing, they have almost no 'tack'. You have to wait til it starts to set a bit, or old the pieces together til it does. There is also more involved in using Epoxy, starting with, how long did you mix part A and B for? Because if you didn't stir it for a whole 60 seconds, it's possible that you will create a weak bond. For inexpensive jewelry, E-6000 is the way to go, it lasts years and years and has a silicone texture. It's not going to compare to Epoxy for duration, and it's not going to touch UV enhanced Epoxy by a long mile, but for small glue projects, it will give you the tack you need for simple jewelry gluing project that doesn't involve coating (where cloudy or yellowing or cracking down the road would be a huge problem), and where the glue will not show. |
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Post by Woodyrock on Apr 27, 2012 0:57:39 GMT -5
E-6000 also does not react with plated metal as does most epoxy, and that may be the reason for bond issues, although epoxy debonding issues usually occur weeks if not months after the initial bonding. That said, the god old fashioned mechanical bond rarely fails.
Woody
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