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Post by miket on Sept 20, 2019 14:46:39 GMT -5
Not sure how I feel about this one- my thoughts are that I showed the stone off well, but the wrap design itself is a bit plain. I do like simple wraps but please keep up with the suggestions if you all would. The bail, well, that's another story. It's ok, but there are quite a few nicks. Anyway, thanks for looking. And helping.   |
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 20, 2019 15:12:32 GMT -5
I see your frame is good and tight.  I like it. I'd like to see bigger pix, though. I can't make out the bail. |
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Post by miket on Sept 20, 2019 15:50:39 GMT -5
I see your frame is good and tight. I like it. I'd like to see bigger pix, though. I can't make out the bail. I did that on purpose.  Just kidding, I'll put it up in a few. But it's not a pretty sight. |
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Post by miket on Sept 20, 2019 16:01:35 GMT -5
Here you go, rockjunquie . I'm naming this bail "Nicky."  |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Sept 20, 2019 22:07:05 GMT -5
I like this wrap, too. Nicks are something you will get less of as your technique gets better. I know Tela rockjunquie has already given you tips on "softening" the sides of your pliers, but really the best thing is to use your fingers as much as possible to avoid tool marks. Tool marks will happen, however, no matter how careful or how gentle you are with your pliers.
Get yourself some diamond needle files to file down the nicks and then use successively higher grits of wet/dry sandpaper to sand the spots to a polish. Try to get the needle files in at least 600 grit so you don't have to do a lot of paper sanding. You can make yourself little sanding sticks with different grit papers. Cut up a paint stirrer stick from the hardware store and glue the different grits on sticks. Make sure you mark them so you know what grit they are. You may not get all of the nicks out if they are really deep, but you can get them to a place where they're less noticeable.
ETA: Also make sure your pliers are totally scratch free. Use 600 grit wet/dry to sand them smooth and then a couple of higher grits to shine them up.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 20, 2019 22:16:34 GMT -5
I like this wrap, too. Nicks are something you will get less of as your technique gets better. I know Tela rockjunquie has already given you tips on "softening" the sides of your pliers, but really the best thing is to use your fingers as much as possible to avoid tool marks. Tool marks will happen, however, no matter how careful or how gentle you are with your pliers.
Get yourself some diamond needle files to file down the nicks and then use successively higher grits of wet/dry sandpaper to sand the spots to a polish. Try to get the needle files in at least 600 grit so you don't have to do a lot of paper sanding. You can make yourself little sanding sticks with different grit papers. Cut up a paint stirrer stick from the hardware store and glue the different grits on sticks. Make sure you mark them so you know what grit they are. You may not get all of the nicks out if they are really deep, but you can get them to a place where they're less noticeable.
Great tips!
I occasionally get nicks, too. I use emery boards. You can buy a set of different grits. Sometimes, I just use a coarse polishing compound on a felt bob with the Foredom (dremel). That works really well. But you have to be careful not to take off too much.
Now is the time to get these skills down while you are using cheaper wire. But, if you use coated wire, you're kinda screwed because you will take off the coating as well as the nick.
Another thing to remember, as with ALL tools, is to let the tool do the work. Often nicks are created when you have a death grip on your tool or use way too much pressure. For me, I find that slipping causes the most nicks. So, when I need to do something with a wire in a bundle and I can't get a good grip on it, I separate the wire out just a bit with a knife. Makes it much easier.
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Post by miket on Sept 21, 2019 4:55:44 GMT -5
I like this wrap, too. Nicks are something you will get less of as your technique gets better. I know Tela rockjunquie has already given you tips on "softening" the sides of your pliers, but really the best thing is to use your fingers as much as possible to avoid tool marks. Tool marks will happen, however, no matter how careful or how gentle you are with your pliers.
Get yourself some diamond needle files to file down the nicks and then use successively higher grits of wet/dry sandpaper to sand the spots to a polish. Try to get the needle files in at least 600 grit so you don't have to do a lot of paper sanding. You can make yourself little sanding sticks with different grit papers. Cut up a paint stirrer stick from the hardware store and glue the different grits on sticks. Make sure you mark them so you know what grit they are. You may not get all of the nicks out if they are really deep, but you can get them to a place where they're less noticeable.
ETA: Also make sure your pliers are totally scratch free. Use 600 grit wet/dry to sand them smooth and then a couple of higher grits to shine them up.
Great tips, thank you! One of these days I'll have to get serious I suppose... 😁 |
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Post by miket on Sept 21, 2019 4:58:30 GMT -5
I like this wrap, too. Nicks are something you will get less of as your technique gets better. I know Tela rockjunquie has already given you tips on "softening" the sides of your pliers, but really the best thing is to use your fingers as much as possible to avoid tool marks. Tool marks will happen, however, no matter how careful or how gentle you are with your pliers.
Get yourself some diamond needle files to file down the nicks and then use successively higher grits of wet/dry sandpaper to sand the spots to a polish. Try to get the needle files in at least 600 grit so you don't have to do a lot of paper sanding. You can make yourself little sanding sticks with different grit papers. Cut up a paint stirrer stick from the hardware store and glue the different grits on sticks. Make sure you mark them so you know what grit they are. You may not get all of the nicks out if they are really deep, but you can get them to a place where they're less noticeable.
Great tips!
I occasionally get nicks, too. I use emery boards. You can buy a set of different grits. Sometimes, I just use a coarse polishing compound on a felt bob with the Foredom (dremel). That works really well. But you have to be careful not to take off too much.
Now is the time to get these skills down while you are using cheaper wire. But, if you use coated wire, you're kinda screwed because you will take off the coating as well as the nick.
Another thing to remember, as with ALL tools, is to let the tool do the work. Often nicks are created when you have a death grip on your tool or use way too much pressure. For me, I find that slipping causes the most nicks. So, when I need to do something with a wire in a bundle and I can't get a good grip on it, I separate the wire out just a bit with a knife. Makes it much easier.
Thanks Tela. I know the death grip well- I have a couple of marks on my finger where the pliers stabbed me. As always, I appreciate the help. |
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Sept 27, 2019 12:18:07 GMT -5
I like this one too. Boy you have some amazing material. I bet you have a hundred other stones that are just as nice. I need to keep in mind that you create all of your cabs by hand, using the dremel and other traditional mechanics.
I think you might want to consider setting up an Etsy shop if you keep making them like this. That is, if you don't mind parting with the creations.
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Post by miket on Sept 27, 2019 12:41:46 GMT -5
Thanks, Bill.
This one came from a good friend, I love crazy lace.
If I ever get good enough I would definitely sell what I make.
So I can buy more rocks and equipment.
It's a vicious cycle.
😎
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Post by adam on Sept 27, 2019 22:48:51 GMT -5
Not sure how I feel about this one- my thoughts are that I showed the stone off well, but the wrap design itself is a bit plain. I do like simple wraps but please keep up with the suggestions if you all would. The bail, well, that's another story. It's ok, but there are quite a few nicks. Anyway, thanks for looking. And helping. If not for the nicks you would have done a perfect job wrapping that cab. Nicely done. |
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Post by Pat on Sept 27, 2019 22:54:12 GMT -5
I don’t do wire wrapping, but we use the sandpaper on paint stir sticks for sanding Metalsmithing work. Popsicle sticks also work well if you need something smaller.
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Post by miket on Sept 28, 2019 4:59:03 GMT -5
Not sure how I feel about this one- my thoughts are that I showed the stone off well, but the wrap design itself is a bit plain. I do like simple wraps but please keep up with the suggestions if you all would. The bail, well, that's another story. It's ok, but there are quite a few nicks. Anyway, thanks for looking. And helping. If not for the nicks you would have done a perfect job wrapping that cab. Nicely done. Thank you, sir! |
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Post by miket on Sept 28, 2019 5:00:22 GMT -5
I don’t do wire wrapping, but we use the sandpaper on paint stir sticks for sanding Metalsmithing work. Popsicle sticks also work well if you need something smaller. Thanks for the tip, Pat. I appreciate it! |
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I like it. I'd like to see bigger pix, though. I can't make out the bail.
