Home made headpins

nemea · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject: Home made headpins

I've just made my first batch of fine silver headpins. BIG step for me and I'm absolutely Happily running around

Now the ball at the end of some is a bit pointy and sharp. Can I "cook" them again or will tumbling sort it out?

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...the spirit of an elf and the lifestyle of a hobbit

CraftedGems · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject:

not sure about cooking them again but the point is caused by bringing the wire out of the flame too quickly, if you do it slower you'll get a nice smooth ball Very Happy

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Caroline

nemea · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject:

Oh thanks Caroline! Rainbow

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...the spirit of an elf and the lifestyle of a hobbit

mizgeorge · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:07 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't reheat them unless you need to enlarge them - they're already quite weak and have been effectively annealed to about as soft as they can be. Sharp ends can be easily smoothed off with a file or bit of emery paper, and then throw them in the tumbler and they'll come out lovely and shiny.

Fun isn't it!

george Daisy

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nemea · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

I know! I want to make more now! I guess the novelty wears off after the first thousand! Mr. Green

Thanks for the help George. I used my tumbler for the first time yesterday (just to clean the SS shot) and I was thinking of you and your good advice. Rainbow

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...the spirit of an elf and the lifestyle of a hobbit

daisybelle · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:20 pm Post subject:

Well done, Nemea Thumbs up

I have just got a Koil Kutter and spanky new tumbler (must be something in the air) Should I be cleaning the SS shot on it's own before I use it to tumble any sterling silver?
Care to share any instructions? Daisy

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Maura

nemea · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject:

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that you should give it a clean first time you use it. I ran it for an hour with some tumbling powder (kindly given to me by a friend, still haven't got round to buying some). It helps to check that everything is working properly and that there are no leaks.

Then following suggestions from previous threads, I stored the shot in a glass jar, covered in water and with a bit of powder thrown in. I'm still learning though!

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...the spirit of an elf and the lifestyle of a hobbit

mizgeorge · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:44 pm Post subject:

Mary, I go further than that, I just bung my shot back in the barrel, cover it with water and a half spoon of burnishing compound and it's ready to go for the next time. Just put whatever needs polishing in, top up with water if necessary and away you go!

It is worth running the shot through on its own when it's new, and periodically after that (especially if you've tumbled anything that's been oxidised). Keeps it nice and shiny.

george Daisy

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daisybelle · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:54 am Post subject:

OK, thanks for that.
I think today is marked for making lots of jump rings so I'd better go clean out my barrel and shot Very Happy

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Maura