I have to confess: Although I do want to learn some traditional manual techniques for silversmithing so that I can understand the basic process involved, I still am driven to automate a manual technique as soon as I understand how it is done. Part of this comes from my software design experience… the best programmers are lazy ones, the great programmers write tools to do their job for them. The other part comes from my 6-Sigma training, with which I cannot disagree with: remove variation in production to increase quality.
I had discovered I could not go much further in fine silver unless I could make my own wire. Fine silver wire costs about as much to ship as to fabricate!
Originally, I had thought to build my own rolling mill, but I found out from answers on Ganoksin and Practical Machinist that I didn’t have the equipment to do that.
On the Ganoksin Forum, Peter Rowe had provided the excellent suggestion of using a stretcher for stone rings as a nano-sized rolling mill. I ordered the least expensive one I could find, for $25.00 with $15.00 shipping, so that I didn’t risk too much money. If the idea does not work, I could at least make rings with it!
One tool I’ve been particularly anxious to obtain, has been a diamond bandsaw. With one of these I could expand my practice beyond plain silver into intarsia, effectively making pictures with semi-precious gemstone. The saw would double for cutting metals, which is something I really need so that I don’t have to even think about resorting to using my CNC mill as a hacksaw!
I think I found a Gryphon C-series diamond bandsaw, in excellent condition, on Craigslist. I bought the beastie for $82, about a quarter of the cost of new. I understand that a lot of people get ripped off on Craigslist, but I am hoping that the seller won’t just keep the money but also send the merchandise as promised!
So while I’m accumulated money at a painfully slow rate ($100 per month allowance) I’m waiting for two new pieces of machinery that hopefully will get me out of the corner I have painted myself into.
One final thing I know I cannot get around, if I hope to make earrings, is the need for a lathe. But I cannot afford to buy even the smallest metal lathe, the Taig Micro II, for at least six months at my present rate of savings, since even the basic set costs nearly $200.
But I need to do something in the meantime, so my next project is to build a nano-sized lathe for creating buttons, shafts, and earrings. I’ve taken a page from the F’only lathe folks, and so far I have spent $40 on 3 junk drills, some wood, a childs’ craft table, and some nuts and bolts to create a primitive lathe of my own. One drill, an AC power drill, will provide the headstock. I have Jacobs chucks from two cordless drills to serve as tool holder and tailstock.
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Just so you know- I had need of a lathe and spindle setup for several commissions from friends- my answer was not to buy the tools- I found a local machinist who traded tool-time for a handmade curb-chain bracelet and 2 forged spoons for about 15 hours of lathe and tool time at his shop. I work under a budget as well and have found bartering to be an excellent source of gaining the skills needed. And the added benifit (and the reason I write to you) is that when he upgraded his shop, I got first dibs on getting his mini-lathe! Best of luck- I have enjoyed your postings and look forward to more! -Duncan