Categories: Jewelry; Projects and equipment
Word count/read time: 395 words; 2 minutes
Ideas can hit at any time. They often solve a current problem
with new tech, processes, or innovation. Some cures are elusive;
the longer the problem exists the less likely it is to find a
solution - or does that mean the solution gets closer?
One such device for me was (is) the jump ring stretching tool.
It would be invaluable and particularly beneficial for
loop-in-loop
chains. A simple way to mimic this action is to put the ring around the outside of
round nose pliers and open the pliers.
Considering how many rings are in some chains, each
link a perfect replica, it's a time toilet
under optimistic conditions.
With the best intentions this method is still an underachiever.
I made fixtures to get better results.
All efforts now should focus on development of the mega-jig, the one that does it all.
Literally years later (today) the solution came to me.
At least part of it because there's something else to solve.
This design could multi-task for sure!
It would only take a little bit of planning.
Therein lies the problem. You want a tool for specific things, then build
in some versatility to work for multiple scenarios. Great.
Then see endless possibilities with a few more tweaks
before it spirals down a rabbit hole.
How much time is spent in this limbo? Just finish the "lesser" version
already! Make V2 later. If time isn't a concern then what's the rush? This has been waiting
for years; does it matter if it languishes a while longer?
Yes, but only if the tool reveals its remaining secrets.
Ring stretching is just one process. The other ones can be
summarized like this:
- Center, align and support ring as it is stretched
- Control starting and stopping positions/limits
- Squeeze/pinch wherever needed
- Bend or pre-shape
- 15+ interchangeable tip sizes
Further, these systems must work together yet be
independently adjustable in every direction. Efficiency could be improved further
with a ring holding device
for quicker loading and a mechanism to extract them once finished.
Rings will
be 3/16" inner diameter and larger using 0.40mm wire and thicker
and made of precious metals. This tool may not stretch the heavy rings
as it was meant for smaller stuff (there's another plan for that).
It's important to consider how different tips, like pointed or square,
affect usability.
Posted by M: October 22, 2023
Please email any thoughts or comments regarding this post.
Comment Section
NOTE: Your comments will be included in this section
as long as they aren't illegal. This section is censor-free so show me
your intelligence or ignorance and everything in between!
|
2025
Four Fs of Jewelry
Those Are Nice Dimples
Yes, I Have Some
Good Deals
Transportaion Issues
Spining in Circles
Top Purchases 2024
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
|