[Jewelry making - Article 00006] - Re: [Orchid] CNC cutting

[T R. Hawkinson, Ltd.]

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>         I would think that WD-40 works, but wouldn't you have to stand
>     there over the part and re-spray it several times over the course
>     of cutting a complete model, as it absorbs into the milled
>     shavings? I guess it depends on the size of the part. and how much
>     you initially spray. 

    We buy WD40 in a gallon can and use a small drip at a time with the
    coolant system we added. I suppose it is the same style as the Model
    Master system. Again the best I've found and the most convent and
    economical to use. 

>         Milling wax and plastic may be good for one-offs and  limited
>     production runs, but over time and repeated use, does a silicone
>     mold hold the detail and crispness needed for class rings and logo
>     type jewelry with lettering? 

    I have been using Dow Corning Silastic Silicones since 1977. The
    molds do not wear out. I don't make thousands of a number, but in the
    hundreds range you can't beat them. I compare all silicones to the
    Dow Corning Silicones. There are three different harnesses available.
    All with excellent working properties. Somewhat had to find though.
    Plastic model tooling is my solution for the small to mid range
    manufacturer (me). If I need to make 100 of a ring, my cost factor is
    down low enough to be profitable. I can have a profitable ring sale
    at $40.00 to $100.00 also. With my model and mold costing out below
    $25.00. 

>         I agreed with that up until last week, when I found out a CAD
>     modeler I know, has never worked at the bench, yet he has a pretty
>     decent (and evolving)  sense of jewelry construction from years as
>     a jewelry salesman. So, I guess it's hard to make generalizations
>     about these things. 

    I am learning Matrix this year and hope to add even more options to
    my teaching and model making skills. But I do look at things
    different than a purely CAD operator. 

>         Occasionally, I will take a production oriented CAD model and
>     post-process it strictly to create a nice rendering for my
>     website. In the CAD program, I'll shape prongs over a stone or
>     soften the severe edge of  a part that would be polished  to a more
>     rounded shape or even model a bezel down onto a stone, just to make
>     a pretty picture. It may be superfluous, but I enjoy the creativity
>     of it. I've worked hard to gain the skill to render photo-realistic
>     virtual jewelry images, and besides, it's a lot of fun! 

    I'd love to see some finished jewelry photos. Any available? 

Best Regards,
Todd Hawkinson
www.ajt-online.com


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