[Jewelry making - Article 00312] - Re: [Orchid] Chain mail - to solder or not to solder

[Nancie Fisher]

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Lisa,

    I use a tumbler for the chains I make. I use mixed stainless shot in
    a barrel tumbler with a little squirt of Dawn (and water to 3/4
    full). It does harden the chain, clean it up, and leave it very
    smooth and polished. 

    I do not solder the rings. However, I use a jeweler's saw with a 5/0
    blade to cut jumprings, and am hooked on 16 gauge wire for chains.
    Heavy and strong. The joins in the jumprings are very tight and
    flush. This is the key. The rings must be tight and flush to begin
    with, because a tumbler won't do this for you. Using a fine blade on
    a jeweler's saw prevents burrs, too. 

    I have a chain bracelet I made nearly a year ago that I wear every
    day, no solder, and I still can't see where the joins are on the
    rings. 

    Of course, my eyes aren't what they used to be! 

Nancie
www.moonfishdesign.com


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