[Jewelry making - Article 00078] - Re: [Orchid] More about Jump Ringer

[Kelley Dragon]

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Carolyn -

    I have a PEPE Tools Jump Ring Maker System. It comes with everything
    the basic Jump Ringer comes with, but also with 20 round mandrels
    that range from 2.5mm to 12mm diameter. The saw blade that comes with
    it is thicker than the Jump Ringer, I am told. (Look in the archives
    for a recent thread on that.) 

    So far I have been very happy with it. You can't go wrong with
    either system. Mandrels of other shapes and sizes are available; they
    will fit either system, I'll bet, since both use the 3-tooth Jacobs
    chuck type of quick release. The PEPE Tools kit is by far the most
    cost-effective. 

    You will need a Foredom (or similar) flex shaft, with a #30
    handpiece...that's what the cutting system is designed to use.
    Dremel will NOT do (first-hand experience on my part). Make sure you
    have this on hand before you get the jump ring system. 

    No matter which systems you buy, here are a few safety tips to
    consider: 

    # Wear safety goggles before you start cutting. Metal dust becomes
    airborne, and it's very fine. 

    # Don't have your foot anywhere near the pedal until you are certain
    everything works correctly, the top is fastened down, and the
    cutting blade is in the slot. The system is designed with safety in
    mind, but "pilot error" can overcome most safety devices. 

    # After the first, second and third use (initially, or anytime after
    you change a blade), loosen the handpiece, push it out of the
    housing (leave the blade on), and check to make sure the blade
    mandrel is tight!!! I was careful the first time, but after blade
    replacement I didn't check. Could not figure out why my new blade was
    binding and getting so hot...turns out the mandrel screw had backed
    out and only the blade guide was keeping the blade from flying
    around. 

    # Tighten both ends of the cutting slot evenly, and at the same
    time. If you tighten one side, then the other, there will be uneven
    tension and subsequent binding on the blade. It's tedious, but I hold
    the cutting slot down with light pressure on the coil while I tighten
    the top nuts. Then I pick up the loaded device and check to make sure
    the clearance on the left is the same as on the right. 

    Until you get one and handle it, some of my instructions won't make
    sense. Just re-read after you get the jump ring system. 

    I have never tried cutting square or triangular 'rings', but it
    should not be too much different. Don't know about oval at all;
    maybe someone else has experience? I know the mandrels are out there. 


best regards,
Kelley
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