[Jewelry making - Article 00043] - Re: [Orchid] Tools priorities

[R . E . Rourke]

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    Rosenthal Supply in Miami has an extensive assortment of replacement
    rollers and dies for making patterned stock..many don't know they
    exist ( rosenthal that is) and their prices are hard to beat on
    custom dies and rollers..i think they refinish rollers for around 15
    bucks or so.. I'm with Jay on the winch,vice and draw tongs
    drawbench..i think i saw the plans in either Complete metalsmith or
    one of C.Lewton-Brain's books..the main thing is to buy draw tongs
    that have malleable handles so you can bend them to fit the
    retaining rings that do the pulling.. as far as drawplates..-and i 'm
    betting there will be dissent on this point- there is no need for an
    80-100 sapphire lined plate unless you are in the business of making
    mill products..i have had really good ones and really bad ones..if
    you opt for the 15 dollar combo plate you get usable stock that needs
    a bit of finishing, not much but some - and it's easily
    accomplished.. if you buy the twenty five dollar combo plate you get
    usable stock with less finishing required..if you make it out of any
    hardwood and then harden the holes,squares, etc, with fire and waxes,
    you get usable stock too..it depends on what your needs are..don't
    just buy to stock your larder with tools if you plan on buying
    assorted shaped wire from metals dealers..( though i am an admitted
    tool junkie myself- but after losing everything single tool I owned
    to the flood after hurricane katrina it becomes apparent really fast
    what you need, what you don't, and how many other people have the
    same excesses of rarely used or surplus tools..)..for instance no one
    uses pear, heart, or star shaped drawplates in this country
    much..though in india drawing 6 gauge wire from it and slicing it as
    decorative appliques is common..how many stars and hearts and
    teardrop appliques do you think you'll use in a lifetime.??.then
    having that 12 dollar drawplate may be for you..for tubing a swage
    block has more uses than just tubing and with a self made wooden draw
    plate for the final closures is ideal..a local machinist can make all
    the metal plates you need usually cheaply so don't rule that custom
    made possibility out..and step drills are wonderful for making wood
    plates....Oh lightening, gotta cut off the power system ! 

R.E.Rourke
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