[Jewelry making - Article 00721] - Re: [Orchid] Milling your own or buying stock

[Helen Hill]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    From how this thread started, ie. with someone enquiring as to what
    to expect from a bench test in order to get a job, and from reading
    all the responses, it seems to be a very subjective decision as to
    whether or not it is economical to mill one's own stock. There are
    many jewellers from both camps, for some it pays to DIY and for
    others it simply doesn't pay and they make more money by using their
    time creating jewellery from pre-milled stock. One man's meat is
    another man's poison and all that - there is no right or wrong
    method. 

    However, I have to agree with John's original answer and subsequent
    ones on the subject. If I was applying for a job in a working
    goldsmith's shop, I would expect to have all the skills necessary
    that the goldsmith might look for and that would include the use of
    the rolling mill. The goldsmith in question might be of the buy it
    pre-milled camp and only use a rolling mill occasionally, but being
    able to use a rolling mill seems to be a fundamental skill of being a
    goldsmith. 

    Incidentally, I have recently bought a rolling mill myself with the
    intention of learning such a skill, so that I can make use of my
    growing pile of scrap silver (and gold when I'm working with gold)
    and not have to send it to a refiner. I've been too scared of it to
    use it up to now but will take the plunge soon. I'm assuming
    (possibly wrongly) that if one has a rolling mill with the
    appropriately shaped rollers, then you don't necessarily need a draw
    bench and draw plates, etc. I'm sure someone will let me know if I'm
    wrong. Any advice greatly appreciated as usual. 

Helen
Preston, UK
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________