kitty1219
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2008
Posts: 8
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Post by kitty1219 on Aug 4, 2008 20:36:40 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I have a question.... I'm somewhat experienced at making wire jewelry, and I have started to wrap rocks (birdcages, etc). I purchased some bell caps to try out. I used epoxy to attach one. It turned out OK, but the process was rather clumsy, and it takes a long time to adhere (5 min). Not to mention the finished piece did not look quite as neat and clean as I would have liked. Also a waste of epoxy, since I had to just sit there and hold the one cap on while it set up. My question is this: Is there a better glue or adhesive I could be using? And, does anyone have suggestions for a clip or something that could hold the cap or the rock in place? Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated, thanks!
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Post by sitnwrap on Aug 4, 2008 21:38:43 GMT -5
I don't know about the different glues but I would think that a small wooden, table top vice grip might be your answer to holding up the stone. Just be careful not to tighten too much so you don't scratch the stone.
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kitty1219
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2008
Posts: 8
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Post by kitty1219 on Aug 4, 2008 21:45:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the idea. I know there are clips and things you can get to help hold small figurines for painting, etc. I think I will also look for something like that.
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Post by docone31 on Aug 4, 2008 22:06:58 GMT -5
Silicone window caulk makes a great adhesive for bell caps. You will need to let it sit over night for maximun curing. Once cured it is there.
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Post by akansan on Aug 4, 2008 22:26:38 GMT -5
You might dig around the site for BikerRandy's tutorial on how he does his massive batches of pendants (400+ pendants at a time!). I remember he used a foam with slots cut into it to hold the rocks up, but that's about all.
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fanatic
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2007
Posts: 233
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Post by fanatic on Aug 5, 2008 5:41:06 GMT -5
I use Epoxy 330 and I cure them quickly under a floodlight. Randys foam with slots works great. I also use those inexpensive spring loaded rubber coated clamps from HD or any other similar store to stand the pendants up while curing. I've also found that the majority of the time, if I take a lot of care in fitting the bell cap, that standing isn't necessary during curing. I can just lay them on a towel under the light and it works fine.
If anyone can provide the link to Randys tutorial I'd like to read it again myself. I seem to be search challenged. hehehe
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msrockaddict
off to a rocking start
Judge me only by my works. I try to see something special in every stone.
Member since May 2008
Posts: 21
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Post by msrockaddict on Aug 6, 2008 20:33:12 GMT -5
E6000 is an excellent glue, sticky and thick and adheres fast - just leave it alone to cure for 24 hours. Agree - the small vice from Home Depot works great.
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kitty1219
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2008
Posts: 8
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Post by kitty1219 on Aug 8, 2008 1:12:56 GMT -5
Thanks, everyone, for the terrific suggestions! I had some foam laying around from another project, so I tried it first. It worked great. I do intend to give all the ideas a whirl to see what I like best. Thanks again!
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Aug 8, 2008 10:11:02 GMT -5
14-10 gauge copper wire can be bent to hold almost anything in any position ;D.
Screw or glue a paper clip/clothes pin/spring clamps/alligator clips (even sharpen the ends) to one or both ends and you've got an extra set of hands. I've made dozens of these for all sorts of special applications.
Dr Joe
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