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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 30, 2010 12:36:52 GMT -5
Well, after spending 3 evenings and around 5 feet of expensive wire, I finally gave up trying to figure out how to wrap this one so it would be secure, yet not detract from the cab. So this morning I just drilled it and used a pinch bail on it. I don't think it looks too bad, do you? I spent an hour looking for my pinch bails, only to find that I'm out of silver ones.   Thanks for looking! Tom |
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Aug 30, 2010 12:52:45 GMT -5
that looks great!
hearts are a challenge to wrap!
I have a rhodochrosite large heart that I am doing final polish on that I will be attempting to wrap.
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Aug 30, 2010 12:55:29 GMT -5
Oh and you can make pinch bails out of square wire secured just under the bail with half round
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 30, 2010 16:01:13 GMT -5
LOL! I thought of that - use square wire through the drilled hole to make a simple bail - but I thought the store-bought pinch bail would look better in this case. I just wish I had more talent and more imagination to find a way to do a satisfactory wrap on these hearts, because I intend to make several more, and don't want them to be boring.
Tom
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Post by sitnwrap on Aug 30, 2010 17:15:18 GMT -5
Losing so much wire stinks but what you did with the heart and the simplicity of it is beautiful. I would think just drilling the hole would be a challange. I don't drill yet. maybe someday.
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 30, 2010 20:40:35 GMT -5
Lori, I was terrified of breaking a cab before I drilled into one, but then I went ahead and got the Dremel thingy that turns your Dremel into a drill press of sorts. Then I figured out a way to set the cab into one of those Rubbermaid or Ziplock sandwich boxes and just cover it with water. Next I had to ruin 3 or 4 drills before I got the pace down to where it's not burning up from the pressure. Fortunately, I practiced on "throw-away" stuff, so no harm, no foul.
Drilling this heart took about an hour, all told. I went about 2/3 thru it, then I dried it off, and turned it over. I stuck a drill bit into the hole on the bottom side, and with a sharpie fine point, put a mark on the undrilled side where the hole should come out. Then I drilled that side and met the hole in the middle. Worked out pretty good!
The trick with drilling is to take your time, use not a lot of pressure, and go in 3 or 4-second spurts - drill for 3 or 4 seconds, then back out with it still running and let the bit cool off in the water, then repeat. for a long time. My hand holding the cab gets to really hurting before I get done with one!
Tom
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Post by frane on Sept 1, 2010 7:02:07 GMT -5
Tom, that one needs nothing else. It is beautiful!
One day I am going to get out the dremel and try drilling holes. I have watched the how too video's but I am just not there yet.
Fran
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Post by Bejewelme on Sept 2, 2010 21:24:20 GMT -5
Tom that is a beauty!
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Post by sitnwrap on Sept 2, 2010 22:09:09 GMT -5
Thanks for all the useful info Tom. I know I'll be needing it hopefully sooner than later. lol. Also, It just goes to show how much effort you put into it.
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Post by NatureNut on Sept 2, 2010 23:17:05 GMT -5
I agree with Lori, the simplicity is striking! Jo
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 3, 2010 2:46:37 GMT -5
Excelent piece Tom
Jack
Yorkshire uk
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 3, 2010 11:12:53 GMT -5
Thanks, everybody!
Tom
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Sept 3, 2010 18:59:12 GMT -5
I think it looks great Tom.
Nate
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Post by stonesthatrock on Sept 4, 2010 15:12:43 GMT -5
looks great don't change a thing.......
mary ann
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