Post by fernwood on Aug 17, 2017 18:59:15 GMT -5
Ok, so yes, I need to perfect the process, but think this turned out pretty good for the first try.
I used a file and a whet stone to flatten the bottom of the stone so it would stand up.
Next used a carbide tip drill to deepen some of the natural indentations.
Then drilled a hole in the middle of each indention.
The turquoise and coral settings are actually some old ear post findings I had that were bent or broken off. (Note to self: When you start doing cabs inlaid with a different stone in a setting, use ear post blanks with some twist wire.)
Roughed up the post and back of setting.
Put cabs in each setting.
Hardest part for me was next, pushing down the setting prongs with an orange stick. Need to figure out a better magnification system and better way to hold them. A hemostat (with leather around the setting to prevent scratching) secured in a bench vice didn't do that great.
Then applied rock to metal cement to the post and pushed it in the hole. Made sure there was enough so some ended up in the indent to adhere setting to stone.
3 coats of spray on rock sealer on each side.
And done!
I could use this same technique when making pendants with softer stones.
Don't laugh too hard, ok?
I used a file and a whet stone to flatten the bottom of the stone so it would stand up.
Next used a carbide tip drill to deepen some of the natural indentations.
Then drilled a hole in the middle of each indention.
The turquoise and coral settings are actually some old ear post findings I had that were bent or broken off. (Note to self: When you start doing cabs inlaid with a different stone in a setting, use ear post blanks with some twist wire.)
Roughed up the post and back of setting.
Put cabs in each setting.
Hardest part for me was next, pushing down the setting prongs with an orange stick. Need to figure out a better magnification system and better way to hold them. A hemostat (with leather around the setting to prevent scratching) secured in a bench vice didn't do that great.
Then applied rock to metal cement to the post and pushed it in the hole. Made sure there was enough so some ended up in the indent to adhere setting to stone.
3 coats of spray on rock sealer on each side.
And done!
I could use this same technique when making pendants with softer stones.
Don't laugh too hard, ok?
