First torch wrap (sorta)

[Tela]

Just playing around. I plan to do this one again in silver when I get a better torch. This is a large red cell dino bone. There are a few changes I'll make to the wrap when I redo it.

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[christine]

Hey Tela, I like this piece a lot! The patterned bail wire adds interest to the piece. The prongs mimic the striated shapes in the stone. Once again, the cab is the spotlight. I am trying to figure out how you used the torch with this setting. What do you plan on changing? Well Done!

[Tela]

Thank you, Christine. This was done primarily to figure the best way to make and use the little balled dumbells on the sides and bottom. When I was done, I figured, I'd go ahead and finish it even though I know I will be taking apart and I didn't have enough bail wire. I added a fashion metal bail. The next one will have 2 balls at the top instead of the wavy lines and I will make some kind of bail.

I need to get some more grades of abrasive to finish the balls. This is a learning process and getting expensive.

The mailman just now delivered a new book, hammer, sparex, abrasive polishing pads, sheet metal, kiln brick and rubber block. Anxiously waiting for the new torch.

[Kate]

I think it looks fantastic! Isn't it fun getting new tools and learning new techniques?!

[Tela]

Thanks, yes, I'm in hog heaven! ;D

[christine]

What new torch did you end up getting?? Is the big one just too much?

[Tela]

The big torch is great for big jobs, but too much for most silver work. I can't fuse with it. At least , not at my skill level.

I ordered this one www.blazerproducts.com/tools/gb2001.html I did some research and saw a vid on it at Beaducation. It appears to be "the gold standard". Hope so, anyway.

I did manage to melt some 18g silver double over with the big torch. Anything smaller just causes more hot, bouncing, melted metal on my table. It's been a learning process...

I just finished the dino bone in silver and it came out great. I'm usually so paranoid abt silver that I mess up, but silver is so low right now and I have a bunch, so I was more relaxed-- no screw ups. YAY! I'll post it later, I'm real happy with it.

[Tela]

I just posted this at JL, too. I don't post much there anymore, but I guess I'm a little proud of this, mostly because of the melted bits. ;D Took a lot of 18g to get those pieces right!

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[glenda]

I love it!! Especially how you changed the top and put 'balls' there too. I like that they are different to the other balls!!

You should be proud. I am quite sure had I attempted this the dumb bells would swivel!! - if you know what I mean!!? You must have got them in there so snug!!

It's fantastic!!

Glenda x

[Tela]

Good morning, Glenda! Thank you for such enthusiasm!

I saw your post at JL and will respond here.

This is a wire wrap. I wrapped the dumbbells into the frame. I used square against them and when the metal was annealed after making the balls, I squared up the straight sections of dumbbell wire by squeezing hard. I have the carpel tunnel tingles today to prove it! LOL! They don't spin. Very smart of you to notice that!! ;D It was one of the things I had to take into account when designing this.

I burned, literally, through a lot of wire to get those dumbbells. This was a very good exercise for me.

[christine]

Ok, now I understand the design. Thanks for explaining the dumbells and how you squeezed them under the wire wrap...I couldn't figure it out. This design is way cool in silver. You should be very proud, My Dear!!

[Tela]

To give you an idea of what I was working with. The space between the balled ends is only 4mm. It was a challenge! It was fun to sort out, though. Glad y'all like it.

[glenda]

4mm!! No wonder the Carpel tunnel is playing up!!

It's a fantastic design!

[wirewrangler]

Hi Tela,
It is so fun to watch you progress in flaming!
From your blog, I got a kick out of the scorched, was it a table top?,
I love the dino cab!
Have a blast at Flaming!
WW

[Tela]

Hi Wrangler- so glad to see you here ;D

Yeah, I am having a lot of fun. You should have seen my workspace yesterday! Lordy, I'm running out of room. Yup, that's my kitchen table, but DH and I do our hobbies here and this table is pretty banged up already. I have a better one that I won't mess up.

I have a new half barbell/dumbbell burn on my table now. I know I sound like a bad example, but I DID have a LARGE graphite under my torch- the hot metal bounced, though. One must be very cautious!

[wirewrangler]

Thanks Tela!
I am still looking for a grand group of like minded folks, been poking around here for awhile, with the New Year, thought I would sign up and spend some precious time with this group! It is nice to know one is welcome.
BTW, I think I might have a suggestion for you re: balling wire in a easier way, I think I might be able to find the original video......are you interested?
Thanks again!
WW

[Tela]

Sweet! I'm always looking for new ways to do things

I like this group, too. No drama, just jewelry.

[wirewrangler]

Sounds great! No drama just jewelry!

RE: balling wire, it can be a challenge, so many heat sinks. The originial end is a breeze compared to the other end. But such a versatile and useful technique, in particular with free form wire wrapping. You can wrap at will and then end whenever.

Okay I will hunt for the original link(s), I either picked it up on line somewhere or via Joe Silvera.
The copied links are on the PC and Hubby is watching movies on the PC right now. So, when I have another minute I will find the links for you. Much easier to see than explain......

Actually, you might want to poke around Joe Silvera's book and DVD: "Soldering Made Simple".
He has some great techniques and uses the mini torch. I found him too late for my own beginning torch trials, maybe you can have an easier time than I did. Anyhoooooo
Have Fun@
WW

[Tela]

Great WW! Thanks for mentioning Silvera, his book and video are the 2 that I chose to buy!! I planned to order them with my torch, but I have to wait till next money burst.

I'm getting better at melting. I can't wait for the better mini torch to get here, though. I have a lot of ideas. Nothing like new tools and techniques to get ones gears going.

[Tela]

Well, some force of nature just MADE me go and buy the book and video and I got the enamel book, too. I really am tapped out on tools for now. Except, I really need that expensive dapping set. Oh well, I have no choice but to wait for that.

[livewire]

I bought Joe Silvera's book shortly after it came out and I think it's great! Easy to follow, non-threatening techniques, and I like the projects. The video is excellent, also.

I already had the Microtorch he recommends (I use it to fire silver clay), but purchased the Jumbo torch per his recommendation.

I'd appreciate feedback on the Torch-fired Enamel book. I looked it over at the store, but didn't care for some of the projects. However, if the instruction is good, I'll buy it anyway.

Joyce

[Tela]

Ok, Joyce. I'll give it a review, but I won't be getting any enamel real soon. So, it might be awhile before I can test the instructions. The reviews at Amazon are really very good, they are what sold me.

[wirewrangler]

I found a link, this one is on you-tube, you probably have seen it already. The one I am trying to find is a bit different. But here is this Link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ1XAoD9zV0&noredirect=1

Anyhoo, this one shows using a different torch for the second ball, but that is not needed if there isn't a heat sink in between the first and second flaming. The microtorch works just fine on both ends. Sometimes I utilize the same technique as Joe S. does when he makes his single round ball (on the DVD) but leave it attached to the wire. I sometimes impress the magnesium brick or the charcoal whichever I am using, if I must have absolute perfect round ends or odd shapes.

The $$$ just do not seem to go as far these days and I hear you, Tela. Do you really need the metal dapping set? I didn't spend $$ on the expensive dapping set, rather, I purchased a wooden set instead. The reason why is that when I am hollowing out or forming metal into shapes, more often than not, I have some kind of texture that I am trying to maintain. With the wood, I don't need to be as careful. So far, the wood is working just fine for me. I spent the $$$ that I would have spent on a more expensive metal dapping set on the Swanstrom disc cutter instead. If you are interested, here is the dapping set that I use, on sale at Otto Frei, here is the link:

www.ottofrei.com/store/product.php?productid=17595&cat=1122&page=1

I hope you enjoy the book and the video, I think Joe Silvera has very good technique and all with the micro torch.

No clue about the enamel book but I hope you all enjoy!
Happy Flaming!
WW

[Tela]

Thanks WW! You just saved me some bucks! Your reasoning is spot on! I was torn between the wood and metal and you just made perfect sense as to why to get the wood. I plan to do a lot of texturing. Thanks for the links, too. I'm off to check them out.

[wildivy]

I bought my dapping set at Harbor Freight. It has been perfectly adequate--although it might not have the same range of sizes that an expensive one has. I think I ended up paying around $30 when you factored in the 20% off coupons they always have in various magazines and newspapers. I bought it at the store--not online so I didn't have to pay shipping. I also bought a $6 wood one at a jewelry supply store which is great if you don't want to mess up something textured.

By the way--Harbor Freight also sells disc cutters--don't be tempted by the low price--they are awful! It gets out of alignment very easily because the top plate is plastic and the gap between the plates is fixed so it doesn't hold the metal securely. You end up with torn metal rather than a nice clean punch. Spend the bucks and get a good one. I bought a Pepe and it cuts sharp and clean.

[Tela]

Hey, thanks- that was good advice. My wish and want list keeps growing and growing!!!