Results for: asktocat

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What tools should you use to cut silver plate chains?

It depends on the type and thickness of the chain. Some plated chains are a soft base metal and can be easily cut with any standard jewelry-grade...

I need tips on how to use these pliers.

These wire working pliers work like parallel action pliers--where the jaws open and close parallel and offer even distribution of pressure throughout...

Which tools do you recommend to buy when the person has arthritis?

Look for ergonomic tools with longer handles that are cushioned. Longer handles prevent the "digging" into the palm that short handled tools may...

How do I determine the wire gauge in my wire inventory?

To determine wire gauge use a wire gauge tool, manual millimeter/inch brass gauge or a digital caliper.The manual wire gauge tool is made of metal...

How do I clean my pliers and wire cutters? They have become rusty and old looking.

Fine steel wool or a steel wire brush can remove quite a bit of rust from the surface of steel tools. There are also rust inhibitors, such as WD-40,...

How do I use wire-wrapping pliers? Thank you.

Wire-wrapping pliers are designed with different sized barrels (4, 6 and 8mm barrels) to allow the wireworker to form coils or rings in many sizes....

What do you recommend for a work table surface for beading?

You can work on anything from a laminate counter top to a wooden jeweler's bench. A smooth, hard, level surface is best. Depending on the type of...

When a natural pearl starts to discolor, does that mean it is "sick"?

No, discoloration does not mean the pearl is sick. Both freshwater and saltwater pearls will start to discolor for a variety of reasons. Pearls will...

What needle should I use for my seed bead project?

When you first start working with a beading needle and thread, work with a larger needle will give you an easier time of threading as the eye will...

Can I use the rock tumbler to make beach glass?

Yes you can use the tumbler for creating pieces that look like beach glass.Consider your first batch a test to assess which tumbling media works best...

Please tell me the difference between "lap joint" and "box joint" pliers?

The joint on a pair of pliers refers to the area where the two jaws of the pliers and the handles come together and how this joint was constructed....

How do you safely clean bone beads and antique ivory jewelry?

Your best choice may be to use a mild soap on a soft damp cloth, and simply wipe the jewelry down. If the dirt is deeper than what appears on the...

How do I drill a hole in a gemstone already polished.

Set up a variable speed rotary drill or flex shaft (one with foot pedal control is best) and fit the collet with a diamond drill bit. If possible,...

How do you clean pewter beads?

If the pewter beads are not plated, you can clean them using a variety of methods, including polishing cloths, ultra-sonic cleaners, steam cleaners,...

Can sterling silver rings be sized up?

Yes, as long as the sizing is within a 0.25 (1/4) to 0.5 (1/2) ring size and there are no settings with stones in place.If you need to size a ring up...

How should I clean cloisonné beads?

To clean your cloisonné beads, simply wipe them with a soft polishing cloth. Porous in nature, cloisonné should never be soaked. Care should also be...

How do I get my pieces clean after people handle it at a show, and get fingerprints off, too?

A lint-free cloth is a great way to remove fingerprints during, and after, the show. You can also clean some finished jewelry with a mild soap and...

I want to make my own bead caps in copper and sterling silver sheet metal using the disc cutters and dapping blocks. What gauge metal do I need?

You can work with a range of sheet gauges in either metal. The disc cutter can cut from 28-gauge to 16-gauge sheet. The dapping block and punches...

Will silver-plated pieces get the antique color that regular silver gets, get a bad color or never change color?

Silver-plated items will oxidize like sterling silver and get the antiqued patina that many designers prefer. However, all plating eventually wears...

I recently purchased a string of crystal quartz with a matte finish. Is there any way I can polish these stones so they will shine?

Remove the quartz beads from their string and tumble them in a rotary tumbler with the appropriate abrasive polishes to remove the matte finish and...

121 Resources Found
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