Skip to content

Cutting Proper Length Wire For Making Ring Shanks

Have you ever started making a ring project, and were unsure how long to cut the wire or shank, so your piece is just the right size, with no waste?  Today I have put together a quick tutorial on how I make my ring shanks just the right size every time, and have added a FREE Downloadable Spreadsheet for you to have, to print out, and keep by your workbench.

Sample Image

Click Here>>>>  Ring Size Conversion Chart  <<<<Click Here

To determine how long to cut a piece of shanking material to make a ring,  Add the circumference, (Total Length of the piece needed) PLUS the thickness of the material you are working with. For example, If you want a SIZE 8 ring that is 1.5mm thick, you will start with a piece of material that is 57.15mm +  1.5mm (Circumference for a size 8 + 1.5mm) or 58.65mm long.

  • Here I start with the shanking material that is 1.5mm thick, and 3.0mm wide:

  • I cut the shank to the desired size, and use a pair of 1/2 Round/Flat Pliers to bend the 2 halves together so it blends better after it is soldered. I also use a #6 Equaling Escapement File.

    

  • I use as little amount of solder as I can, so I have less solder clean up. See how little solder I use? (solder on fingernail)
  • I heat the ring shank from underneath the solder joint, and place the Silver Solder on top of the solder joint. I use HANDY FLUX to solder with my Smith Little Torch.

    

Again, I am a HUGE advocate of “Less Solder, Less Solder Cleanup”.

  

I hope this helps, and the handy RING SIZE CONVERSION CHART never leaves your bench!

Make Sure to Subscribe, So You Never Miss Out On Any Content:

Now….. Let’s Make Something Shiny, Together

Doug

6 thoughts on “Cutting Proper Length Wire For Making Ring Shanks”

  1. Dana

    Doug, this bit right here was amazingly helpful: ***a pair of 1/2 Round/Flat Pliers to bend the 2 halves together so it blends better after it is soldered. I also use a #6 Equaling Escapement File.***

    Thank you so much!

  3. Dana

    One more thing…I have a Smith Silver Smith torch. I’ve been thinking about switching to the Smith Little torch but I really like the ease of using only one tank, the acetylene. In your opinion do you think switching would be a worth while investment?

    Thanks again!

    1. Doug Napier

      Dana, it really depends on the type of soldering you do. I like the Smith Little torch because it gives me a LOT more control, more heat, finer point to solder with. I do a lot of “micro” soldering, wires, filigree, posts, etc, and with the Little torch, I can control where the hear is, and isn’t. Plus, with the more heat,I can work a bit quicker.
      Doug

Comments are closed.