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.
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
.
on top of the solder joint. I use 
to solder with my 
.
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!
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Now….. Let’s Make Something Shiny, Together
Doug