I recently bought the G.R.S. Bracelet former from Rio Grande and had
to return it. The Dapping block had pits or porosity and the tool was
made very poorly. Is there anyone who has experienced otherwise? I
also bought the Rhodium Charcoal Decontaimenater after talking to the
tech I was told this does not remove metal contaminants. He said a
coffee filter would work as well. This is what I have been using for
years. I returned both with them piking up Fed-ex. It seems the price
of tools keep going up in price, while the Quality keeps going down.
I would like to hear from those who have made cuff bracelets with
out the hydraulic press thats so expensive. I have the bracelet
mandrel but am looking for a better and quicker or yet more
productive way.
Thanks Johneric
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I don’t know what that tool is without looking at a catalog, but
check out Jewelry Tools by Miland. Google the name and you should
come up with the web site. He has quite a few tools for forming
cuffs, etc. Some are in plier form and another is a tool you put on
the bench and use. He is at the Tucson Electric Park during the show
if you can get by to see him. I have lots of his hand tools and they
are well made.
Hope this helps!
Francesca Anatra
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I don't know what that tool is without looking at a catalog, but
check out Jewelry Tools by Miland. Google the name and you should
come up with the web site.
It is:
http://www.jewelrytoolsbymiland.com !
Elaine
Joneric,
I just returned from Tucson where I met the maker of a fabulous
low-tech bracelet former called Cindy’s bender. Her site is
cooltoolchick.com.
I could have gotten the thing there and not paid for shipping, but I
seldom make cuff bracelets and want to be cautious and slow to buy
new stuff unless it helps me with my existing styles. However I
really liked this little lightweight tool.
At the show she showed how to first make a vertical curve in your
strip of metal (silver) on a simple piece of wood. The wood is a
block about 2 inches wide, 2 inches tall, and 4 to 6 inches long.
The top is carved out (she drilled it to create 2 tops) in a concave
channel, like a U-channel. I don’t know how clear this description
is, but it’s like a swage type thing, easy to make at home.
You press your 26 gauge (or whatever you prefer) metal into it, then
to create an anticlastic cuff bracelet, form it on the bender. The
base of the bender is a hard rubbery nylon.
You can use the bender on textured metal, formed (synclastic or
anti), and sweat-soldered (appliqued) metal without gouging or
nicking. You can use it to make size adjustments on the spot. She
was showing us and it was really simple and easy on the hands.
It has a ring bender built in as a bonus. This thing seems to do all
that you would need, from your post. It costs 48 dollars. I am
considering getting one myself now after writing all this.
The way to use it is simple. On the phone she can tell you concisely
all the uses, tips and tricks I saw. Maybe she includes
instructions. It was really great to see it in person.
I really enjoyed watching her use it. She was able to bend the same
cuff bracelet all day for demos without ever making a lump or
breaking it. She says she doesn’t anneal, for her own preference.
Connie
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Hi All.
I have the low tech bracelet bender called Cindy’s bender.The tool
works very well for me and it is easy to use. I know Cindy personally
because I have taken several classes from her. She built my hydraulic
press and I have several other tools she has built, all of which work
very well.
Usual disclaimers, just a satisfied customer who knows the
"builder".
Carolyn
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I have the low tech bracelet bender called Cindy's bender.
Do you have a contact # or e-mail.
Thanks Johneric
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