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Gauge for cuff bracelet

#1

I am doing an overlay cuff bracelet in silver which I have never
done before. My question is what is the best or easiest way to
transfer a design from paper to metal for piercing. Also, if anyone
does this type of jewelry, can you recommend what gauge of silver I
should use for the base & what gauge I should use for the overlay top.
New at the Forum & appreciate any help.

#2

Dear New: I am sure your question will bring a multitude of answers,
almost as many answers as there are jewelers. My answer is to glue
your paper pattern directly to the metal. I usually use a copy from a
copy machine or a computer scanner so I can keep the original in my
design files. I use contact cement to glue the paper and then cut the
pattern using an exacto knife. This leaves a very fine line in the
metal to work from. I then remove the paper in the ultrasonic and
with a trip to the steamer. Solvents such as acetone also work for
glue removal.This process has always worked well for me. An engraver
friend of mine also taught me an alternative method.

Cover the metal with a coat of china white. Now draw your pattern in
reverse on a piece of velum with a soft lead pencil. Now take the
patteren and pencil side down burnish it onto the china white. This
transfers a pattern very accurately. Remember to seal the pattern
with hair spray or clear lacquer after transfering as the pencil will
smear and smudge as you work Thats two ways of what you want to do I
am sure there will be more to chose from. Frank Goss.

#3

I have found that full sheet labels work well for this. They are
available at any office supply store. They are adhesive backed. Draw
or computer print your design on the label and then stick it on to
your metal. Then do your piercing. You may need to use some acetone
to remove the adhesive. As to what gauge metal to use for the base, I
would not use any thing less than 18 gauge. The overlay could be 20
or 22 depending on the nature of your design. Joel Schwalb
@Joel_Schwalb www.schwalbstudio.com

#4

Hello Manwithtorch Personally I use most often masking tape on the
silver and either draw on tape or use carbon paper to transfer
design. Then go over design with a fine tip felt. Do make sure to
remove tape as soon as done as after a week or two the glue must be
sanded to remove. I generally use 20ga or 18ga for the bracelet and
24ga or 22ga for the overlay, depending on how much depth I need for
the effect I wish to achieve. For example: I would use 24ga if I am
antiquing the lower layer and 22ga if not.

Hope this helps. Karen Bahr “the Rocklady” (@Rocklady)
K.I.S. Creations May your gems always sparkle.

#5 
 I am doing an overlay cuff bracelet in silver which I have never
done before. My question is what is the best or easiest way to
transfer a design from paper to metal for piercing.  Also, if
anyone does this type of jewelry, can you recommend what gauge of
silver I should use for the base & what gauge I should use for the
overlay top. New at the Forum & appreciate any help.

Opinions as to the best gauge differ, but as to transfer method: I
work out my piercing designs on the computer and print them out on
the laser printer, then cut out the design and stick it on to the
clean metal with a glue stick. When you are finished, the glue
dissolves away in water and the paper comes off easily. You can even
sandwich two thin pieces of metal with a piece of paper with glue
stick on both sides, then top the sandwich with your design and
pierce, getting perfectly matching cuts.

Janet Kofoed

#6

There is a product called “Goobegone” on the Market that may save
you sanding. It is sold in Hardware stores and Supermarkets in N.Y.
Bill from L.I.