I think the gluing stones question in this thread was about using
glue or wax as a setting assist, to hold the stone in place as you
are setting it. Then removing the glue or wax or Jolly Rancher candy
goo, after the stone isset. It wasn’t really about whether anyone
uses glue or epoxy to set stones permanently. I’m sorry if I
confused things, it was hard to mention one without the other.
I personally don’t use it as an assist, but I know some excellent
setters do. I do use a mini engraving ball or bench-mate to hold the
piece, so I have one hand mostly free when setting with the other
hand holding the tool I’m using. I will often hold the stone in
place with my fingernail or with a cushioned poker while I tighten
the stone. I like being able to move the stone around slightly as it
is slowly secured. I’m continually spinning the holding device
around so I can look at the stone in the mounting from all sides as
it’s being set and it’s good to be able to shift the stone ever so
slightly as needed. I also like the the fact that without glue or
wax, the stone moves slightly when it’s not tight. That would be
harder for me to judge if it was stuck in place. Mark