My apologies to Mark G. (in Michigan)
I deleted your off-line letter, by mistake. You were asking me about
using brass or copper heads for setting stones.
Brass is a very hard substance to bend over. I use Silver all the
time in my classes, it is very “confidence building” and easy to
bend. I firmly suggest that you use this metal to explore other
setting possibilities.
Once the silver metal is cast, you can discover more on the
file-cleaning and polishing prior to the actual setting. Brass or
copper literally prevents you from advancing your skill level. Both
metals are very difficult to use and can be very frustrating to the
beginner.
I hope that I answered your questions to you, and all on Orchid.
Gerry!