Tuesday, November 15, 2011

New Toys


Pictured is the hard to find Speetog Plier Clamp, apparently manufactured in the United Kingdom in the 1940's.  It is difficult to run down the exact facts about this unusual and interesting tool.  I first saw one on John De rosier's blog several months ago, and I have been searching for one since then and finally found one on Ebay.  Actually found two, but one seller wouldn't ship to the USA.

A similar tool can been obtained from Otto Frei, although at a much higher price.

The jaws of the original plier are serrated and need to be padded for jewelry work. 
I asked John what he did to pad his Speetog's, and he kindly replied with instructions.

Below, the pliers with leather padded jaws.  Affixed with Loctite epoxy weld.  How's the grip on metal?  Absolutely fantastic!



Pictured above is a Toolmaker's Sine Vise.  The base measures 5 inches long, 2 inches wide, 3 and 3/8 inches high. Jaws open to 2 1/8 inches, and are 1 inch deep.  Vise can be tilted to precise angle, thus the term "sine."  It's hefty, weighing in at 8.5 pounds.  Does a jewelry maker need one?  Absolutely not.  But when I saw one on Ebay at a good price; well, being a tool nut I couldn't pass it up.


Close up of a piece of copper wire being pounded into a rivet.  Well, not really pounded, lightly tapped.  The nice thing is that the vise is heavy enough not to move around when being used, and can be moved where ever needed.  Sine vises are not meant for heavy work, so I think it will work out just fine.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

What I am working on.....

Lots of mistakes made on this piece.  The horrid clasp is only temporary.  I'm coloring the Faux Bone™ with acrylic paint and Gilder's Paste.  When that's done, with the pieces cleaned up, I'll put a couple coats of Renaissance wax on them  Then put it all together and hope for the best!

The bit of screen doesn't belong to this piece.

Gilder's Paste is kind of neat stuff.  Best if slightly diluted with mineral spirits.  I used Iris Blue on the back side of the bone, and on the edges.  There's more left to do there.  The acrylic is also slightly diluted, but with water.  I can see some areas that need a bit color.  Slow process.

Anyway, thanks for looking.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Explanation

It has been awhile since I posted anything, and the reason is because I am the only vehicle operator in the immediate family.  As a result, I have spent the last few weeks driving people to doctor's appointments, emergency room, hospital,  rehab center.  Anyone going to an emergency room in my neck of the woods will be in for a long, long wait before a doctor comes, and then long wait again.

As a result, I've done nothing in jewelry making, and I have no idea when I'll get back to it.