Comments on: Polymer Clay Jewelry Projects – Chainmail Charm Bracelet with Beads

By: Cindy Lietz@Charms and Jump Rings

Cindy Lietz@Charms and Jump Rings — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:05:36 +0000

@Peggy – Once something is posted at the blog it is always here for you to come back to. One of your best friends here at the blog (besides all of the wonderful people like Polyanya and her wire working book recommendations), is the search box at the top of the page. Type in a keyword like "jump rings" and you will get a long list of links where this topic is discussed in different articles and comment threads.

By: Polyanya

Polyanya — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:29:36 +0000

Peggy – see if you can get hold of a couple of books by Sharilyn Miller – Contemporary Copper Jewelry and Bead on a Wire – I've got both and can thoroughly recommend them.

By: Peggy

Peggy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:49:36 +0000

You guys are terrific. I don't know what I am doing wrong or maybe my computer. I come to this site often and was just here a couple days ago and didn't see any of this information on jump rings. But very happy I came across it because all of you have help answer so many questions on wire work. I love polymer but until just recently have bought all my chains or used stringing wire to make jewelry. I am very interested in doing more wire work. Any other web site ideas or books that I could buy please let me know.

Cindy you are building a wonderful family here. I love and appreciate each and everyone of you for all your comments. Thanks so much

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Tools | Drill Bit Handles

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Tools | Drill Bit Handles — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:20:02 +0000

Very cool idea Jennifer! I think the reason for wrapping tight is to make sure the ring is a complete circle. If you wrap tight, then pull them apart, it shouldn't effect the size or shape too much. I tried it and it works especially well for the tiny jump rings. Thanks!

By: Ken H.

Ken H. — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:01:13 +0000

Well "right" ot "wrong" it seems to be working for you, and that's what is important.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:56:40 +0000

I think I found out what I was doing wrong. At least it seems to help. I only had to file like 5 jump rings out of 30. Which is a great time saver.

After I remove the coil I stretch the coil to make it look like a spring. I think that my flush cutter could not get in there enough and it did not make the end as flush. It seems to of helped. I watched a video and she said that the further down you cut on the flush cutter the better the flush cut will be. Before I could barely get the tip in there. Not sure if this is the "right" way because alot of websites say that the coil has to be tight, but this works for me :)

Thanks Ken for the help :)

By: Ken H.

Ken H. — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:32:36 +0000

Jennifer and Cindy you're welcome, I enjoy doing maille when I get the chance( and any info I have or discover that can help with making the rings I'll share). I have the hopes of someday making a head dress(coif I think it's called) and a shirt for a Rennasiance Faire costume (or to use in a show should the opportunity present itself).

By: Cindy Lietz@Beaded S-Hook Clasp

Cindy Lietz@Beaded S-Hook Clasp — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:22:24 +0000

Great dialog guys! Thank you Ken for helping Jennifer like that. I'm sure she really appreciates it!

Jennifer, just nip off a little more of the bevel before you cut the next ring. That way you won't have much of a gap. You really won't be wasting much wire that way.

A Dremel with a cutting wheel should work and you shouldn't need to file. Though you will need to be extra cautious and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Also make sure you're holding that coil properly so that you don't cut your hands.

Lots of people cut jump rings with a jewelers hack saw. But since you already have a flush cutter, that will probably be your easiest and cheapest bet for now.

By: Ken H.

Ken H. — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:09:49 +0000

There is a tool to make rings but it is sort of expensive, It comes with different sized mandrels to make rings, I would like one but can't justify the cost yet. It has a jig to hold the "spring" while you cut it with the dremel.

By: Ken H.

Ken H. — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:07:11 +0000

If it's what I'm thinking of (since I don't own a dremel brand tool, and the one I do own didn't come with a cutting disk(my fault for gong cheap)) it looks like a disk, sort of like a saw blade but no teeth, it should make a straight cut if the tool is held straight. Some adjustment might be necessary on the rings but I don't think it would be as bad as filing down a ring cut using a hand cutter. Experiment on inexpensive wire from a dollar store or something before you use your ring wire.