New online content — free videos, projects, and PDFs

Hazel Wheaton — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:56:00 GMT

::eyes calendar::

It's been a long time since we last checked in with the blog, but to make it up to you, I come bearing gifts. Our July 2009 issue made its debut just in time for the Bead & Button Show, which has occupied all our lives recently. We're awfully proud of the issue, and a quick look at the July table of contents will make it clear why.

To add extra value to the print edition, we've put a whole bunch of new content online, from videos that demonstrate particular techniques, to articles that give the basics about a particular medium, to charts that provide quick references when you're trying to pick out the right drill bit to use.

Plus, subscribers to the print magazine get an extra how-to project that directly ties in with one of the projects in the magazine.

Here's a rundown of some of the new stuff:

New subscriber-only project:

Learn how to use wireworking and wire-wrapping techniques to embellish a hook clasp in this beginner tutorial by Erin Paton. You can make a plain clasp or dress it up with a pearl — your choice!

Three new reference charts, available as free PDFs:

Ring size chart: Find standard U.S. and U.K. ring sizes plus inside diameter measurements and inside circumference measurements in this quick-reference chart. Also, learn how to calculate the length of metal sheet you'll need to make ring bands.

Metal piercing chart: Use this handy chart to determine which drill bit and saw blade to use for piercing your metal sheet.

Convert drill bit sizes to inches or millimeters: Drill bit sizes are based on a gauge system that's different from the standard wire-gauge system. Use this chart to convert between drill bit number, inches, and millimeters.

To get you all prepped for Angela Gerhard's lovely Sgraffitto enamel bracelet project, Associate Editor Jill Erickson has written an Introduction to Enamels: A glossary of terms plus safety basics.

And finally, the Art Jewelry editors unveil four brand-new instructional videos:

New video: Using a rolling mill Watch this video to learn about how to use a rolling mill to make a sheet of metal thinner.

New video: Roll-printing Metal Watch this video to learn how to impress a texture onto a sheet of metal using a rolling mill.

New video: Using a Disk Cutter Watch this video to learn how to use a disk cutter to cut circular disks from a sheet of metal.

New video: Using a Dapping Block Watch this video to learn how to use a dapping block to dome a piece of metal.

Enjoy all the new goodies!

Is it possible to find a good rolling mill at a great price?

Katie Streeter — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:10:00 GMT

One of our recent subscriber-only projects, Layered Silver-Disk Bracelet, says to use a rolling mill to flatten and shape silver disks. Since posting the project, we've received some reader concerns about the high cost of rolling mills, which are priced anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

I asked Associate Editor Addie Kidd if rolling mills always have a high price tag, and whether cheaper substitutes could be found. Here's what she said:

"Unfortunately that’s the cost of those machines. You can find cheaper imported models, but their rollers aren’t as good and the mechanisms can be badly made. And they likely won’t last as long. I would recommend waiting until you could invest in a base model."

Addie had additional advice for anyone looking to buy a rolling mill. She said, "Make sure to consider rollers — you can buy flat (for sheet), or grooved (for making wire), or a combination of both. Some machines have interchangeable rollers and others are fixed. Consider roller width, and buy something that will hopefully grow along with your jewelry making. The versatility would be worth it in the end."

Addie said that while cheaper sources can be found through exhaustive Internet searches, the lower price tag will probably show through in the quality of the mill. She suggested checking eBay for a second-hand mill or asking around at local jewelry stores to see if they know of anyone who's selling one. "Like with cars, an older used-but-solid model is often better and more reliable than a new cheaply made model," Addie pointed out.

If you've found a great rolling mill at a great price, or if you'd like to share your own tips on purchasing a rolling mill, please leave a comment. To read a review of the rolling mill pictured, visit our product review page.

—Katie

Art Jewelry magazine Editors' Blog : rolling mill

New online content — free videos, projects, and PDFs

Is it possible to find a good rolling mill at a great price?