I have read --and tried--a couple of methods of attaching a fine silver bezel to a base of pmc.  I'm trying to do this to incorporate freeform cabs into my pmc work.  I've tried just setting the bezel on the pmc and using paste (also tried art clay oil paste) to attach the two. Also tried sinking the bezel part way into the clay and then using paste inside and outside to join the two pieces.. 

 Each time, the clay shrinks away from the bezel wire and then I have a lot of patching and refiring to do.  Does anyone know a better way?? 

In Level 2 Certification class we pushed the bezel wire down into the clay base as you described. There were 7 of us in the class and 5 of them cracked apart from the bezel. Those whose work cracked added pieces to hide the separation which actually enhanced the original pieces. I took a pre-conference class from Linda Kline this past July and we did the other method which was making the bezel first and firing it. Then attaching it to the back which was also pre-fired. We attached it with PMC3 paste to which we added lavendar oil. It works like oil paste but my understanding is that it works better. No one had a problem when we used that method. Did you fire both your pieces before trying to attach them. If not, that could be the problem. I have done both methods and have not had a problem with either one. I do think though that the way to go is to make both the bezel and the back first. Fire them, then join them. Alice

If you don't want to fire the pieces individually you could try tabbed bezel wire. It's a fairly new product I've only just started testing out.

You can find it thorough Metal Clay Findings.  

There's also a tutorial on their site about how to use it.

 Good luck!

~Addie~
 

I went to the link Addie mentioned, and I saw where they recommended putting a hole in the clay behind the stone, making it an open back stone, to avoid shrinkage.  I think I will try that soon and see what happens.  If it works, that may be your solution.

Hi,

Thanks, everyone, for your replies.  I think I will try firing the two pieces separately (although when I've already made the bezel out of FS bezel wire, I'll just have to fire the base first.  Bob, I did try putting a sizable decorative hole in the back of the bezel base, but it still separated during firing.  The tabbed bezel wire looks very interesting--it can accommodate freeform stones and might allow better for the shrinkage.  I wonder if it will shrink away from the tabs?  That would be easier to fix.  Only one way to find out...I'll report back after I get some and try it.

 If others have additional ideas about how to work around this problem, please write.

Hi!

I'm sure you are realizing the problem -- the metal clay is shrinking and the Fine Silver wire is not. Shrinkage becomes more of a problem with larger pieces.

To use your existing FS wire try this method I developed for myself

Before you begin make sure the stone can come in and out of the bezel with ease. It should not be too snug
-Fire your base
-Sand your bezel wire at the contact points and half way up from the contact points
-Set your bezel on the base and scribe a line around it with a pin tool, so when you lift the bezel you can see the line.
-Drizzle oil paste onto the line (I've never used the lavendar oil myself) the oil paste should be the consistency of white glue from a squee bottle.
-Set your bezel wire back onto the base right in the middle of the oil paste line - This way oil paste will be on the inside of the bezel and the outside of the bezel. If the consistency of the oil paste is right, it is self settling and it makes a nice clean seam.

I hope this helps.

I've also got some great tips on my website on using fine silver in your pieces and making your own prongs.

~ Holly

http://www.HollyGage.com
The Art and Design of Metal Clay Jewelry
and More 2009 Calendar
Limited printing - buy your copy today
 

 

you can find more pmsc work details at this video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4869419483192738465

I have never worked with PMC before, but I do make a lot of Art Clay Jewelry. I went to the link from Abby http://www.metalclayfindings.com/bezelwires.aspx, and read throught the suggestion they give for the bezel wire, and that is exactly how I was taught to do it. I have never experienced any of the problems you mentioned. Maybe it is the clay - you said you used PMC, and they suggest PMC3 or Art Clay 650. Are you using PMC3, is there a difference?

Just to add my two cents - tabbed bezel wire work great. No problems at all.

Lara