2 piece ring making instructions, ringsupplies.com
Ring making Supplies Needed
Ring Blank approx. 1.25 -1.5 round or square stock
Ring Core
Digital Calipers
Sandpaper/Finish
Chuck
Epoxy for gluing the blank and core
Drill Chuck/Collet Chuck/ Wood chuck
Drill bit (smaller than the ring diameter)
(Opt.) JDG Ring Mandrel
(Opt.) rotary tool or inside ring buff
Selecting a Ring Blank
- Select a blank that is at least 8mm wide and 1.25 -1.50 inches round stock. We always recommend
a stabilized ring blank for ring as water is the no.1 cause of ring failure.
Separating the Ring Core
- Use a brass or copper flat bar that will fit in the channel of the ring core
and twist side to side to separate the two halves. Be extra careful not
to damage the outside of the ring core when moving side to side.
Turning the ring blank
Hold the blank in a wood chuck or glued to a waste block, or even hold between centers and turn the outside round.
Measure the core diameter inside the groove with a caliper, this will be your measurement for the inside hole.
Hold the blank in a wood chuck or with a waste block and drill a hole in the center, making sure it is undersized to the ring core sizes you are making.
Use a flat skew or narrow scraper to widen the hole, measuring often to ensure a tight fit, once close to the final dimensions use one of the core halves ensure the fit is good.
Sanding to final diameter also works fine. Patience is essential at this step to avoid having an oversize hole and sloppy fit with the core.
Turning the blank to width, this will depend on the way you hold the blank but achieving the correct width is critical to achieving a perfect finished ring ( ex: 6 mm ring core needs an insert at 6mm wide, not more not less).
Achieving final width can be done by turning with a flat skew or even with sand paper, once again measuring often for optimal results.
Cleaning the core
Clean the metal core before glueing, with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove any oils or debris.
Gluing the blank
Glue the blank to the core, coating the entire blank interior diameter and sides, to ensure optimal glue coverage.
Snap together the core and blank or press gently until the seam is tight.
Ensure the removal of any glue reside while unhardened, this will save time further in the process
Let glue cure based on product recommended time, before turning.
Remove any dried glue with a knife blade prior to mounting to ensure the ring held true.
Turning the ring
Mount in a JDG expanding ring mandrel for optimal results.
Turn to final shape flush with the metal core, using care not to turn the metal core too much.
Sand the blank to at least 600 grit, ideally higher and avoid moving side to side as the metal may discolor light colored blanks.
Use a finish of your choice or CA finish for a waterproof finish.
Plastic polish or wax is a great final polish to make the ring really shine and sparkle.
Remove from mandrel or holder and polish the interior with a metal polish or buffer on a rotary tool or lathe