An introduction

[ScottHepner]

Hi, My name is Scott Hepner. I am a master goldsmith from Dublin, Ohio. I will be happy to answer any questions about Jewelry and metalwork that I can.

[MisterAcoustic]

Hi Scott!


Thanks for dropping by. Glad to see that the retail season didn't wipe you out entirely

I hope we can generate a little action in this forum, and if we do, I'm very happy you're here to help.

I think people might like to see some pictures of your work .

[evilpolygon]

yes show some . my mother is bugging me about jewelry making . some reason she got it in her head she wants this as a hobby . what do i need to start drilling semi precious stones? think my aunt has something to do with this . shes started threading beads and making necklaces . they have their eyes on my dremel tools .

i have seen wax casting . what i am curious is how do you polish the metal to a bright finish?

[ScottHepner]

    evilpolygonyes show some . my mother is bugging me about jewelry making . some reason she got it in her head she wants this as a hobby . what do i need to start drilling semi precious stones? think my aunt has something to do with this . shes started threading beads and making necklaces . they have their eyes on my dremel tools .

i have seen wax casting . what i am curious is how do you polish the metal to a bright finish?

   HI, The question about drilling is the easiest to answer. You will need to have diamond drills to do it. They require water to cool them and rinse the drillings away. Since a Dremel has the motor close to the drill it is not ideal. A small drill press or a flex shaft would be better.
  Polishing is done on motor mounted buffs with various polishing compounds. Coarse ones to remove scratches and fine ones to bring it to a high polish.
  Do you have more specific questions?    

[evilpolygon]

flex shaft . never thought of that . i have seen videos on youtube . i have done a search for drill bits but havent found a place that is affordable would you have any suggestions? . what kinds of compounds are best? i just use the brown one that comes with my dremel . ive caste my own plastic model car motors . its in pewter. course my problem was polishing off details . the metal is so soft . i want it to look chrome. any ideas?

[ScottHepner]

flex shaft . never thought of that . i have seen videos on youtube . i have done a search for drill bits but havent found a place that is affordable would you have any suggestions? . what kinds of compounds are best? i just use the brown one that comes with my dremel . ive caste my own plastic model car motors . its in pewter. course my problem was polishing off details . the metal is so soft . i want it to look chrome. any ideas?

 You can try Rio Grande  at https://www.riogrande.com/
They have a good supply of tools at reasonable prices.
  Pewter doesn't polish well. It stays a dull grey. To make it look like chrome you will have to plate it. I don't know how well it plates. You may need to plate it with several layers of different metals. For example silver plating is often done with a layer of copper first, then nickel, then silver. Otherwise the silver doesn't stick to the base metal. A nickle plating will give you the chrome look.