Lesson 1Measuring and calculating metal strip length: formulae, allowances, and verification checksDevelop reliable methods to calculate ring blank length using ring size charts, circumference formulae, and metal thickness allowances, then verify with mandrel checks and test bands to minimise waste and ensure accurate sizing.
Reading ring size charts correctlyUsing circumference and pi formulasAdjusting for gauge and hardnessAllowances for solder seam filingVerifying length on mandrelLesson 2Post-solder cleaning: pickle handling, rinsing, neutralising, and visual inspectionClean the ring safely after soldering by using pickle correctly, handling tongs and containers, rinsing and neutralising acids, and performing visual inspections to confirm all oxides, flux, and residues are fully removed.
Safe pickle setup and labelingUsing copper or plastic tongsRinsing and baking soda neutralizingRemoving stubborn flux residuesInspecting seams and porosityLesson 3Surface refinement and texture options: plan for flat, hammered, or engraved finishes and sequence for eachPlan and execute surface refinement by levelling tool marks, then applying textures such as flat, hammered, or engraved finishes in a logical sequence that preserves edges, protects dimensions, and supports later polishing steps.
Removing deep scratches and pitsCreating uniform flat finishesHammered texture tools and patternsBasic line and dot engraving passesSequencing texture before polishingLesson 4Rounding and truing: filing sequence, sanding progression (grits) and mandrel techniques to restore roundRefine the ring’s geometry after soldering by truing on the mandrel, using controlled filing and sanding sequences, and correcting flat spots or flares so the ring becomes evenly round, consistent in width, and structurally sound.
Inspecting for flat spots and twistsUsing rawhide mallet to true shapeFiling high spots and seam flushSanding grits for sidewalls and edgesMaintaining consistent band widthLesson 5Marking, sawing, and initial filing: blade selection, kerf allowance, safe practices, and inspection pointsBuild clean, accurate ring blanks by marking layout lines, accounting for saw kerf, choosing the right blade, and practising safe sawing and initial filing techniques that keep edges square, flat, and ready for tight solder joints.
Marking layout with scribe or penChoosing saw frame and blade sizeSupporting metal and body postureManaging kerf and cut accuracySquaring ends with flat fileLesson 6Bezel making and setting (if applicable): forming bezel strip, sizing to stone, soldering bezel, setting, and burnishingIf your design includes a stone, learn to form and size bezel strip, solder it securely to the ring, then seat, set, and burnish the stone with proper support, avoiding rocking, gaps, or damage to delicate edges and facets.
Choosing bezel height and thicknessForming and sizing bezel to stoneSoldering bezel to ring basePreparing seat and testing fitSetting and burnishing the stoneLesson 7Soldering technique: torch control, temperature stages, solder placement, and quench/pickle sequenceMaster torch handling for ring soldering by controlling flame size, angle, and distance, reading colour and flow stages, placing solder efficiently, and managing quench and pickle steps to avoid warping, cracks, and contamination.
Setting up safe soldering stationNeutral vs reducing flame controlHeating sequence around the bandSolder chip placement strategiesQuench, pickle, and safety timingLesson 8Forming on mandrel: progressive shaping, annealing schedule, and checking roundnessShape the cut strip into a ring using a mandrel and mallet, following a progressive forming sequence, integrating annealing at the right stages, and checking roundness and size frequently to avoid work-hardening and distortion.
Choosing mandrel and mallet typesPre-bending strip into a curveProgressive forming up the mandrelAnnealing schedule during formingChecking roundness and ring sizeLesson 9Final finishing and polishing: compound sequence, polishing wheel selection, steam/ultrasonic cleaning checklistBring the ring to a professional finish by planning abrasive and polishing compound sequences, selecting wheels and brushes, managing heat, and using steam or ultrasonic cleaning to reveal a crisp, even final surface.
Planning abrasive progression stepsChoosing buffs, brushes, and mopsUsing tripoli and rouge effectivelyControlling heat during polishingSteam and ultrasonic cleaning checksLesson 10Preparing solder joint: joint geometry, fit-up, flux application, and pre-heating checksLearn how to prepare tight, clean ring joints by understanding joint geometry, achieving precise fit-up, applying the correct flux type and amount, and performing pre-heating checks that prevent gaps, overheating, and solder starvation.
Choosing joint style for ring designFiling ends square and flushDry-fit tests and light-check methodsSelecting and applying flux correctlyPre-heating band and joint evenly
