Lesson 1Measuring and calculating metal strip length: formulas, allowances, and verification checksBuild sure ways to work ring blank length with size charts, measures, thickness extras, check with mandrel, test bands to save metal, get size right.
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, neutralizing, and visual inspectionClean ring safe after solder with pickle right, tongs, rinse, neutralise, check eyes for no oxides, flux, dirt left.
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 surface smooth and texture: flat, hammered, carved finishes in right order to keep edges, sizes, ready for shine.
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 roundSmooth ring shape after solder on mandrel, file and sand steps, fix flats for even round, same width, strong build.
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 pointsMake clean ring blanks: mark lines, saw space, right blade, safe saw and file for square, flat edges ready for solder.
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 stone in plan, form bezel strip, size to stone, solder to ring, seat, set, shine without rock, gaps, edge harm.
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 for ring solder: flame size, angle, distance, colour stages, place solder, quench pickle to stop warp, cracks, dirt.
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 strip to ring on mandrel with mallet, step by step, anneal right times, check round and size often to stop hard metal, twists.
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 checklistFinish ring pro: plan rough to shine compounds, pick wheels, brushes, heat care, steam clean for crisp even shine.
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 checksPrep tight clean ring joins: shape, fit exact, right flux, pre-heat checks to stop gaps, overheat, weak solder.
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
