Lesson 1Measuring and calculating metal strip length: formulas, allowances, and verification checksBuild sure ways to work out ring blank length with size charts, circle maths, thickness extras, then check with mandrel and test rings to cut waste and get right sizes.
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 joining with pickle right, tongs and pots, rinse and calm acids, check looks to make sure all rust, cleaner, bits are gone full.
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 do surface smooth by level tool marks, add textures like flat, hammered, carved in right order to keep edges, sizes, help later shine 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 roundSmooth ring shape after join on mandrel, use set file and sand steps, fix flat or wide spots so ring even round, same width, strong.
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, true ring blanks by mark lines, saw width, right blade, safe saw and first file to keep edges square, flat, ready for tight joins.
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 design has stone, learn form and size bezel strip, join firm to ring, seat, set, smooth stone with good hold, no rock, gaps, harm to fine edges.
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 flame hold for ring join by control size, angle, space, read colour and flow, place solder good, handle cool and pickle to skip warp, breaks, 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 cut strip to ring on mandrel and hammer, step by step, heat at right times, check round and size often to skip hard work and twist.
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 checklistGet ring to pro shine by plan rough and shine steps, pick wheels and brushes, watch heat, use steam or clean machine for sharp, even last 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 prep tight, clean ring joins by know joint shape, exact fit, right cleaner type and bit, pre-heat checks to stop gaps, too hot, no 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
