Does small metals have any mandrels or jigs to make jump rings for chainmail etc? I know there’s an ongoing chainmail class but they may prepare or buy all their jump rings separately
I asked and was told they do not. Sounds like the ye old method of coiling wire on a dowel rod using a cordless drill is the way to go. Or shop at theringlord.com.
“You mean the Lord of The Ri-”
“SHHHH YOU’LL GET ME SUED, I’M ALREADY ON THIN ICE!”
One lawsuit to rule them all…
…and in the court system fine them.
Ok good to know thanks
While not in small metals, things I’ve used for jump ring mandrels, both coming in a wide range of sizes:
Long stretches, aluminum knitting needles work great (DON’T use the ones in fiberarts!! ) They need to be sacrificial since they can get scratched up and no fun for knitting after that. NOT that I have personal knowledge about using my fiber tools for something it was never intended. (innocent look)
Shorter bits, try transfer punches from harbor freight. Cheap for a whole set ($10?) and lots of sizes, can wind several inches at a time, but obviously shorter than knitting needles. While shorter, the steel punches can take more abuse than hollow aluminum knitting needles. If you’re handsawing or using a jump-ring cutting set, these make a good length
Actually I think we DO have some metal rods for use in winding jump rings, though I don’t think we had the specific tool sold for making jump rings. I might be wrong about that. Someone had one of those one night and I don’t know if it was a tool of DMS JSM or someone’s personal tool.
If the space wanted to get some, might I recommend cold rolled steel rods in a variety of sizes. Many years ago (like 18) @webdevel and I split a set and I still have mine. Plus, unlike wood dowels, the wire coils slide right off the steel.
I have a package of punches that I bought at HF for jump Rings
I will drop them off the first time I come to the space