Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevan
There used to be a tool advertised in bead magazines for doing this. It looked like it was made from a door hinge. If anyone knows where that went, I would like to know.
You can buy SS tubing from TSI in Seattle. They should have a web site - Yep here it is
http://www.tsijeweltools.com/merchan...?id=174&step=2
My husband tells me that there are tools called "flaring tools" that are made for doing this on the end of tubes. Mechanics use them. Something easier than actually taking a hammer to a bead would be nice.
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Kevan -
The company that made the tool you mention has long stopped production of that tool. It also had the distinct disadvantage that it was only able to insert a 1/8" tube as a core. It could not produce other sizes (The bead tutorial that I produced uses a 1/2" silver tube as the core.) That tool also assumed specific length of tubing if you required a different length you would have need to cut down one of their longer tubes because the tubing was a non-standard diameter.
Flaring tools such as those used in plumbing could possible be used to start the flare for a bead on one side only, but could not complete the job of inserting the core.
Learning to cut the tube to length yourself and then to use the proper punches to flare and insert the core allows you to put a silver core into almost any bead any length. And the process really is quite easy once you see it done. I've spoken with a number of people that have attempted the process since they have watched the tutorial that I produced and all that I have spoken with reported success.
If you have any questions on the process please feel free to drop me a note anytime.
Thanks -
Evan