GRS bracelet forming tool

[Dulltool]

Hello all....
I did break down and popped for a new GRS bracelet tool. I have a question.... Is it possible to form the bracelets in a oblong shape rather than a circle?

Thanks for any imput,
Dennis

 

[Unkl Ian]

I've seen a couple references to these tools,didn't see them on the GRS site.

 

[ken dixon]

Dennis,
When I form bracelets with a homemade tool very much like the GRS one, they take on a circular shape when you run them through the tool.Then I take it out and shape it to an oblong wrist shape around a 1" wooden dowel. Just bending it by hand, it still maintains its dome when done. I cover it with masking tape before forming to avoid scratches. Ken

 

[monk]

if you've ever seen metal bending or forming jigs that used moveable pins in a baseplate to create shapes, like in flat bar. you can create a version with cut pieces of broom stick. wrap with a few layers of masking tape. you can get most any shape needed, if you take your time.

 

[Dulltool]

Thanks Ken & Monk for the quick replies,

I was able to bend the bracelet to the desired shape using your advice. I really do like this tool.

Thanks again for the help,
Dennis

 

[Marrinan]

Dennis,
In silversmithing supply catalogs, like reo grande, you will find bracelet mandrels of both wood and metal that are oval in shape-take a look at http://www.contenti.com/products/mandrels/320-631.html or do a google search for bracelet mandrel- I made mine out of a baseball bat, just did a bit of sanding on the disk sander after cutting a section from the bat-remember to shorten your braclet blank for small wrists-Fred

 

[Weldon47]

Hi,

I bend mine with the former and then do the final "c" shape by hand. That seems to work pretty well for me.

Weldon

 

[mcrapo]

Hi,

I bend mine with the former and then do the final "c" shape by hand. That seems to work pretty well for me.

Weldon

Weldon

Do you engrave the bracelet first and then bend it?

Mike

 

[Weldon47]

Yes,

I engrave them flat & then bend them.

Weldon

 

[monk]

that's the idea for the grs bender/ former: engrave flat- then form after engraving. it's a cool tool !

 

[Abigail]

Wow Weldon,
Those are so nice!
Abigail

 

[bronc]

Weldon,
Like they say on ESPN; your bracelets are cooler than the other side of the pillow. Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing with us.

Stewart