simple bracelet tool...

[oiseau metal arts]

someone linked this to me and i thought it might be useful in here too.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/107427533/bracelet-bender-perfect-for-forming

 

[Dale Hatfield]

I saw another. That was 2 pieces of pipe one larger than the other on top of each other,on the horizontal . With 2 pieces of all thread vertical at each end
with wing nuts holding them down. Set the gap and bend.

 

[monk]

the grs metal former takes that into another dimension-- it creates a :double curve. 1 the long way--1 the short way. the double curve makes for a much stronger bracelet. most would say-- better looking too.

 

[Tim Wells]

someone linked this to me and i thought it might be useful in here too.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/107427533/bracelet-bender-perfect-for-forming

I have one of those and compared to the GRS former it is junk. It will do ok on flat metal but low dome or higher, forget it. I used it once and made myself a former out of the dies that GRS sells for their former, it's very versatile.

 

[Chujybear]

I've got a trailer hitch on a 3 tonne arbor, and a wooden sapping block. Does nicely

 

[rod]

There are many improv devices that will work, yet I must agree with Tim, the GRS device handles the curve in both directions with ease, and I have found it to be very good value. I have no interest at stake in promoting this device, yet as far as I am aware, I know of no other one on the market at present that does the job so well. Perhaps there are? From a purely engineering aspect, the compound curve produced is, for me, not only more attractive, but importantly adds extra stiffness, which means that you can get away with a thinner gage of silver in bracelet making... a consideration in these days of high silver/gold prices?

Rod

 

[DakotaDocMartin]

I have the GRS bender and I think it's the way to go. There are some specialized pliers that do similar metal forming also: Jewelry Tools by Miland

 

[oiseau metal arts]

id not seen the tool before... was intrigued by its simplicity and its price. i have my own methods for forming a bracelet. if i sold more than 1-2 copper ones per year then id for sure like to drop the $200+ on the GRS tool.

 

[Marrinan]

Indian Jewelry Supply has a variety of bracelet forming tools. I have used for a long time. Some I bought some I made. https://eclient.ijsinc.com/eshop/de...AA7B-4E1D4B2C1765&start_record=121&page_set=1 Fred

 

[rod]

Thanks for these links, Doc, and Fred!

Interesting, and new to me...

Rod