DIY Mandrel
A mandrel is a device used by jewelers to create rings. It is a tube shaped a like a cone with a very steep slope. The tool is used by jewelers to adjust the size of a ring they are making to the finger that it is intended for. In the past, only professional jewelers used these devices, since you had to have a kiln for melting metal. But in recent years, manufacturers have released clay products laced with silver that can be molded like clay that is burned off with a blow torch to make a ring. If you want a mandrel, you can purchase one, but it is easy to make one that will work for these clay materials, since no hammering on the mandrel is required.
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Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay
- Bag full of washers of many different sizes
- Super glue
- Craft knife
- Tray
- Oven
- Tape measure
- Small permanent marker
- Rolling pin
Instructions
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1
Create a stack of washers 6 inches long, gluing them together. The washers should get smaller as you get toward the end, ending on one smaller than the tip of a pinky finger. This will form the core for your mandrel.
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2
Roll the clay in your hands to soften it. Then use a roller to flatten it to about a 1/4 inch. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
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3
Use a craft knife to out a sheet of clay larger than the metal core. Wrap it around the core and pinch the edges closed, cutting off any excess. Seal the ends as well, closing the washers inside.
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4
Use a small amount of water on your finger to smooth the clay on the mandrel. Place the mandrel on a tray and place it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the tray and let the mandrel cool completely.
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5
Use a tape measure and a Sharpie to mark ring circumference points along the mandrel. It is now ready to use.
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