Former_Member
Not applicable

Hinge problem

Hello!

I'm having a bit of a problem, I forgot to make some small silver tubing in class for a hinge that I plan to use on a ring or pendant and I don't have the right drawplate to make it at home.
I ordered some tubing online but it probably won't be here in time, any idea how I could adjust a larger one without a drawplate?
I could saw it and close it back but my problem is keeping it round, it has to be about 1,3mm no more than 1,6mm and I can't think of something i could use as a mandrel that small.
Thanks!
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9 Replies

Re: Hinge problem

I think you're out of luck. If you have the correct diameter wire and a drill press you could try making a jig and drilling out a piece of tubing.

That's all I've got, sorry! Good Luck!
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Re: Hinge problem

depending on the look of the piece, you could use a coil of wire as a tube.
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Former_Member
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Re: Hinge problem

You might check your drill bits for a close diam. match for a "mandrel" ...if you have some bits.
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Former_Member
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Re: Hinge problem

Mount a slightly larger tube in a drill, and file it down to size with the drill turning. Lathe is better if you've got one, drill or flex shaft if you don't - anything that can hold and spin it. Just have to be sure your starting ID is smaller than your target OD!

Or make a drawplate. I've heard you can make one from hardwood (such as oak or maple). It won't last as long as a steel one, but it should be good for several uses. Just drill a hole the right size, and file a taper in it on the entry side.

I also recently learned that for short pieces, you can use a vice to push it through a drawplate. You need a spacer on the exit side so the tube can exit, and a rod or dowel to push the last bit through from the entry side.

If you have a rolling mill with grooved (wire) wheels, you might be able to use that to help get a nice round piece.

Does the inside need to be perfectly round, or just the outside? You could combine techniques: start with larger tube, saw it, solder it, get it as round as you can, then true up the outside by filing while it's in a drill or lathe. (Or start with sheet like you're making tubing, get it as close as you can to round and the right size, then true it up in the drill or lathe.) This will give you a good round OD, but the ID will not be perfect.

Hope something works for you!
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Former_Member
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Re: Hinge problem

Thank you all you've given me some great options. I have a rosewood piece of wood, I could drill.
I've also found a few silver tube beads I had forgotten I had , the walls are a bit thin but I'll try that too tomorrow.
I need it reasonably round inside so the hinge rivet doesn't get stuck.
As an eventuel mandrel I found somehting I could use I think, a bike spoke, it's about 1.8mm so a bit thick but whatever works, i'm not going to be difficult!
I'm done for the night and will be back at it tomorrow
Thanks again
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oiseaumetalarts
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Hinge problem

im probally too lare with my reply, but you could just start with wier the size you need and then drill a hole down the center of it to make the tube. either before or after soldering it to the piece... whichever is easiest.
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Re: Hinge problem

Tube beads won't work. I've tried that before and they have a solder seam with easy solder. :(
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SaaraReidsema
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Hinge problem

I am curious how it worked out and what you ended up using!
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Former_Member
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Re: Hinge problem

Well so far it didn't quite work and I'm still waiting for the tubing I ordered.
But I have jewellery class all WE so I'll make some tube there and hopefully finish the hinge for my ring there.
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