I fired the metal clay clasp. It turned out fine. No warpage, just smaller due to shrinkage. I fired it for 2 hours at 1290 degrees. Pictured on the left is an un-fired clasp box and on the right the fired clasp box with tongue clasp. | |
I have a problem with the tongue clasp. The ball I attached as a press button is too close to the top of the box. I am unable to compress the tongue clasp. So, I am going to cut off the tongue clasp and make this box the receiver box. | |
I have made a new tongue clasp box with a longer tongue and shorter button. | |
This is the top view of the new clasp. | |
This view shows how I have attached the clasp to the box. Now its time to fire this one! |
Monday, January 10, 2011
Experiments in Metal Clay using Traditional Jewelry Working Techniques - Making a tounge clasp
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Hm... I thought the foldy part was supposed to go in the slot. Have to go look at an example now. Looking forward to seeing the final outcome. - How will you get the spring back after you fire the .925?
ReplyDeleteThe end facing out goes into the slot. It has a notch in on the top side edges that catches into the reciever.
ReplyDeleteI will work-harden the clasp by pressing the metal with pliers and then a light hammering on the tip of the folded area.
OK, so I don't know who I am now!
ReplyDeleteLesson learned: sometimes its just easier to solder! The sterling silver becomes too brittle after firing and I can't get it to become springy for the tounge of the clasp.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I can make the box fairly quickly in metal clay.
ReplyDelete