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Ring-A-Day: Cracked Crystal Ring

Bending brass tubing around the ring mandrel was the hardest part of this ring. I put copper wire inside to prevent the tube from crimping, but didn’t lubricate it. A little graphite or oil would have made removing it much easier. The cracked crystal bead was chosen by my gemologically attracted wife. Her main criteria: Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly.

13/365

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HowTues: Make a token

Create a design for laser cutting.
Laser cut selected token model design in Delrin and mount in mold frame.
Mold sides and retaining bands in place, ready for RTV silicone.
Pour RTV silicone down the side of the mold to prevent large bubbles from forming.
Vacuum mold to remove bubbles.
After the silicone sets, cut mold to release Delrin model.

Inject wax into mold.
Cast wax ready for investment casting in brass, silver, or gold.
Back side.
Front side.
Brass tokens fresh from the investment casting process.
Final MakerBot tokens after removing sprues and polishing.