Make Your Own Cufflink Settings
Homemade cufflink settings are made from stone, metal, plastic and clay. The size of the cufflink settings are determined by the size of the bezel, or the surface area for gluing. The bezel is the metal edge extending past the top of the cufflink used to hold the setting in place. A special bezeling tool is used to bend and smooth the bezel against the setting. Epoxy glue is used to glue a setting to the metal surface. It is important to read the epoxy instructions to ensure the glue adheres the setting to the metal.
Instructions
1. Select a group of small stones slightly larger than the top of the cufflink blanks. Separate the stones so similar weights of stones are together. Remove any cracked stones as they will separate in the rock tumbling chamber.
2. Place enough water in the chamber container to cover the bottom of the top layer of stones. Place coarse grit in the container. Wipe the edge of the container to remove any grit. Place the cover on the container. Turn on the tumbler and allow the rocks to tumble seven full days.
3. Remove the lid and rinse off the coarse grit solution. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the top layer of rocks. Add fine grit. Wipe the top edge of the tumbler to remove any spilled grit. Place the lid on the tumbler. Turn on the tumbler and let it run for seven more days.
4. Remove the lid and rinse off the fine grit. Pour the stones onto a soft cloth. Allow the stones to air dry for 30 minutes.
5. Look through the stones and select two like-stones as the settings for the cufflinks. Set the stones on the cufflinks in the desired position. Remove the stones and set them on a flat surface in the same direction as placed on the cufflinks.
6. Squeeze a quarter sized drop of epoxy agents from the tubes. Mix the two agents together with a toothpick to activate the epoxy.
7. Put a drop of mixed epoxy on the center of the cufflink top. Place a stone on the epoxy. Prop the cufflink on a soft cloth for 15 minutes to allow the epoxy to dry. Repeat the process with the second stone.
Tags: Your Cufflink Settings, bottom layer, coarse grit, cover bottom, cover bottom layer
