Inserting a silver core into a large hole bead adds a lot flash to your beads. The technique is not difficult to learn and just a little practice and paitence to master. I had been experimenting with inserting a silver core when I was given an excellent demo some time ago by Tink. After watching Tink's excellent demo, I went on to practice the technique and now it seems like second nature. Once you learn the technique, you can insert a silver core of any size without much difficulty at all.
Below is my interpetation on how to insert a silver core in your beads.
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Tools and Such
To construct this little photo studio your going to need to do a little shopping...
1) Large diameter mandrels: My favorite size is 3/8" diameter. They are available from various sources including my own tool gallery.
2) Sterling silver tubing. You will need tubing that either just fits in the hole in your bead or is just a little too tight and the bead hole needs to be elarged slightly with a diamond grinding bit.
3) A set of dapping punches to cover the range of tubing diameters that you plan on using. Rio Grande Jewelry supply is one source for these.
4) A rawhide hammer to tap on the punches and flatten the tubing out against the side of the bead. (Rio Grande Jewelry supply)
5) Polishing bits for your dremel tool or flexshaft machine. Don't skimp here. Start fairly corse and work your way to fine and then polishing bits to get the absolute best shine. (Rio Grande Jewelry supply)
6) A polished steel block to hammer on. (Rio Grande Jewelry supply)
7) A small torch and heat resistant support for annealing. (Rio Grande Jewelry supply)
8) Either a jewelers saw or a tubing cutter to trim your silver tube. (Rio Grande for a Jewelers saw, Ace hardware for a tubing cutter)
9) Some small needle files to clean up the edges of the tubing. (Rio Grande Jewelry supply)
10) Some scrap corregated cardboard to support your work while you hammer. (save some old shipping boxes)
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