Bead Cap Primer
We have all done it-purchased beads because they are pretty and we like the color, not bothering to check their quality.
If some of the beads have flat sides here and there, there is nothing that can easily be done to fix them. If the flat sides are really noticeable, use them with nugget beads and they will look right at home.
Sometimes the drilled holes are chipped around the openings. If the chipping has sharp edges, don't use the beads as they can wear away at and cut stringing material. In some instances, using bead caps over the holes can help.
If some of the beads have flat sides here and there, there is nothing that can easily be done to fix them. If the flat sides are really noticeable, use them with nugget beads and they will look right at home.
Sometimes the drilled holes are chipped around the openings. If the chipping has sharp edges, don't use the beads as they can wear away at and cut stringing material. In some instances, using bead caps over the holes can help.
Instructions
Cut the discs:
The color of these rondelle beads pulled at me so I purchased them, not realizing the tops and bottoms were flat-definitely not top quality.
Easy fix...cover with a bead cap.
Easy fix...cover with a bead cap.
Awesome tip! Using pre-textured sheet metal definitely adds instant visual interest to bead caps without needing extra surface treatments.
And those size guidelines for discs based on bead diameter are super handy makes sizing way less guesswork.
Do you usually cut those discs with shears or a punch? And what tools do you find best for shaping them into bead caps?
For 10mm beads, cut 3/8" discs.
For 8mm beads, cut 5/16" discs.
I do not generally make smaller bead caps, but measuring and forming them follow the same steps.
And those size guidelines for discs based on bead diameter are super handy makes sizing way less guesswork.
Do you usually cut those discs with shears or a punch? And what tools do you find best for shaping them into bead caps?
For 10mm beads, cut 3/8" discs.
For 8mm beads, cut 5/16" discs.
I do not generally make smaller bead caps, but measuring and forming them follow the same steps.
Punch the holes:
Great method for centering those holes! Punching gradually larger sizes to correct off-center holes is a smart fix.
And using a smaller bead cap to cover an imperfect hole is such a clever hack turning a potential mistake into a design feature!
Do you then dome the discs into bead caps with dapping tools or use another method?
And using a smaller bead cap to cover an imperfect hole is such a clever hack turning a potential mistake into a design feature!
Do you then dome the discs into bead caps with dapping tools or use another method?
Embellish the Bead Caps:
Bead cap discs can be textured using a variety of hammers before forming.
Form the bead caps:
Perfect! So you start by shaping the disc in a larger well with a slightly bigger punch to get that initial dome, then refine the shape by moving to smaller wells and punches for a tighter curve.
That stepwise approach helps create smooth, well-formed bead caps that hug the beads nicely. Do you also anneal the metal between dapping steps if it gets too hard or work-hardened?
For the 3/8" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #11 dapping punch.
For the 5/16" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #9 dapping punch.
Make sure the disc is fully rounded before moving to on.
Move on to a smaller well in the dapping block. For 10mm beads, start in the well that fits the #11 dapping punch.
For the 3/8" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #10 dapping punch.
For the 5/16" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #7 dapping punch.
That stepwise approach helps create smooth, well-formed bead caps that hug the beads nicely. Do you also anneal the metal between dapping steps if it gets too hard or work-hardened?
For the 3/8" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #11 dapping punch.
For the 5/16" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #9 dapping punch.
Make sure the disc is fully rounded before moving to on.
Move on to a smaller well in the dapping block. For 10mm beads, start in the well that fits the #11 dapping punch.
For the 3/8" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #10 dapping punch.
For the 5/16" disc, that would be the well that best fits the #7 dapping punch.
Finishing:
That's a really smart tip stringing the bead caps on flexible beading wire to keep them separated so the tumbler can reach all surfaces evenly! Flattening the crimp tube to secure the caps makes it easy to handle them as a group without losing any pieces.
Using softer, flexible wire instead of rigid copper helps them move freely in the tumbler, preventing them from nesting and getting stuck, which definitely improves the polish.
Do you use stainless steel shot or ceramic media in your tumbler for that final polish?
Using softer, flexible wire instead of rigid copper helps them move freely in the tumbler, preventing them from nesting and getting stuck, which definitely improves the polish.
Do you use stainless steel shot or ceramic media in your tumbler for that final polish?
What bead caps can do for my rondelle beads:
Seven 10mm rondelle beads string to 1¾" in length.
Adding bead caps to each of the seven beads adds an inch in length.
Materials
26 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H19-26SM6
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
- Price: $68.08
- Gold Club Price: $51.06
Tools
Professional Texturing Hammer With 12 Faces
HAM-480.00
- HAM-480.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $47.97
- Gold Club Price: $35.98
24 Piece Dapping Punch Set
DAP-705.00
- DAP-705.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $85.97
- Gold Club Price: $64.48
Euro Punch Plier 1.50mm
PLR-133.70
- PLR-133.70
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $14.97
- Gold Club Price: $11.23
Supply Detail
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Change Metal:
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Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
- Category: Design
- Technique(s): Dapping, Filing / Finishing, Hole Punching
Judy Larson
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