Swarovski finial replacement

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sorcerertd

sorcerertd

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So, this isn't so much about finial replacement as it is about how to fill the space around the crystal. The crystals come in a 10mm, but the finial cavity is about 11mm. I'm thinking poly clay, but wonder if anyone has other ideas or has done something else successfully. Colored epoxy seems like an option, but I would think it difficult to evenly distribute that when setting the crystal. If I use PC, I would guess that the plating on the cap could easily stand the temps (275 or less for maybe 8-10 min for that small of a piece?). Maybe I'm overthinking this and the .5mm gap around the crystal (or cabochon) wouldn't even detract from the finished product. Thoughts? Experiences?
 
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Todd, are you talking about the crystals that come already installed in some kit pens ? . Maybe reinstalling after they have fallen out ?

Or are you referring to adding crystals to existing pen designs where they have not been before ?

Or maybe filling a gap that you notice around the already installed crystal of a kit pen ?
 
Just my thought here...a half-millimeter gap does sound non-trivial to me. If you could get the crystal perfectly centered and the gap was symmetrical, it might not matter, but, that might be tough to achieve, too.

As for what to fill it with, I'm still a noob, so I am just turning ready-made kits and haven't needed to replace any crystals yet. (In fact, I only just purchased my first pens with Swarovski crystals in them, and haven't made those yet.)
 
I am with Mal. Confused. Need to have photos or alot more explanation as to what you want to do and on what kit or if making your own kit. Then maybe the answers will be more dialed in.
 
Many many many threads on doing this here. I think also an article in library. Just need the punch set that we all use. I have taken the crystals out of the clips on the majestics with just a little heat.
 
To help you a little.

Thin Custom Finials

This is a great mod that isn't too difficult and the end result is worth the extra effort. Click on the image below to begin download of PDF. Author: Joe Aliperti
www.penturners.org

Custom Finials

Out with the old and in with the new. Click on the image below to begin download of PDF. Author: John Crane
www.penturners.org
 
jttheclockman said:
To help you a little.
Click to expand...
Thanks John. I've custom cut one with wood and will no doubt do more of them. My concern here is that the crystals are already smaller than the opening of the stock finial by about 1 mm. I'll have to just try it and see how it works out. If I drill it out just right, I can probably use the chamfer from the bit to make sure it's centered (most have the pointed back) and just hope the extra space doesn't look too awkward there.

This is what I plan to use, but in a 10mm. The 12s are too large and I definitely don't want to try trimming one of them. I do have a couple with flat backs, too.

.jpg
 
Todd, could you try to use another color of wood to create an accent ring 0.5mm thick, into which you then drill the depression for the stone?
 
jrista said:
Todd, could you try to use another color of wood to create an accent ring 0.5mm thick, into which you then drill the depression for the stone?
Click to expand...
The thought had occurred to me, though it would be probably be easier to get the right angle cutting something on the lathe. I'm still thinking poly clay might be my best choice if I go the "add an accent" route, but probably won't have time to play with it until early next year at this point. I wanted to inquire while I was thinking about it, though. The ideas come and go sometimes.
 
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