How to Make Hinges | Jewelry Tips with Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

As I age and experiment my "style" changes. I don't think it is a static thing that once you get it, your done. Evolve. Collect images of things (pottery, glass, woodworking, clothing and jewelry) that appeal to you and keep them in a book. Look at them and visualize them as your jewelry - how would it look, what would you change? That is your style for it's based on what appeals to you. Stop worrying about a "style". Create what makes you happy. Relax and enjoy the process - it will come.

[@mtwildfire62]

Nancy-I love your videos! Anyone who can entertain themselves as much as you can is fun to be around. I would love to meet you in person but I'm old and disabled now (51) but I still entertain the crap out of myself in my studio working away! Thank God for making jewelry. It has saved me from becoming a lump on the couch.Thank You, Lori

[@irenedebruyn2796]

Nancy you always give us such detailed infirmation and great tips. Thanks

[@mikema9311]

Love the tips and tricks with white out..balled solder beads and the graphite rods..thanks for sharing Nancy

[@baturbaslar]

It's a pleasure to watch your videos, not only for what I learn but also for your sense of humour. Looking forward to seeing one on how to make latches. Thanks.

[@digupstuff]

Don't throw it away! Give it away! I could really use something like this! Thank you Nancy! I adore you and your videos! YOU ROCK GF!!!

[@dragonflyacrylics2542]

You make it fun…I love that🌺🌺👍👍🌺🌺

[@kamielealdridge2400]

Big Facts! So much fun ☺️

[@patriciacapotosto9944]

Thanks Nancy that was great, very informative. I've had a class in hinges and your information gave me great hints to add to what I learned in class. I still haven't challenged myself with actually making a hinge but after seeing your video I feel a lot more confident and understand the procedure a lot better. I love your videos I learn something new every time even if its something that I'm already doing successfully. Each teacher I've learned from has something valuable to contribute.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you Patricia. I agree, every teacher we have adds to the depth and breadth of our knowledge. I am eternally grateful to those that have inspired and pushed me to challenge myself. Without teachers, I would still be coloring inside the lines! BTW, make a hinge, will ya? Take care, thanks again and Happy Holidays. Nancy

[@kamielealdridge2400]

You are amazing! So much fun, love your attitude 🥰🙌🏽 ❤️ thank you for this ❤️❤️❤️

[@yoopermary]

Hi Nancy. This is helpful for us dollhouse nuts who build from scratch. I love making hinges (about a quarter inch is as low as I can go) but it's distressing when the hinge is nailed in place and a solder joint comes apart because the surface area is too small. I never thought of making the butt plates out of two thin sheets of brass and filing a groove in the edge for the tubing to sit. That one bit of advice is hugely helpful. By the way, when making, say, a sprinkling can or any metal thing comprised of multiple pieces I use toothpaste on the already-soldered bits to keep them from coming apart during subsequent solderings. It's never failed me. Thanks.

[@kimauger4293]

Love you Nancy! Thanks for the great tips. :)

[@JacKm0z]

Making my first locket and was stumped! Thank you !!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Good luck! A Challenging but, rewarding task. Enjoy. Glad I could help! N

[@lizaker8408]

You made my life ! I have been avoiding a hinge that I have do for a class project. I think they call it anxious avoidance. My studio has never been more clean. Finally, my 'ah ha' moment came while watching your tutorial. .Thank You Thank You Thank You.

[@boompresents]

Im a silversmith in Colorado and i just love your personality. Skills too!

[@karenw8929]

Oh ... I'll take all your throwaways ... would make a great sculpture!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Haha! I'll keep you in mind! Thanks!

[@allanthompson9695]

Fascinating. I knew nothing about hinge making before this. Definitely light bulb for me. Makes sense. I just need to do it now.

[@CharlesStruble]

Sweet! Great to see ya again! And we think it is a great thing that you have more video ideas in mind. Nanc, you are kind of an engineer, too...Cool idea with the solder stopping bevels! Solder girl has q very nice tiara...Thanks Nanc.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Nizangie, Thanks for the fab comment. Good suggestion on the items. I am working on putting together a hinge page on my website but, holidays, bronchitis, blah, blah, blah...got in the way. Thanks again. Nancy Happy New Year!

[@Annie59G]

Thank you for the trick with graphite pencil leads! It is absolute genius. It solves the ever so tricky hinge alignment problem without risking to solder everything together in a solid fail. Thank you also for confirming my idea to coil fine wire on the shaft, as this will allow me to use a different metal for the hinge, and underlining that it will be an interesting element of design.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi again Lavonne, Thanks so much. Yeah, there's a bunch of weird and wonderful ways to make hinges. I go for the lazy jeweler's way. The joy in sharing knowledge (like the tip I learned from my teacher about using pencil leads) is that we don't have to reinvent the wheel every danged day! Take care and have a blast! Nancy - Happy Holidays

[@lythenwyn]

Thanks so much! The minutes just flew by. Quick question- how do you spell the fancy files? Sheneer? Chenire?

[@suethompson6399]

I love your personality.

[@libbygroyer]

Thank you so much Nancy. You have helped me from setting up my Smith Little torch to cabs and now hinges. Great resource! And of course I love your sense of humor

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Wow Creative, thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to write such kind words. Don't forget to get creative in your tool making and material sourcing, as well as in your jewelry creation. Construction waste, junk yards, the dump, junk stores, trades, Craig's list - create, modify and enjoy. Check out Michael deMing (found objects), Nikki Couppee ( steel, brass and plastic), Keith Lo Bue (found objects), Susan Lenart Kasmer (found objects), etc. for great inspiration! Happy Holidays. N

[@marisarodriguez7776]

You are a very good teacher👍❤

[@helenculwell8726]

Solder Girl, you're amazing! You have me laughing like crazy especially when you said something about taking you back to the home. LOL Don't leave without me...I want to go with you...it'd be a blast to spend time with you anywhere. I really enjoyed this video. You speak to me with teaching and having fun while doing it. Okay, Solder Girl, I'm going to go into my studio and play with metal. Thanks again for posting these helpful videos. Peace...

[@Trampygranger]

Brilliant, hilarious too. THanks Nancy. I’m your latest number one fan. Not in a “Misery” kind of way though… 😱🤣

[@SeviBeau]

The idea of hinges is awesome...of course I've never actually made one, but Im definitely going to try now that I've watched your video. For some reason, I think I will like it. ;)

[@Lavonneification]

Thank you! I made a hinge for a poison ring once and the way that I went about making that was 1000x harder than how you explained it lol I will def think about making another one now that there are easier ways to do

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

EyeCandy, Did I ever get back to you on this? If not, sorry, if so....Copper gets very dirty when it is soldered. What might be happening is that you have too much oxidation. Can you heat the copper faster? You can add a bit of flux as you solder. Don't forget to heat the post too - at the last minute. That pick is also a heat sink. I think the post isn't getting hot enough. Try putting solder on the post 1st and use cross locks to hold in place or place post on copper when hot. N

[@dianemann6870]

Always Fabulous!! I always learn so much from your videos. And never ever Boring!!! Love them. Diane

[@Shukarr]

Hi Nancy, Thank you for all that you do:) I was wondering what size joint file you’re using. If you could only have onejoint file what size would it be? I can only afford one right now so I was hoping you could recommend a good size.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

What size wire or tubing do you work with normally? 16 gauge, 14 ? I would purchase a joint file that matches your most common materials. Hope this helps. Thanks for writing! N

[@Shukarr]

@@NancyHamiltonJewelry Thank you so much. You are by far my favorite teacher. I am dii ok grateful for your sense of Humphries thoroughness and all the time and effort you put in for us who are learning. Thank you for the woman you are:) I am also a fellow cat woman btw. Also/ I now refer to my pickle as SUPER PICKLE!!!! I can’t help it!! Hahahahah

[@Shukarr]

@@NancyHamiltonJewelry sorry for the mistakes. The autocorrect on my phone is ridiculous.

[@flyingcheff]

"tons of hinges" Love another one (different hinge, not so "simple", if you are up to it) !! I volunteer to "get old" with you while you do all the videos- just don't stop-PLEASE BELOVED!! Perhaps a hinge that joins two bezel set somethings - ooooh fun! Love to see something that encompasses MULTIPLE JOINS- - ack! anything but that!! Puh-LEEEZE!!! Thank you Oh master we love!!!

[@dawnambead]

Thanks so much for this video!!!! It's awesome! I love your teaching "style". Happy New Year!!!!!

[@valencojoias8556]

Hi Nancy! I find your videos amazing! You are amazing! The way youe teach is simply awesome!!! By the way, my name is Solange and I´m from Brazil. Love your videos

[@nanceleikhim1533]

Great close up and witty demonstration. Very informative. Love you always funny girl.

[@birdieroad]

You're a hoot! and that was amazing! I have learned a lot form you Nancy, thank you. I must try this!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thanks Connie, I think you will like making hinges too! Have fun and thanks. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hola Inés, ¿donde en el video, es la herramienta que le interesa? ¿Es el fichero común? Gracias por el comentario y lo siento por mi pobre español. Feliz Año Nuevo. Nancy

[@MW-tm3su]

OMG... Girl.. You are so much FUN!! Make'a me LOLOLOL all the while I LEARN!! Can't wait to torture myself with doing this one

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Helen, your comment made me smile! Thanks for that. Solder girl is really starting to take over. It will be interesting to see how she evolves. Have fun in that studio and play, play, play. Happy Holidays. Thanks. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Debé, Thanks! NO IT DOES NOT EVER END, sigh...I just bought a ring bender two weeks ago. Ugh, why????? Have a great New Year. Nancy PS - Happy Birthday - get those tools, get 'em!

[@janasleson5691]

Thanks so much for your video! I want to make a wide band bracelet using the hinge design, but how would I create a clasp? Thanks!

[@poppieinhk8132]

Hi Nancy, thank you for the many information that you so graciously share with us. I am desperately trying to find out how to make a hinge with a "spring" which allows for a bracelet to remain closed without a clasp. Do you know what I am trying to say? I have a design that consists of 2 parts a spring hinge (not sure this is how you call it) would keep the cuff in place. Any info will be highly appreciated, thank you

[@trekranger]

Merry Christmas to you also Nancy. No. Going to mothers house so i must drive.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Theresa, Thanks for the lovely comment! The sieve is my hat! Actually, I use it to drain my tumbling barrels: to separate the media from the tumbling solution. Then I dump the drained shot or ceramic medium into a large mouthed funnel, which transfers the medium, back into the tumbling barrels. Not as exciting as a hat, perhaps? Thanks again and Happy New Year. Nancy

[@inescarrasco3619]

You are very fain no se si lo escribi correctamente,gracias por contestar hacés todo muy interesante a pesar de la traba del idioma, intentaré con el diccionario hay palabras que no se pero haré el esfuerzo.¿Como se llama la herramienta que mostrás después de la lapicera me parece muy practica.Felicidades para vos también

[@nirak6122]

so glad I found your vids, Nancy! You have such a down to earth and sometimes hilarious way of demonstrating silver smithing, will recommend you to my students :)

[@MsBethharris]

Loved it! 😊 You always make me smile.

[@marilynadams8364]

Hi Nancy! I found the joint files on Otto Frei and would like to find out which ones I need. Thanks!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hola Inés, a este punto, no tengo un traductor para mis videos. Sin embargo, voy a tratar de encontrar la manera de hacerlo. Mi español no es suficiente para poder traducir. Gracias por tu comentario. Felices Fiestas.

[@dobstergirl]

Thank you Nancy for sharing this great video. Now I need more tools - does it ever end - LOL Thank goodness for a January Birthday (hehehe)

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you Batur. I appreciate the comment. I'll put latches on the list. Happy New Year. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you, thank you for checking out the site! At least I know that one person saw it, yeah! My husband complains that I am too obsessive and should not worry the details to death. But, noooooo, I'm like a hound on a scent - I'm stuck there until it's done to my specifications. Just wish I was quicker at it...Thanks again nizangie, I appreciate your comment, a lot! Talk to you soon and take care. Nancy

[@RobynAllcock]

You're right about chenier files being hard to find. Would a gapping file do instead? Love your work, btw - not just your tutorials, your jewellery is superb too. (Note the spelling - I'm in Australia where we have jeweLLEry, okay? :)

[@Estiallina]

Hi Nancy - great video! Love your sense of humor. I didn't get 1) why you drew the black line on the tube; 2) when and how you separated the 2 pieces? Thanks.

[@Estiallina]

Ok, got it - the black line is to show where to bevel the end of the tube.

[@dka0700]

Thank you for the video, most enjoyable. btw: wondering if you are breaking saw blades because not enough tension on the blade? Do you press the frame on the side of the bench or where ever to apply tension when you fit a new blade? Just a thought.

[@yukonreddy]

Thank you for this video. It's very informative.. and your chan luu really sparkles!

[@flyingcheff]

Nancy, how about using the tubing that you are going to use for the hinge with a piece of sand paper around it to file the groove if you don't have a joint file? Or, a slightly smaller piece of tubing with sandpaper around it.......Otto Frei sells needle "Joint files" in various grades (course through superfine: 0,2,3,4)- and best of all they are not too expensive, about $12 each. * choose the USPS shipping otherwise the default UPS is... KA-CHING!

[@amandafrisius47]

Great info thank you! I’ve been practicing a few things. Question for you on a kickstand spring loaded hinge on a solid silver bangle. The spring loaded once completed seems to spring back well over all, but the kick stand part when I’m not trying to open it, it wobbles a tiny ...tiny amount, and when I lightly push my finger up it easily opens a bit. If I pull pretty hard up then the hinge snaps back well. I’ve tried a few and they all seem to be a tad “loose”. If that makes sense :) is that just how it’s supposed to be? tiny bit loose, or is it just catching up with the spring load part and it is supposed to have that small movement side to side and up and down ? :) thank you for all your help and advice!

[@dobstergirl]

What size tubing did you use and wire gauge?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you so much Elizabeth. Actually, I'm going to remove the silver hinge and recycle it. There's money in 'dem der scraps! I should make a grab bag of demo parts and do a lottery. Wait, that's more stuff I need to do...Hmmm....Happy Holidays, take care and be happy. Nancy

[@relaxnow1374]

oh my gosh white out instead of yellow Ochre You are a genius!

[@flyingcheff]

OHHH, I just LOVE you, your hinge page is awesome (although it's not live action Nancy so it doesn't compare.... :)))

[@ateammama2]

Your cat in the background is so cute!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hello Lythenwyn, Chenier or Joint files. Chenier is the old name. You can get them through Otto Frei dot com. Just type in Joint files. Thanks for the sweet comment. Take care. Happy Holidays. Nancy

[@mrkitty7974]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@dobstergirl]

One more question (I promise :)) What size file do you recommend? There are several.

[@wendysetzer6707]

Thanks Nancy!

[@adrianamartinez4662]

Gracias Nancy!!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Tiarra, smiarra that was a CROWN! Hey Strubel. I'll drop you a line tomorrow (I hope). Thanks as always, Senior Numero Uno. Nurby

[@lestergrenz5002]

You are one classy entertainer. Demo was OK too.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Tommy get ready, here it comes: BIG SMOOCH. Thanks. I actually made a (rather long and needing some serious editing) video in which I play Julia Child who is forced to teach an idiotic, spoiled fool - played by my crazy sister. It's very funny (at least we think so) and I'm downright scary. We want to release it someday but, right now it's busy, busy, busy. Maybe after the festivities stop messing with my life. Thanks again Tommy and Happy Holidays. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hi Nizangie, Thank you so much for the fabulous comment! I like your suggestion and actually, I'm (oh so slowly) working on a companion web page - which I like to do with some videos. But, a list here would be good too. Thanks again. Nancy - Happy Holidays!

[@trekranger]

Thank you so much !

[@atikhunthac5199]

cool cat :) awesome video

[@Silversmith70]

You are so amazing and funny, I just love watching you :) It was funny when you were Julia for a couple days. Thank you, our beloved Master, Tommy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thanks Dawna. Kiss, kiss! HNY to you too. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Hey Trek, how are you? Thanks for the comment. Have a great holiday season. Are there drinks involved? N

[@huskyfluffy]

Nancy, I love you! It’s Mimi, Gabi’s friend.. or someone... can you. I don’t know why I’m not absorbing why the two pieces of scrap copper used for the demo are glued together , then later not. I’m really missing something,g and I keep watching it. Anyone?

[@aneiahisfree]

I like you, your tutorial, and your cat. ^_^

[@crystalfabulous]

Thanks 😘😍❤️

[@flyingcheff]

Old question? Where to find those "hard to find" Joint files? Ma- ha - lo!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Danged, hope it went well, anyway - Happy New Year too. I'm going to throw money away and go up to our local casino for a little adult gaming. Cha-ching!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Why thank you, she is pretty danged cute! That's the studio assistant: WeeWee LouLou. She's 13 and very fat. Her hobbies are going to work, treat eating and shedding. She hates her twin brother, Ralph (the Terrible - in her mind). Thanks for noticing her, she wants to be famous! Happy New Year. Nancy

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you so much! So sorry to hear about the stroke! Hopefully, in time, your brain will switch up the wiring and you'll come back to some degree of normalcy. One of my girlfriends had a stroke at 37. She still has funky balance but, she's making jewelry like a crazy woman at 64. I don't know the degree of your disability but, there are other disabled viewers out there. Maybe they have suggestions or ideas? Thanks again and I'm rooting for you! Email me if you need some adaptive ideas

[@inescarrasco3619]

Me gustaria poder activar los subtitulos en español

[@avianfish8732]

Surely you could find a bigger file than that?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

HI Nizangie, I just put up the new hinges page. See information under the video description (above) for the link. If there's any more info you need let me know. Thanks. N

[@tiwonjones3936]

tymeeee

[@alfredosalari1704]

I'm sure you can find awesome woodworking plans on stodoys

[@johnhelton457]

My adventure with woodworking started with Woodglut.

[@沈思量]

such a cute lady。

[@lzack8200]

:)

[@BIGBUDDY291]

Sorry, but you rambling to much for me. Show how to make a hinge.