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Getting the Ring Shank Size Right

by Susan LeGuyader
Do you want to make rings, but struggle with getting the measurement of the ring shank wrong. Is there anything more frustrating than a ring shank too short? Too long is easy enough to fix, but you also stand the chance cutting too short.


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Instructions
There are many options for measuring ring shanks. There is the MATH option.

The formula for that is: inside diameter of ring size desired (in mm) + metal thickness (in mm) x pi (3.1416).

If the ring band is wider than 4mm, add additional 0.5mm.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , measuring for a ring shank
Another option is a ring size chart.

Click here to download our Ring Size Chart
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , Ring Size Chart
For certain shapes of ring shanks, there are templates available online, some free and some are paid.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , ring shank templates
MY favorite way to measure for a ring shank is the Whaley Ring Gauge.

This is an awesome tool and not very expensive.

There is an adjustment for thickness of metal and then a guide for what size of ring you want.

The sizing is in whole sizes but it is fairly easy to get a half size.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , ring shank tool
My first step is using a miter vise to make certain that I have a flush end.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , flush the end of the wire
Then I measure the thickness of the metal on the gauge and lock it into place with the knob.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , measuring wire thickness
Place the wire on the gauge for sizing.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , sizing the wire
I then use a wooden ring clamp to hold both the wire and gauge in place.

This also frees up one hand to position the assembled pieces for easier sawing.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , holding everything in one hand
At the base of the gauge is a slot for you to saw.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , base for sawing
I give myself a little bit of wiggle room to make sure I can both saw the wire and then put it in the miter vise to file the end flush.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , leave a little wiggle room at the end to gile the end smooth

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

WHALEY RING GAUGE
GAU-747.00
  • GAU-747.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $42.95
  • Gold Club Price: $32.21
Add to Bag
Optional Tools
Multi Angle Cutting Jig
VIS-512.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $84.95
  • Gold Club Price: $63.71
Add to Bag
Basic Sawing Kit
G15-7
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $34.95
  • Gold Club Price: $26.21
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education

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