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Pepe Jump Ring Maker...New Is Not Always Better...

For the follow up (2014) on jump ring makers go here.

Introducing Pepe's new AND improved Jump Ring maker...
When I received my new jump ring maker I knew the new model was more compact but did not expect it to be so unstable.  It was precarious but I accepted it.  After all I will have jump rings galore with a single swipe!  The outcome outweighed the little difference and yes...I am lazy!  hahaha!!!

To the bench I go to test things out.
Test No. 1

The first set of jump rings turned out great!  I was satisfied.  

I then received an email saying that the top plate (cover) that came with the system was too thick and needed to be replaced.  Okay.  
I receive the new plate but did not test it out until some friends were over and wanted a demo.  Well...it was difficult to place the handpiece collar over the plate.  It did not fit over the coil holding device very well.  I had to finagle it to go in and when I started sawing the handpiece did not move smoothly and the jump rings in the end literally JUMPED at me.  Upon inspection of the cover plate I noticed a lip on it.

I was totally frustrated!  So I called OttoFrei and they sent me a new cover.  Yay OttoFrei!  Those guys are the best with customer service.

Test No. 2
  Everything fits nicely and I start sawing.  Man...I was smokin'!  Which I do not think is a good thing.  I test it out at least 4 more times.  I still generate smoke and the last few jump rings are not completely cut and the jump rings are still flying at me.   Mind you I am going pretty fast with my flex shaft.  The directions says to go full speed which I do not but am still going pretty fast.

I am once again frustrated!  I call my friend who has an older model and we decide to test things out.  This is when I notice the differences.

1.  As I said earlier the new model is more compact and the mandrels are stored upright instead of lying down.
Below is a picture of the older model.  Notice how all the mandrels are components are lying down.
This makes it less likely to fall all over the place.
PEPEtools Jump Ring Maker
Although the newer model is more compact, for storage, it makes it easier to fall all over the place.

2.  The coil holding device is much more heavier and thus more stable on the bench when cutting.

3.  The holding collar is also heavier.

Does any of the above make a difference?  It remains to be seen.

Test No. 3
My friend happens to use another type of lube to lubricate her coils before cutting.  Which so happens to generate less smoke.  The smoke could of been the result of Pepe's lube or just generating too much heat.  I think it is the latter because I saw burn marks on the jump rings afterwards.  

Results...
When using my set up I still get the jump rings flying at me and everyone within a 5 step radius but very little smoke.

I then decided that I may be tightening the nuts too tight on the coil holding device and so I try again.
After making a bajillion jump rings later, finally success!
  
Jump rings are not jumping out at me and little smoke is being generated.
What did I do differently?
1.  Use Porter-Cable lube wax
2.  Only went half speed with the flex shaft
3.  Did not over tighten the screws on the coil holding device.
Oh...and do not forget to use a jig to hold that coil holding device in place while you saw.  Here was our set up.  A side view picture.
I think by over tightening the screws on the coil holding device forces the top plate down when cutting so the jump rings collapse and spits out at you.

And that is how the Cookie crumbles people!  
I hope this review helps with those of you out there who own one or wants to purchase one.  

I also found out the original jump ring maker is called "Jumpringer" by Ray Grossman but this still needs to be confirmed.  

A big Muchas Gracias to my friend Alison for experimenting with me.  It is always nice to have a partner in crime!  ;)
Happy Hump Day All!

Namaste
Kalaya

Comments

  1. Hi Kalaya! I've got the older model and love it. It took a little while to work out the kinks but my husband and I have found a few work-arounds. Use a piece of wooden dowel inside the coil and the jump rings won't fly. Plus, it stabilizes them a bit better and helps to make clean cuts. We also like to use machine oil rather than Burr Life or the other brands of lube. It tends to result in nicer rings with only occasional small burrs (those get tossed in the scrap pile). My husband also made a small aluminum part that helps hold the coils steady. I'll send you a photo if you're interested.

    Good luck and enjoy your $ savings now that you are making your own jump rings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan! Gracias for the tips. It's always great to hear and learn from others experiences. YES, please beam me a photo. I'm a visual person! :)

      It's great to be able to make jump rings without sawing. I don't enjoy sawing my jump rings very much but they don't jump at me either! hahaha!!!

      Delete
    2. BTW Susan...you lucky girl for having the older model. I'm trying not to be jellie! :)

      Delete
  2. Glad you figured it out! I'll expect my second demo to go a little better next time :p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well...you never know what's going to happen. ;)

      Delete
  3. hum well i was thinking about getting one of these. but i am one that likes to research what ever it may be out thoroughly...
    I make chain maille jewelry, and i know if i was to find that right supplier for wire, i could save money....
    Although Chain maille uses large amount of all sizes of wire,
    So i do not think that you was saying nothing about aspect ratio. that would be the inner diameter and outer diameter, that has a lot to do with the mandrils!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jerry, I made all kinds of different sizes of jump rings and if memory serves correct it was all the same. I haven't used it much since I made a bunch of jump rings doing this test. To be honest it scares me. I received an email from another person (purchasing the same unit) about the blade actually breaking off and tech support from Pepe wasn't helpful at all. There is this website called The Ring Lord http://theringlord.com/cart/default.asp
      just in case you haven't heard of them. Good luck in finding that nice jump ring maker. Gracias for stopping by and leaving comments. ॐ

      Delete

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