Ensure the ends are fitting flush, apply flux and then solder the new piece in using hard solder.Work out the extra length needed using the method above, and then allow a bit extra on top of this to help with fitting.Open out the ring a little to allow you to line up the extra piece.If you can’t see it, gently heat the metal and it should soon become apparent. First you will need to saw open the ring along the previous solder join. This method is more suitable for smaller alterations, providing there is enough metal thickness in the shank to stretch. A metal hammer will get quicker results, but leave indentations in the ring which will need to be removed. During this process, you will need to check your progress with a ring gauge at regular intervals and anneal as required. Remove the ring, turn it over and place it back onto the mandrel to repeat the process and even out the profile of the ring.As you hit the metal, keep turning the ring to ensure it is even. Start to hit the ring with either a wooden mallet or metal hammer.Anneal your ring and place it on a smooth ring mandrel.The method you choose depends on the design of the ring itself but also the size of the alteration. It can be done simply using a mallet and mandrel, a commercial ring stretching tool or by adding an extra piece of metal to the shank. There are several ways to enlarge a ring. Once you have the two pieces of wire side by side, measure the difference between them and this will give an accurate measurement as to how much metal to add or takeaway as required. Next, repeat the process but using the new ring size required. This will give you the length of your ring. Remove and snip it open at the top of the loop, and flatten it out so you have a straight line to measure. Wrap a piece of binding wire around your ring gauge/stick at the current ring size, by twisting the ends together to make a tight fit.
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