Need a bit of guidance here.

[ponsol]

I'm a guy who makes jewelry for a hobby.
It's become a bit of a waste for me to cast the original clasps on my jewelry out of metal.
Someone mentioned I could carve them.
Does anyone have any good ideas on the best techniques to go about carving things so small?

The same friend hunted forever and found this pic of one in use.
I figure my clasps have to be strong, but I'm new to this what type of wood would be best and any ideas on what type of wood was used in the pic?

[AlArchie]

That looks like just a rectangular "button" and a simple loop. I would think most any hard hardwood would suffice, Those look like they might be one of those new composite woods, they use for pen turning.

Al

[ponsol]

....go on.

[AlArchie]

"Go on" as continue or as "get outta here"?

Here's a link to a laminate supply outfit.

Laminated Blanks - Woodturners Catalog - Woodworking tools and supplies specializing in woodturning.

Pen Blanks - Woodturners Catalog - Woodworking tools and supplies specializing in woodturning.=

Al

[ponsol]

go on as in continue.
I wouldn't dare have attitude like that.

[sbirkes]

Before I got into carving the clasp I would first go to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Jo Ann's or some such craft store and look in the beading section for something that would work.
Unless I was sure I had to have a clasp carved by my own hand.

[ponsol]

I'm from the Caribbean.
The reason why I would also like to do the last is because I'm hoping I can engrave or find some other nice way of putting my logo on it.

[ponsol]

Oh and what's the best technique or tools of the trade to carve something so small?

[AlArchie]

I think I'd go for a Dremel type rotary tool to work on something like that. You could easily cut most hardwoods to shape with one of their disc type cutters and bore holes with small diameter drills chucked into one of the adjustable chucks. You could probably set yourself up with one of these for under 50 dollars, and probably around 30. They also handle small polishing pads etc.

If you are in an area that has coconuts, you could easily make tohse buttons from coconut shell. That stuff is hard, durable and polishes up nicely.

Here's one source for Dremels, but there are dozens more out there...just Google "dremel"

Dremel

Al

[susieq]

Hi Ponsol,
We should also mention that once you get a Dremel, you need some good bits. The bits or tips that come with the Dremel, might be handy for odd jobs around the house but they are totally useless for wood carving. There are many businesses and carving supply shops on line. You will probably do better with the Dremel with a flex shaft on it. This will allow you to hang the motor up out of your way and just hold the end of the shaft with the bit on it. Gives you a lot of control for doing tiny work.
Be sure and post pictures of your work...