re: compression mount frames

[jefe]

I've been trying to develop techniques which allow me to deal with some of the steep back curves on some of the drilled rimless jobs I sometimes get. The problem: On Silhouette-style mountings, the compression plugs don't always go in evenly, and one side of the plug (inner) seems to stick out of the backside of the lens. The Hilco pliers I have don't have articulated jaws which account for backsides which are out of parallel, so I've been trying different ideas/tools/techniques to deal with this issue.

Any suggestions?

[DragonLensmanWV]

Hilco does make one with a slightly tiltable insert on one side, but if you have a -5.00, it might not wobble enough.
What I do (and I just did one) is before cutting the plug, press the backside of the plug up tight to the back of the lens with a good ol' Hilco plastic PD stick, You can hold it at an angle to provide room for the temple to clear it and insert the frame into the plugs whilst providing backside pressure on the plug to stay flat on the back of the lens.Or, you can use a nylon thimble.

If you have a staking kit and the nylon round base, you can modify it to provide a perfect platform for inserting the nasal parts. I have to work on making my prototype more flexible, i.e. providing room for using the staking kit to assemble temples, both wide and narrow. Then I can maybe patent it and sell it to Hilco. I have the perfect solution.

[Striderswife]

I always tape down my plastic bushings from the back side of the lens. I've got tape on the front and back, framing in the holes so I don't scratch the lenses when I trim the bushings. Using a PD stick to press it down from the back is a good idea. Silhouette has pliers with the rocking insert, that goes against the back of the lens. Without tape on the back, it's tricky for me to hold it all steady while I get the temple in place. See if that works!

[finefocus]

I always tape down my plastic bushings from the back side of the lens. I've got tape on the front and back, framing in the holes so I don't scratch the lenses when I trim the bushings. Using a PD stick to press it down from the back is a good idea. Silhouette has pliers with the rocking insert, that goes against the back of the lens. Without tape on the back, it's tricky for me to hold it all steady while I get the temple in place. See if that works!

On high back curves, the plier will try to slide towards the OC when you squeeze. Hold the lens with thumb and forefinger at the edge of the insert, pointed vertically, to make a dam against which the plier will slide and be blocked from further motion.

[Uilleann]

Perfect solutions all. One added bit of advice - if you're scratching your lenses while trying to trim the mounts excess from the front surface of the lenses, check your tools. There is a very good chance they are dull! Sharpening is easy and quick with a simple sanding drum, followed by a polish with a felt wheel and a touch of rouge on a Dremel tool. If you'd be afraid to perform a minor surgical proceedure with your tool for fear of tearing up your patient...probably too dull.

The sharper the tool, the less force is needed to get the job done, and the less likely you will be to damage an expensive lens during mounting. Also, make certain your lab is using the appropriate drill size AND proper compression mounts for the exact frame type you use. That can cause a whole new set of difficulties if they're mounting things for you - but doing so incorrectly.

Cheers!

[cmhargrove]

I've been trying to develop techniques which allow me to deal with some of the steep back curves on some of the drilled rimless jobs I sometimes get. The problem: On Silhouette-style mountings, the compression plugs don't always go in evenly, and one side of the plug (inner) seems to stick out of the backside of the lens. The Hilco pliers I have don't have articulated jaws which account for backsides which are out of parallel, so I've been trying different ideas/tools/techniques to deal with this issue.

Any suggestions?

You have already brought up your own solution. Just buy a pair of the Silhouette compression pliers that articulate.

Actually, my favorite is from Hilco - the Ergo Pro 21/457

[DragonLensmanWV]

Those are the ones I use, but they don't articulate quite enough sometimes.

[jefe]

I've found they don't articulate as much as I need them to. That's why I started looking for alternative techniques and/or tools.