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Tools, Materials & More for Creating Eyewear
One of the biggest challenges as an eyewear creator starting out is finding the materials and tools you need.
This list is what I've found so far. Please get in touch if you have something to add.
Manufacturers of Tools
Small Batch Tools produce a range of useful machines for small batch eyewear production. I have not had a chance to use any of them but they look excellent if you have reached a production scale where it makes sense to purchase these.
ID-Conception produce what appear to be more cost effective tools and hobbyist focused tools for eyewear creation and frame-making.
Cellulose Acetate Sheet Suppliers
One of the most common comments on the Laramy-K OpticianWorks Training Center video on How To Hand-Make Eyewear From Acetate is where to get acetate from.
Below are sources I have found that you can easily buy from:
You'll need to buy a case of 20. So far this is the only supplier I have received cellulose acetate from.
You can purchase individual pieces. I have put in an order which is still in process.
I plan to order from Daicel Miraizu in the future once I use up my current supplies.
I plan to order some from Takiron-Rowland in the future once I use up my current supplies.
Never purchased from them but seems like a good range.
Looks like they have a good selection of cool colours and stock. I ordered from them but for some reason they cancelled the order. Not sure why as have not heard back from them when I emailed to find out why.
Tortoise Shell Supply seem to acetate more suited for jewellery,but seem to have some in sheets. Never ordered from them.
Never ordered from an Etsy supplier but seems like there are a few suppliers. never ordered from any of them.
Which acetate thickness to buy?
You'll probably want a mix of 6mm and 4mm thicknesses. Many designs seem to use 6mm for the face of the glasses and 4mm for the sidearms. But it kind of depends. In future resources and posts I plan to add more details on this based on my experiments and experiences.
Hinges, Sidewires etc...
To be written when I next have time.