[Jewelry making - Article 00278] - Re: [Orchid] Torch enamelling

[ARands]

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    torch enameling is very  easy to do. the only real problem is  
    devising a way to  hold your work  as you are   applying the flame
    of  the torch.  I have taught torch firing to classes so that
    students who did not have access to a kiln, could still do some
    enameling at home.  In class we used a prestolite acetylene  torch. 
    Some of my students had success using cheap bernzomatic propane
    torches.  I had them use heavy gauge copper (or fine silver), at
    least 18 gauge for pieces about l or 2 inches in diameter, 16 gauge
    for larger pieces.  By using heavy gauge metal, the pieces did not
    have to be counter enameled.  The pieces were placed on a tripod on
    which a heavy mesh, or wire grid was placed.  The flame of the torch
    was directed underneath the grid, and was moved around slowly until
    the enamel melted and fused.  It is advisable to Keep the torch   
    moving so as not to melt your silver. For the larger pieces on which
    we were using hard enamel it was sometimes necessary to play the
    flame over the top of the enamel to assist in the melting of the
    enamel.  The colors remained true and as bright as if they had been
    fired in the kiln.  We were using lead bearing enamels so I don't
    know if the results would be the same if one used lead free enamels. 

    For larger pieces we needed two torches to fuse the enamels.    

    You might check some of the back issues of Glass on Metal. I believe
    that some years ago an enamelist named  Maureen Caswell (think that
    was her name) had an article on torch firing.  She enameled fairly
    large bowls  formed  from copper foil--quite delicate,and very 
beautiful. 
    Hope this helps. Alma

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