[Jewelry making - Article 00298] - Re: [Orchid] Frustrated reticulation & fusing

[Katherine Palochak]

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>         I decided to experiment with trying to reticulate the face of a
>     piece of 16 gauge silver. I believe I heated the piece for at least
>     30 minutes and could never get the surface melted. 

    Reticulation: 

    1. Use an alloy higher in copper than sterling; ideal for high
    relief is 82% silver. The higher the silver content, the less
    "disturbed" the surface. 

    2.  Deplete the surface of the silver by repeated annealing,
    pickling and brass brushing, until you have a dead white surface,
    usually 5-7 times. Do not pickle off the top surface or brass brush
    the last time, only anneal in fire and quench in water. 

    3. Use thinner gauges of metal, 20-24 ga. 

    4. For the final part, put it on a surface that will reflect the
    heat, such as firebrick. If you happen to have a small trinket kiln,
    this is an excellent way to bring the whole piece up to the proper
    heat. 

    5. Start with a bushy flame to bring the piece up to heat (first
    red). When you notice the surface getting a sheen, then get a highly
    oxidized flame with a very sharp, pointed flame. "Paint" with the tip
    of the flame, moving it closer to the surface where you want hills,
    and pulling it away to slow down the process. 

>         Also, this weekend I decided to try fusing some pieces to a
>     sheet to make a bracelet. Never made it! 

    Again, depleting the surfaces to be fused helps. Try using fine
    silver wire for decorations. This metal will also need to be brought
    up to first red before fusing happens, concentrating your heat on the
    base plate, but there is a fine line between fusing and meltdown. Be
    ready to cool the metal off quickly with a quick puff of your breath. 

Good luck!


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