[Jewelry making - Article 00319] - Re: [Orchid] Frustrated reticulation & fusing

[coralnut]

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    Sue, Before answering your question directly, more information is
    needed. 

    First, 16 ga is good thickness to reticulate though I prefer 18 or
    20 ga. My real question though is how large is the surface area?  If
    its maybe 2 or three sq inches the Little Torch should handle it very
    well with a #6 tip. I use a #5 on such pieces with no problem. If it
    is over 3 squares...forget it and go to a larger acetylene torch. 

    Secondly, what alloy are you using?  Sterling will reticulate but
    you must use a concentration of borax powder on the surface to
    preclude even the slightest oxidation. Best is to use an alloy with
    slightly more copper in it.  You can purchase reticulation silver
    sheet from some manufacturers or make it yourself.  I usually melt
    sterling scrap and add a few grams of pure copper then roll it out. 

    Whether using sterling or reticulation alloy, you have to carefully
    prepare the surface though heating/cleaning.  I sent the procedure to
    Orchid about a month ago...if you can't find it in archives, let me
    know off-line. 

    Do not use a large bushy flame.  Use a tight oxidizing flame.  This
    brings the surface quickly up to heat and, when molten, you can use
    the force of the flame to push the surface around as you like it. 

    The same goes for fusing.  The plate ga sounds a bit thin to do good
    fusing though and, in any event, 'large scale' fusing is not for a
    Little Torch. Again, prepare the surface, keep all good and clean,
    etc.  I like to do reticulation and fuse items into the reticulate
    simultaneously....gives some great effects. 

    Check the archives and get back to me if you still have problems. 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT attbi.com.

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