[Jewelry making - Article 00126] - Re: [Orchid] Blow pipes

[Douglas Zaruba]

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Robert,

    	I have been using the air/propane blowpipe that is available from
    Frei and Borel (114.010, pg 35, $89.95) for about 10 years now and I
    really like using it for granulation. Once you get the hang of it,
    it's really quite simple. It will produce a broad, neutral or
    reducing flame that is ideal for most soldering. Once the granules
    have fused, just stop blowing and keep the torch on the work. You now
    have a reducing atmosphere. Keeping the work inside the flame, just
    slide it into water. No fire scale... 

    	As a apprentice, I had to learn to solder with a blowpipe before I
    was allowed to use a torch. It is amazing what you can learn about
    soldering, flame characteristics, and oxidation from this simple
    operation. Most goldsmiths use too much oxygen in their torch flame,
    and too much pressure at the regulator. Soften your flame, and you
    will be amazed at how much easier it is to get solder to flow. You
    can even start fusing bezels without solder, like a pro, in no time. 

Douglas Zaruba


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