[Jewelry making - Article 00135] - Re: [Orchid] Working with reticulated sheet

[coralnut]

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David,

    This question has come up now and then and there might also be
    something on it in the archives.  In the meantime, I find there are
    several ways to solve the problem 

    1.  When you reticulate, you create seveal layers of different metal
    structures.  On the top is pure silver, directly underneath is an
    uneven layer of oxidized scale, below that is copper and finally more
    sterling. This 'sandwiching' makes not only for an uneven surface,
    but also a very pourous structure...not unlike fired PMC. 

    In order to solder directly to the surface you must first even out
    the surface area where the join will be and second, remove or reduce
    the porosity.  You can achieve some level of success by; 

    1.  Using a small diamond or Si wheel to grind a pathway along the
    route of your intended join.  This evens the surface, roughens it and
    cuts down below the difficult to solder upper layers. 

    2.  You can burnish the pathway but this can be tricky if the join
    will be very narrow. 

    3.  You can chase a pathway with a small chasing chisel. 

    4. You can try fusing the join.  This would require the use of fine
    silver bezel wire and very clean reticulated surfaced.  Temp control
    will also be tricky...but it does work. 

    Let us know what works for you.  I am just finishing a piece with a
    large reticulated bail with a bezel set garnet on the face and a
    large curved bail on the back.  Using the grinding method, I
    encountered no problems. 

    Cheers, Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comccast.net


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