[Jewelry making - Article 00521] - Re: [Orchid] Argentium and Torch Selection

[Trevor F]

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>     So you argentium workers in particular, what torch(es) are you
>     using, and would you change that for working with argentium if
>     money/space were no object? 

    In my experience there should really no difference between selecting
    a torch for working with regular sterling silver and Argentium. Yes,
    Argentium melts at a _slightly_ lower temp and yes, you want to avoid
    scorching the metal but those are more finesse issues than gas
    issues. 

    As you no doubt know the common wisdom is that propane + oxy or
    nat-gas + oxy is great for silver work. Many, many people here have
    such rigs and swear by them. Others swear by propane + compressed air
    or nat-gas + air. 

    For my Argentium work, indeed all my silver work, I've been using the
    oft-maligned disposable propane plumber's torch and a little
    Benzomatic butane torch. These work fine --I've used them for years so
    I don't particularly care how many people poo-poo them-- but they are
    not professional tools and have some very real limitations. Obviously
    since you said "money no object" these would fall well below your
    radar. 

    That said, I have a oxy-acetylene rig and a Little Torch that I'm
    trying to find parts for (German regulators + French bottles +
    American Little Torch = PITA). 

    There are several Orchidians for whom just such a rig is their set-up
    of choice for their silverwork and others who live with it because
    the need to, for whatever reason. It is my understanding that one
    advantage of oxy-acetylene with a Little Torch on Argentium is that
    you'd have the heat and the fine flame ideal for diffusion welding
    aka fusing which, I've heard, Argentium does very nicely. Sounds great
    to me, looking forward to trying it, have no idea if it's ideal or
    not, and I'd bet you could do the same with some of the other
    systems. 

    So, like I said, I think it's more about what kind of system is best
    for you rather than what kind of system is "best" for Argentium. 

Cheers,
Trevor F.
in The City of Light
www.touchmetal.com

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