[Jewelry making - Article 01255] - Re: [Orchid] Laser and Pulse/arc welders

[james newton]

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    I recently purchased Crafford Laser Star's "Bright Star" pedestal
    model, for myself. I have over 2000 hours using one of their older
    models, doing mostly repair work for my last employer. After 30
    years at the bench, and the last 5 years with a laser, when I changed
    employers I felt like I'd lost both my arms, having to go back to
    the torch for everything! This newer laser has what they term "pulse
    shaping", which is software that alters the voltage levels during
    the pulse, which helps with some metals, such as sterling and white
    gold. I do not ever use a torch on platinum any more, and use the
    laser on yellow and white gold, most sterling work, and on stainless
    steel. I do all my link assembly and hinge repair work with the
    laser. On ring assembly work I lightly 'tack' the setting into the
    mounting with the laser, make any adjustments in alignment and then
    solder, avoiding any need for clamps or re-solders. I do quite a bit
    assembly work, channel repairs (including stone replacements), and
    quite a bit of ring sizing on the laser. Using the laser you are
    actually "welding" in new metal, instead of adding solder, so the are
    no solder seams. This can be a big plus! The more upscale models
    (that means costly), labeled Laser Star instead of the Bright Star,
    have more pulse shaping options but I had to be cost conscious and
    this machine is definitely an improvement over the older laser.
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