[Jewelry making - Article 00611] - Re: [Orchid] Laser welding silver

[Dave Mereski]

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Hi Stephen

    Don't feel bad if you struggle with silver on the laser. It's high
    reflectivity makes it hard to weld. I have been trying to make it
    work for years, and still have issues. I do a few things to help
    increase effectivesness. I usually run close to 300 Volts, with
    about 4.0 MS, and a fairly narrow diameter ( 10 - 12 ). I will scuff
    the surface with emery, or use a black magic marker to reduce
    reflection. It's a pertty intense charge, and it will heat it up
    quickly so take your time. I have also found that Stuller's silver
    hard weld wire works the best for me. 

    With heavy shank rings, it is hard to get the penetration, and I have
    found that sometimes I have to go back and anneal the shank after I
    have laser welded it. It makes welding them on the laser a bit moot.
    I often just doing them with a torch anyways........and many times,
    bad as it sounds, I just say no thanks! There's times when it is just
    not worth the time spent. 

Good Luck
Dave Mereski
www.thegoldworks.net
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