[Jewelry making - Article 00345] - Re: [Orchid] Cleverwerx soldering set

[Karen Christians]

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    Tungsten is another metal which has gone up in price. I am looking
    at fabricating a similar set in tungsten, but the sheet price for the
    size stock I like is expensive. 

    Tungsten for welding contains 5% thorium. Thorium is used to coat
    tungsten wire used in electronic equipment, improving the electron
    emission of heated cathodes. I don't know how this will react with
    silver solder or with pickle. 

    I've used tungsten picks before from suppliers and found that silver
    solder would melt onto the pick. Maybe it wasn't pure tungsten, but
    again it's the consistent and repetitive heating. However, you are
    right, I haven't fully explored this yet and I will give it a try. My
    husband has some in stock as he owns a tig welder. The width of the
    welding stock is wider than the thin rod you get from jewelry
    suppliers. 

    I do know that tungsten for welding rod it is a consummable and that
    there are 6 inch rods and which can be ground down. I do know that
    you cannot put any pressure on the rod itself. It also oxidizes
    easily. Tungsten is a very brittle metal, excellent for welding, but
    for a six inch piece for continuous use, I will have to do more
    research. 

    Thanks Peter. I'll look into this. 

-k
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