[Jewelry making - Article 00365] - Re: [Orchid] Difficulty making headpins

[coralnut]

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    I bet you're using sterling silver, which tends to pit when you ball
    it up. I'm not sure how to prevent it; maybe someone else has a tip. 

    Jen....the secret to keeping a SS pin from pitting when balling it
    up is this: 

    1. Dip the end in flux before heating it. This reduces the amount of
    O2 that enteres the metal while heating. 

    2. As the ball approaches the size you want, SLOWLY move the torch
    back away from the ball. This will preclude the pitting you mention. 

    The reason for the pitting is the presence of O2 in the metal as it
    balls. If you remove the flame too rapidly the metal collapses in as
    the O2 escapes. 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry!
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