Binding wire when fusing argentium

Jewelry Discussion
1

Vasken:

One question that I’m curious about is how do you use binding wire to
secure a bezel onto a ring shank if you are fusing argentium?
Wouldn’t the binding wire just fuse to the argentium? You mentioned
that you were teaching your class about positioning your bezels. Is
there another methodology you would suggest other than binding wire
if you were using argentium?

Thanks!
Jennifer

2

Hi,

I use binding wire or pins on a regular basis to hold things in
place for soldering or fusing. It has always been my practice to make
sure that the parts fit before soldering. Since I work that way, I do
not need to be able to move things as I solder or fuse.

I have always thought it best to make sure that everything fits, and
is held in place, so that I can focus on the application of the heat,
and making sure the joining process goes well. This way, I don’t have
to worry about bumping a piece out of alignment when I nudge a piece
of solder.

The binding wire does not tend to attach or fuse to the AS. As with
ANY metal, make sure to put a zig-zag in the wire, so that it can
expand and contract without digging into the metals being joined.

Cynthia Eid

3

Jennifer,

Sorry for the misunderstanding. We were soldering the bezels on to
the shanks and for this you can use any method you know from binding
wire, third hand even balancing to set up for soldering but not for
fusing because as you mentioned the wire will be fused to the
Argentium and you may even end up with slumping of the piece
depending it’s position.

This is where the knowledge of working with Argentium becomes
necessary, you don’t have to fuse all parts together because you
can… You need to know when to fuse and when to solder.

Hope this answers your question.
Vasken Tanielian

4

Ah, thanks Cynthia. This is why reading all the posts offers value!

As with ANY metal, make sure to put a zig-zag in the wire, so that
it can expand and contract without digging into the metals being
joined."

That’s an “aha moment” for me. I have always used a zig-zag to
tighten the wire, but never thought about how it could have another
purpose.

Judy in Kansas, where it actually snow/hailed last night. Weird!

5 
I use binding wire or pins on a regular basis to hold things in
place for soldering or fusing.

I have a comment that will not actually help…

Working for Jim Binnion, I got used to tack-welding parts together
with a PUK (mini pulse arc welder). What a boon! I don’t know how
I’ll get along without it. I even PUKed silver into a gash I made in
a machined silver part when it came loose on the (spinning) lathe
while I was shaping it, saving a ton of re-making.

You can even PUK together titanium parts. Sadly, they are very
expensive. Sigh. Anybody want to sell me a used one?

Noel

6

Well Noel,

I just happen to have an almost new one I am willing to sell. Moved
and need to sell some things.

Carole