Experience with Laser Welders

Jewelry Discussion
1

I am considering the purchase of a laser welder. I don’t have any
experience with them and would appreciate owners and users of lasers
to share their good and bad experiences.

I would also like to compare the mini arc 111 to a laser. I am just
an ole torchman who would like to move into the modern age if
practical.

Robert

Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a laser welder for your jewelry projects? We recommend:

2

I would also like to compare the mini arc 111 to a laser. I am just
an ole torchman who would like to move into the modern age if
practical.

Robert, the learning curve is easy. You should feel comfortable
within a day or so. As far as practicality, the laser is a HUGE
timesaver for certain jobs ;for other jobs, it’s actually slower
than the torch. Keep in mind you will have annual maintenence
expenses like filters, flash lamps, etc. Some things you may want to
consider before making the plunge…

  1. Would the laser pay for itself in the first 5 years?

  2. Do you have enough work to justify one?

  3. Would a premium be charged for laser work?

The laser is great for things like fabrication work and repairing
near heat sensitive stones, eyeglasses, costume jewelry, etc. But
not so great for doing ring sizings or shanks on gold. For platinum,
it’s a dream!

I am very pleased with our Rofin welder and have no regrets getting
it. We do a lot of trade work along with the retail work so the
laser does justify itself…However, if I had to do it all over
again, I would probably consider a tac welder first or would have
purchased the cad/cam setup first. We purchased our laser 4 years ago
from stuller and between them and rofin, the service is great. The
only thing I could have wished for was a little better training
package.

If you wish to discuss it further you may contact me off forum or
call me.

Regards,
Ken Sanders
http://www.sandersjewelry.com

3 
I am considering the purchase of a laser welder.  I don't have any
experience with them and would appreciate owners and users of
lasers to share their good and bad experiences...I would also like
to compare the mini arc 111 to a laser. I am just an ole torchman
who would like to move into the modern age if practical...

Dear Robert,

Being also an “ole torchman” like yourself, here are my two cents:

FIRST: One year ago or so we bought a PUK II, the upgraded version
of the PUK 111. The idea was to save the big investment with similar
results of a laser welder. Well, the PUK II is indeed a great little
machine: very well built, reliable, and after several hours
experiencing welding you begin to get some practical results, I mean,
you are able to weld pieces and find solutions that would not be
possible with the torch.

Some considerations: It costs around 15% of the price of a laser,
what is apparently good. You save time welding, but it takes you a
lot of time to keep the needles sharp enough to make the welding
possible - at each other 10 to 15 shots you need to stop, get a new
sharp needle or sharpen it. The oxidization around the welding area
is considerable, and it takes you another considerable time to clean
it. You will find that the welding is not too deep, what makes
soldering sometimes a more appropriate approach. You must use argon
gas, and it must be a very clean one, otherwise the oxidization is
terrible.

But, after all, the machine works, and it is indeed a reasonable
alternative to the laser welder.

SECOND: About five months ago, we bought a laser welder. I will
resume everything you may have heard about it in just one example: I
don’t remember the last time I used the torch to solder something!

My piece of advise: If you can afford, use the $4000 you would spend
with the PUK as down payment for your new Laser welder.

Good luck, and please forgive the bad English

Christo Kiffer
Colorado Springs, CO

4

Robert

Try contacting Steeve Satow from Cleaveland. An expert in Laser
Welders. He should be able to guide you. GOLDMAKER7@aol.com.

Regards
Kenneth Singh
46 Jewelry Supply

5

Christo Kiffer,

Thank you for your advise. I will probably heed your warning. I
don’t like labor intensive labor savors.

When I can afford it, I think I will go for the laser. What brand
and model do you recommend?

Robert

Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a laser welder for your jewelry projects? We recommend: