Fusing Argentium links works great!

Hi,

I just was making a few jump rings for a bracelet. Since I am using
Argentium Sterling Silver, and I know that it can be laser welded, I
thought I’d try fusing the links, rather than soldering them. WOW!
Was that ever easy! I just closed a few links (they did NOT meet
perfectly, so I did not really expect it to work!), put them on my
soldering board, put a bit of flux on the joint, heated the joint,
and they flowed beautifully! So cool! I had to run upstairs, and
post to you all immediately!

Gotta get back to work now…
Cindy
Cynthia Eid

 So cool! I had to run upstairs, and post to you all immediately! 

OK, Cindy, that’s the last straw! I guess I better get me some of
that there argentium silver and give it a try.

–Noel

... Since I am using Argentium Sterling Silver, and I know that it
can be laser welded, I thought I'd try fusing the links, rather than
soldering them. WOW! Was that ever easy! 

Hello Cindy,

Please forgive the generic sounding question but did you use an
intense, localized flame or a broad, annealing type of flame? Cheers,

Trevor F.
in The City of Light

OK, Cindy, that's the last straw! I guess I better get me some of
that there argentium silver and give it a try.

You can buy Argentium Sterling casting grain, sheet, and wire in
small quantities @ Stuller, and prices are reasonable. You will have
to give us some info one time to set up a COD / Credit Card account,
and afterwards, ordering Argentium is a piece of cake! Call me if you
need any help…

James Gilbert
Stuller Metals
800-877-7777 ext 6113
Email me at james_gilbert@stuller.com
Website: www.stuller.com

    did you use an intense, localized flame or a broad, annealing
type of flame? 

Seems like a good question, actually. I used my oxy-acetylene
Little Torch with a number four tip, and a medium sized, reducing
flame. So, depending on what torch you are using… To me, I’d
categorize it as a small, intense, local, very hot, neutral flame.
FWIW, I used commercially made (Griffith) Prip’s Flux.

I’d love to do some more experimenting, but I promised my mom I’d go
to Chile with her, and we do have those plane tickets, so fusing
play time will have to wait. It will be interesting to hear of
anybody else’s experiences.

Cindy
Cynthia Eid

I used my oxy-acetylene Little Torch with a number four tip, and a
medium sized, reducing flame. 

I’m finding the a big, broad flame such as I get from the propane
plumber’s torch tends to over-cook the Argentium and leaves a scarred
and pitted surface when I do the fusing.

Big bushy flames are good for sterling but it’s becoming increasingly
clear that Argentium doesn’t need, nor does it particularly like,
that kind of treatment.

One way or the other I’ve got to get that Little Torch of mine up and
running again.

Cheers,
Trevor F.
in The City of Light