I have a problem with a mount for a stone which has very soft prongs
following soldering into place on a larger silver disc. I could not
solder from the back of the piece, and thus the prongs have become
quite soft after soldering because to some extent they were subjected
to the flame. It is a 4mm setting bought ready made, and is the push
in type where the prongs are supposed to spring into place after the
gem has been inserted and pressure applied from the back. I am
concerned that they are now so soft that they will distort if I try
to insert the gem using the pressure technique as per the
instructions with the mount. I obviously cannot harden by beating.
Has anyone any tips on how I can firm up the prongs?
Bend the prongs back and forth several times - you’ll have to do it
by feel, and it will only work so well - that is only one of the
many problems with using pre-cut settings.
do an age hardening, 550 deg f for 2 hours in your oven. cool as
slowly as possible, preferably turn the oven off, leave closed, and
let cool overnight.
do an age hardening, 550 deg f for 2 hours in your oven. cool as
slowly as possible, preferably turn the oven off, leave closed, and
let cool overnight.
There is absolutely no need to slow cool. Any age hardening benefit
is derived from holding at the precipitation temp not the cooling
rate after precipitation.
Jim
James Binnion @James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
There is absolutely no need to slow cool. Any age hardening
benefit is derived from holding at the precipitation temp not the
cooling rate after precipitation.
You are correct, I stand corrected.
for silver, I usually air cool. I avoid quenching, when trying for
hardening. i have been able to achive a spring quality for silver,
use it on some of my inverse hidden sets.