Andrew,
I seldom use a gas/ oxy torch in my day to day work. I think if you
want to go the TIG route, you would be better off buying a second
hand inverter based machine. I recently found a machine that was
$380.00 that appeared good. If the seller is willing to warrantee it
as in working order, you might find a bargain. For sterling I would
recommend a machine that can deliver 150 amps. It can be straight DC
without a pulser. I have found most of the white metals weld okay
without the pulser. If you want to form a large ingot you will need
more than 150 amps. There are small electric crucibles available. I
have found that even welding instructors have trouble with precious
metals but a welding class would help with basic You
will have to invest in yourself as far as learning. I do not know of
any schools or books that can assist you. You’re going to have to
melt some metal and keep trying until you find what works. Hector
Miller pioneered silver TIG welding. He is proof that an industrial
TIG welding machine can produce silver artwork to a fine degree. His
main reason for using TIG is to avoid firescale and produce seamless
pieces. I recently used my TIG welder to flow some extra hard solder.
I suppose you could solder with it if you did not get on to welding.
A TIG torch is a controllable method of introducing energy to the
work. A lot of energy will fuse the work. A little will just heat the
work up and do nothing more.
Kevin Lindsey