Loop in Loop Chain

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi All,

I’m a newbie to silversmithing and have just discovered Jean Stark’s
wonderful book “Classical Loop in Loop Chains”. I use a butane torch
to solder jump rings, ear posts etc. and have a Sierra kiln for PMC in
my home. Can I use these to fuse and otherwise make chains? Or
should I invest in the Ultralite Kiln from Rio? And will some nice
soul tell me if the Little Torch can be adapted for use with
atmosphere air? I know I’ll have to get a “grown-up” torch sooner
rather than later.

Thanks for the amazing generosity and knowledge of all members of
this forum.

Lora Hart

2

Lora, i have made a few similar chains, i used a $30 butane Blazer
type torch with 24-18 guage sterling wire, and i have found that
type of torch sufficient,

3

Hi Lora,

I’ve made lots of loop in loop with fused fine silver links. All
I’ve ever used is either a butane torch like the one you’ve described
of a Bernz-o-matic propane pencil torch.

I lay all the closed links in rows on a magnesia firebrick & fuse
each link in turn until they’re all fused. I’ve never used the
ultralite (or similar) kiln that Jean recommends. I suppose a lot
depends on what you learn with.

As far as running the little torch on gas & air goes; you’re out of
luck. However I think Smith makes an acetyline/air torch similar to
the Prestolite torch.

Dave

4

I’ve made piles and piles of loop-in-loop chains using just the
Little Torch (oxy acetylene). No kiln at all, nothing fancy. It’s
probably easier if you have a proper kiln, but I’ve had pretty good
luck so far with just the torch.

-Spider (loves all that woven yummy stuff)

5 
  Jean Stark's wonderful book "Classical Loop in Loop Chains"

Lora, Fun book, isn’t it? I use a butane microtorch and an Ultra Light
kiln that has a maximum temperature of about 1500 degrees F. The
Bernzomatic torch costs about $10 and has a flame spreader that
keeps falling out unless the end of the nozzle is slightly bent
inwards.

Your Sierra kiln is more than hot enough, but I don’t know if it
too hot for these projects. If the silver gets overheated, the
surface texture changes.

Janet

6

Lora, How are you coming along on the projects in Jean Stark’s book?
I’ve made the pinched-loop, centerball single, and foldover chains.
The centerball single was the hardest for me, because any variation
in the size of the balls is very noticeable in the chain.

About torches: My Bernzomatic microtorch sprung a leak and needs
replacing. I, too, am not ready for a grown-up torch, but don’t want
to get the same microtorch. It was fine for fusing but barely hot
enough for melting.

From the July 2003 issue of Lapidary Journal: “When the only demand
on the torch is soldering small items, then most of the hand-held,
self-starting torches like the Micro-Jet MJ-300 ($20) and the Blazer
Butane Microtorch ($56) will do the job. These inexpensive mini and
micro single-gas torches produce a pinpoint 2500?F flame powered by
readily available butane.”

The Pro Torch PT-220 (http://www.pro-iroda.com/pt220.htm) is tabletop
version of Micro-Jet, plus the flame is adjustable (MSRP $59). I’ve
never seen a review of this torch but it’s on sale for $33.25 (at
http://www.awrtools.com)–what the heck, I’m going to try it out.

Janet