Two years ago I worked with a jeweller who had a solder "machine"
that can only be compared to a welding machine. Basically put it was
a home made transformer supplied by 220 volts (standard European
voltage), and had a positive and negative cable coming out it. On
the negative cable he had a small carbon rod (like the central core
of a battery) filed flat. The positive cable had a pair of crocodile
clips attached. And of course all this was controlled by the foot
pedal.
Now for the operation: Same preparation for resizing a ring, but
after fluxing and getting the solder ready, the solder was placed on
the carbon rod, the ring clamped in the clips, and hey presto, a
solder joint perfectly in less than 2 seconds. The benefits were
great: any stones or pearls didn’t need extra attention (the heat was
very focused in one area). Cleaning up afterwards was minimal (it got
to a stage I could clean up with an emery stuck and a quick
polish…). Downside was that too long could melt the ring, but who
hasn’t done that when repairing?
Does anyone know how to build one (including the health and safety
stuff… ) or where I can buy something along these lines. As I
said, after doing repairs using this, I don’t want to go back to using a torch…
Hello Jason There is a machine available like you describe at Rio
Grande page 350 of the 2001 catalogue. It is called the Electric
Soldering Machine part # 503-135.
I have a used one that I got from an estate sale I am selling for
$75.00 if interested. I am in Canada and you would be responsible for
shipping. If interested contact me offline please.
Karen Bahr “the Rocklady” (@Rocklady) K.I.S. Creations
May your gems always sparkle.
Interesting that you mention this. I’ve been looking at stuff like
this myself lately.
This is called Resistance Welding or Spot Welding. Jewelers call it
a fusion welder.
I’ve seen one in the Frei and Borrel catalog.
I wouldn’t recomend you trying to construct it without some
experience with electronics, especially high voltage electronics.
The power involved can very easily kill you if you shock yourself
with one. Definately enough to give you severe burns and/or stop
your heart. Anything that has enough juice to melt metal is best
treated with lots of respect.
Basicly, we are talking about a power source that turns 220 v and
converts the current down to 4v and a crapload of amps, on the order
of several hundered, using a either a transformer, a capacitor, or
both.
Two years ago I worked with a jeweller who had a solder
"machine" that can only be compared to a welding machine. Does
anyone know how to build one (including the health and safety
stuff... ) or where I can buy something along these lines.
It’s an electric soldering machine and several places still sell
them, including Indian Jewelers Supply out of Gallup, NM.
The unit you speak of was made by procraft. They are out of new
jersey. I believe I might have a drawing please supply address and I
will see if I can help you
Andy “The Tool Guy” Kroungold
Sales/ Tools and Technical
Stuller Inc.
337-262-7700 ext. 4194
337-262-7791 fax andy_kroungold@stuller.com
Does anyone know how to build one (including the health and safety
stuff... ) or where I can buy something along these lines. As I
said, after doing repairs using this, I don't want to go back to
using a torch...
The '03 Rio Grande catalog has several models on pgs 354 and 355. The
prices vary from $3900 to $235 as well as the features I suppose. I
would also be interested in these welder’s capabilities…I would
love to purchase one for soldering or preferably fusing jump rings
for chain making. Are these capable of fusing Fine and or Sterling? I
am just starting out again after many years away and I cannot afford
the $3900 model and the “Hot Spot” Jump ring soldering machine seems
to be only suitable for solder filled rings. The $235 version is
closer to my spending limits, but I have no idea if it would work well
for fusing, and/or soldering many, many, (etc.) loops for chain
making.
Probably best to buy one from on eof the jewellery supply houses.
although the principle is simple, the details are not quite so
straightforward. In use you are, in effect, making a direct short
circuit across the output, and most electrical equipment doesn’t
like that, so particular design features are called for.
Having said all that, before I bought a second-hand commercial unit
I did do some searching to see what was involved in home building.
As usual, the answer is out there on the net … take a look at what
the folk who build small scale railway models from etched brass use,
for instance. Make use of the search engines, "resistance soldering"
would be a fair search phrase for starters.
Incidentally, this is a soldering process, quite different from
spot welding! –