Metalsmithing and Bench Tips Chat

[Joyfulcrow]

A source of traditional bench jewelry techniques, tips, and discussions.

Also there are similar discussions here:
At Etsy's most relaxed lounge for stone and metalwork,

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7412/lapidarium-bar-and-grille

or for specific gem ID and metal issues seek:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7453/mis-named-stones-and-metals-discussion

See also ....

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7385/techniques-materials/discuss/6774769/page/1/

[Lapidarious]

Yes, ask ask ask away all!!!!

[Former_Member]

Well, I'll christen this thread with a question...
I am trying to ball 20g gold filled wire, with no luck. Tried little butane torch and the big propane torch. It doesn't seem like it's melting evenly, if that makes sense. I don't get nice round balls, I get weird pointy balls. Any tips?

[hennesseyjewelry]

I'll be around and asking lots of questions. Sometimes I might even know the answer to other folks questions, too :-)

[hennesseyjewelry]

Stacey, I don't think that you can ball gold filled wire. The brass (I'm assuming a brass base) on the inside has a melting point of 900-940 or so, while the 14K on the outside melts at 1550, so it doesn't seem like it would be able to melt evenly. One of the more experienced metalsmiths might have advice.

[ChrissiLynnDesigns]

Hello over here...so many threads...so little time :)

Barney...posting a lapidary question on the other thread...

[Lapidarious]

Stacy, Michele nailed it. the brass is hard to melt and create a ball in the atmosphere, and the 14 k on the surface and whatever base plate alloy will also interfere.

[Lapidarious]

Heres this too...
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7782/lapidarious-promotional-team

[kitkingdesigns]

Stacey, it's melting at two different temperatures because it's two different metals. Sorry.

[Former_Member]

Well, I am having a "duh" moment now. ;P Thanks for the responses.

[Former_Member]

I'll ask a question! (Can I ask it here? Or do I need to go over there?) Is there a way to patinate aluminum?

[Lapidarious]

Aluminum is quite reactive, but responds to its own oxides the best and these are applied electrically, its called anodizing. I think it can be chemically dulled, but I dont think colored. A google search may reveal more.

[ChrissiLynnDesigns]

Ok...where the heck did this "leader" tag come from????!!!??? What the heck?

[hennesseyjewelry]

Barney, they made everyone who posts in T&M a leader. You have to go to the T&M members page and find yourself. There should be a little spot next to your name where you can un-leader.

[kitkingdesigns]

I just bought a book on coloring anodized aluminum--Anodized by Clare STiles. You can buy anodized aluminum and she has numberous ways to color it.

http://www.amazon.com/Anodized-Brilliant-Designs-Aluminum-Jewelry/dp/1600595200/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s...

[hennesseyjewelry]

I'm such a dunce, I meant that response about the leader thingie to be to Chrissi. Seems that I confuse easily today.

[Lapidarious]

21 to 10 at the half green bay, says the Wisconsin boy

[AlexSharDesigns]

This was an easy one to catch up on! :D

[Former_Member]

Lapidarius:
Aluminum is quite reactive, but responds to its own oxides the best and these are applied electrically, its called anodizing. I think it can be chemically dulled, but I dont think colored. A google search may reveal more.
-----------

Thanks. Chemically dulling or darkening it is all I want actually, just something that makes it look old. It's a hardware store aluminum tube I want to use for a dollhouse stove chimney.

[Lapidarious]

Well, I know leaving it outside for a year will do it.
but without that try a mild acid, or alkali to dull it. I say mild because I believe aluminum is pretty fast reacting.

[ChrissiLynnDesigns]

Thanks Bowers!

[Lapidarious]

Morning! Off to the post office then home to the Lapidary shop today.

[Former_Member]

Jax has a chemical formula for 'blackening' aluminum. Never used it, seen it at my local metalsmith BM shop.

[Former_Member]

I've done zero research to this question prior to asking, so forgive me!

Can you solder sterling to stainless steel? Can I polish stainless steel with my regular tripoli/roughes/zam?

Thanks in advance.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I am interested in learning how to sweat solder. Can someone give me some tips on the best way to sweat solder a fine silver piece to a copper bangle?