Online Laser Welder Academy

In this introduction video, Paul from Freeform Fabrication explains that he will cover the basics of laser welding like jump rings, bolt rings in gold and silver using the DaDo 2.0 laser welding.

In this video, you will learn:
How to set up the DaDo 2.0 laser welding machine
How to laser weld ju...

Timeline
Skip Intro - [00:15]
Close up the jump ring and make it as flush as possible [00:40].
Increase the power of the laser machine until you get action on the bolt ring [00:53].
Optionally, use a black marker pen on the inside of the ring, which acts like a flux [01:13].
Adjust the power as n...

Timeline

Skip Intro - [00:15}
First, close the jump ring so it is flush, without any gaps [00:25].
Start at the lowest power setting on the laser [00:52].
Increase the power incrementally, testing adjacent to the joint to observe the action on the ring [00:52].
Once you see action, you'll know w...

Timeline

First, ensure the ring is as flush as possible for a better and quicker job [00:32]
Start with the lowest power setting on the laser [00:49].
Fire a shot on the body of the ring, away from the joint, until you get action [00:57].
Increase the power in small increments [01:20].
Shoot the...

Timeline

Skip Intro [00:15]
First, close up the joint, ensuring it is as flush as possible [00:25].
Start with the lowest power setting on the laser [00:43].
Shoot the first laser shot onto the thickest part of the jump ring [00:54].
Move over to join the ring [01:05].
Shoot the first shot to t...

Timeline

Skip intro [00:15]

Preparation
Set up the chamber and microscope [00:35].
Hook the pendant inside the chamber [00:35].
Ensure the jump ring is flush [00:43].

Testing and adjusting power
Start with the lowest power setting on the laser machine [00:57].
Increase the power incrementally ...

Timeline

Skip intro [00:15]

Preparation: 
You can either file the jump ring flat and flush fit it to the pendant, or leave gaps for infilling with gold, which adds strength [00:50].

Positioning:
Use microscopes in the chamber to position the jump ring [01:24].
Adjust it until you are happy wit...

In module two of the Freeform Online Laser Welding Academy's online course. In this module, you will learn how to repair a variety of chains, including curb chains and trace chains, in gold and silver. Paul will be using the DaDo 2.0 laser welding machine to demonstrate the process.

First, ensure the joint is flush [00:28].

Start with the laser power as low as possible [00:49].

Increase the power in small increments until you see action on the link [00:55].

Shoot either side of the joint, not directly into it [01:31].

"Jump" the gold over into the joint [01:39].

Turn th...

Timeline

Initial settings: 
Begin with a low power setting on the laser [00:46].

First shot: 
Direct the initial laser shot onto the body of the link, avoiding the joint [01:00].

Adjust power:
Fine-tune the power setting based on the action observed. If it's too strong, reduce it slightly [01:...

Timeline

Flush join:
First, ensure the link is as flush as possible [00:25].

White/ Blu tack:
Then, push the chain into white tack to be hands-free [00:46].

Black marker pen:
Mark it up with a black marker pen to help it flush nicely [01:03].

Power:
Start at the lowest power level and work ...

Timeline

Flush link:
First, ensure the link is flush [00:27].

Blu tack:
Use blue tack and your left thumb to secure the chain, exposing the link [00:40].

Power:
Start with the laser at the lowest power setting [01:04].
Increase the power in increments [01:09].

Firing the laser:
Fire the laser...

Infilling using laser wire - Infilling with a laser welder and wire allows jewellers to seamlessly fill gaps, repair cracks, or restore worn areas with precision without damaging delicate details.

Timeline

Low Power:
Start your laser welding machine at the lowest power setting [01:10].

Increase Power Incrementally: 
Gradually increase the power until you observe the metal beginning to react [01:10].

Apply Black Marker (Silver): 
If working with silver, apply a black marker pen to the ar...

Power:
Start by setting the laser power to zero [00:54].
Gradually increase the power until you see action on the cross itself [01:02]

First Shot: 
Aim the laser at a spot away from the area needing repair to test the action [01:02].

Infill gold wire:
Introduce gold to the area that needs to be...

Join Paul as he guides you through the process of rejoining and resizing gold and silver rings using infilling and laser wire with the DaDo 2.0 laser welder . You'll learn how to create smooth, durable joins and achieve a professional finish with ease and learn why a laser can be better than a fl...

Timeline

First, create a V-cut with an angle on the ring \[00:30].
The V should be knife-edged \[00:42].

Start at a low power setting and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired action \[00:50].
If it sounds "splatty", it's too hot, so decrease the power \[01:12].

Tack the ring to ...

Initial Attachment: Begin by attaching one side of the new gold section to the existing ring shank using a low power setting on the laser welder [00:28].

Second Side Attachment: Join the other side of the new section to the shank, ensuring a close and even fit [00:56].
Use pliers to adjust and ...

Timeline

Laser Settings and Preparation:
The video begins by establishing the appropriate power setting for the laser, emphasizing that silver requires more heat and technique than gold due to its heat conductivity \[00:26].
The laser's power is adjusted incrementally until the desired action i...

In this video, we cover a crucial tip to avoid weakening your work when welding. One of the most important things to remember is not to leave a "pocket"—a small gap formed as you melt the material. If you move past it without properly filling it in, it can create a weak point that may eventually ...

Using a laser welder instead of a flame for jewellery because it offers greater precision and control, reducing the risk of damaging delicate pieces and gemtones. Laser welding also produces cleaner welds, requiring less polishing and post-weld cleaning.

In module five, we'll cover re-clawing and re-tipping rings with gold and silver. We'll also show you how to work around and protect stones, so there's no need to remove them—using the DaDo 2.0.

Timeline

Protecting the Stone:
For beginners, covering the stone with blue tack is suggested for protection \[00:35].
However, with more confidence, this may not be necessary \[00:45].

Preparing the Wire:
A recess is cut into the claw, and a flattened wire is fitted flush onto it \[01:43].
At...

Timeline:

First, a piece of wire is prepared and flattened to fit into the ring's recess \[00:30].

The laser's power is adjusted to ensure it interacts correctly with the ring \[00:43].

The claw is attached to the setting by aiming the laser at the claw and pulling it onto the setting \[01:12]...

Finding the Correct Laser Power:
First, find the appropriate power level on the laser for the material being worked on. [00:45]

Adjusting the Power:
Once the initial power level is found, slightly reduce it to ensure controlled application. [01:02]

Adding Silver Material:
Apply silver to the to...

In module six, we'll be covering how to repair hollow and costume jewellery, which is more advanced, using the DaDo 2.0 laser welder.

Timeline:

Preparation:
Ensure the laser's power is at its lowest setting [00:37].
Use the infill wire as a guard to prevent damage to the hollow earring [00:45].
Attachment:
Use the smallest point setting on the laser [01:06].
Melt the wire onto the earring [00:51].
Infilling:
Work the melted go...

Timeline:

Power Control:
Begin by ensuring the laser power is not set too high to avoid making a hole in the earring. [00:36]

Wire Placement:
Carefully place the laser wire into the split groove of the earring, using the smallest point size on the laser. [00:43]

Laser Application:
Activate the...

Timeline:

Preparation:
Use the lowest power setting on the laser and gradually increase it until there's some action [00:41].

Filling the Split:
Use silver wire to fill the split [00:54].
Ensure the wire is in contact with the cuff link. Aim the laser at the silver wire, melting it into the spl...

In module 7,  we'll be covering how to repair damage to watches and straps made of stainless steel using the DaDo two laser welder.

Timeline:

Identify the issue:
The watch strap is made of base metal, likely stainless steel, and has a broken tab [00:28].

Prepare for repair:
The repair involves using a laser to reattach the broken tab [00:34].

Laser reattachment:
Take your time and ensure the correct position before firing ...

Timeline:

Prepare the material:
Use a piece of flattened stainless steel and cut it into strips or use laser wire to add material to the groove [00:48].

Apply the material:
Infill the material, starting with the lowest power setting [01:00].

Work the material: Once enough material is added, wo...

Timeline:

Initial Laser Application:
The presenter starts by using a laser on the lowest power and smallest spot size to check its effect on the pin [00:30].

Adding Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel, which was milled and tin snipped, is added to the pin and the hole to introduce more material [0...