Part 5 - Attaching silver jump ring to pendant
The Complete DaDo Online LWA: Module 1-7
•
5m 26s
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 until you see action on the jump ring [01:05].
Adjust the power as needed [01:30].
Using black marker pen
Apply a black marker pen to the silver jump ring to assist the laser, as the laser is attracted to black [01:40].
Use the marker pen like a flux [01:58].
Laser Welding
Position the first shot adjacent to the joint [02:05].
Use the initial weld as a starting point to continue welding around the joint \[02:18].
Infilling with silver wire
If there's a gap, use infilling to add silver to the joint [02:32].
Offer silver wire to the joint and apply the first shot at the end of the wire \[02:57].
This technique can also be used to strengthen the joint [03:52].
Smoothing and tidying
Smooth and tidy up the weld using the laser [04:11]
Change the spot bo size using the lever at the top of the chamber \[04:23].
Apply black marker pen again for smoothing [04:23].
Reason for Using Laser Over Flame
The laser results in less contamination and requires less finishing \[05:06].
The laser provides more control [05:15].
Tips and Tricks
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.
Fire next to the join - To achieve a strong and effective join, aim the laser just next to the joint rather than directly on it. This helps the metal flow over the seam, creating a better bond. Firing directly on the joint may not provide the desired fusion and could weaken the connection.
Fire onto the thicker part - Firing onto the jump ring in this situation helps prevent damage to the pendant and allows the infilling to happen without affecting the pendant.
Spot Size - At the top of the DaDo chamber, there’s a lever to adjust the laser spot size. A larger spot size reduces power but is ideal for smoothing tasks. Pull the lever closest to the machine for the smallest spot size, and closest to you for the largest.
Up Next in The Complete DaDo Online LWA: Module 1-7
-
Part 6 - Attaching gold jump ring to ...
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... -
Introduction to Module 2
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.
-
Part 1 - Gold figaro chain
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...