Novice Needs Direction - Trying to Get a Seamless Finish

admin

Hi everyone, I've got a question that I am hoping can be answered with some of your collective wisdom.I create and sell stainless steel jewelry...I create it by shaping stainless steel by hand into bezels (pieces are anywhere between 1/2" and 1") using 22 gauge flat stock sheet metal and solder it together with silver solder and a butane torch. I then file, where necessary and polish the piece to get the product to the final finished stage...even after all of this work, I am left with a seam where the pieces were put together.I am currently looking for a better/more efficient way to do this. I have been told that tig-welding may be the way to go. But, being fairly new to all of this I am not sure if this is true and do not want to dive into investing in something that will give me the same results I am currently getting.I would appreciate any advice/information you all are willing to share - thanks!
Reply:I've orbital welded stainless steel tubing as small as 1/8" ID. Those are about as close to "seamless" as a person could get. This is a DC, TIG (pulsed)  process using no filler metal.If you have not done any TIG before.... it's going to be difficult to start with the 22 gauge. You might check around and see if you can make a connection to anyone doing restaurant equipment (tables, work surfaces, sinks, spoons, etc.)... Those guys end up with "seamless" products all the time.Good Luck,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Thanks for the reply Hobo!. You are correct, sir i have never done any TIG before; but hey, there's a first time for everything!  In your expert opinion what is a good TIG welder for what in trying to accomplish?
Reply:Honestly if you just plan to use it for jewelry? I would look for a little hobby TIG. Shouldn't be to much money, smaller easier to control lower amps for small stuff.It will be harder and more work to file down the stainless compared tot he solder though. You would have to first start with a dremmel tool I would think.The TIG will take some practice but should be very useful for jewelry and stuff around the house.