Whether you want to get started with your jewelry-making hobby or grow your own custom craft business, learning the art of welding your pieces will be useful for you. Applying this skill will help add a whole new dimension to your pieces, making them more appealing. Here are three fundamental steps to the process.

How to Weld Jewelry

1. Prepare Working Area and Metal

Secure a clear area where you can perform the welding process uninterrupted. This can be your garage or any other exclusive space suitable for the delicate craft. Make sure that all your metalsmithing materials are prepared and easily accessible. 

Begin preparing the metal by placing it into the pickle (an acidic solution for cleaning metal) for a few minutes. Next, take them out using tweezers and place them carefully in a clean space in preparation for the process. 

2. Flux and Solder 

Solder is a low-melting alloy material that is used to fuse materials. On the other hand, the flux is a material that contributes to the effectiveness of the solder by increasing its wetting ability. 

Once you have prepared the metals to be welded together, it’s time to flux them using the material of your choice. It is often applied with a thin paintbrush. Then, begin placing the solder onto the metal using tweezers. Remember to place them into the areas where the metals will be joined. 

3. Torch and Quench 

After placing the solder, begin heating the metal evenly. Ensure that the entire piece is heated equally to control the flow of the solder. Moving the torch in a gentle circular motion is recommended. Continue this until the solder runs, then cool off after it has flowed accordingly.

Finally, it is time to pick up your created piece using a tweezer and drop them into water. You can opt to repeat the soldering process as needed and experiment with different materials until you find the best variety suited to your preferences. 

If you are interested in crafting beautiful jewelry pieces as a new welding hobby or a business venture, Wayne Oxygen & Welding Supply Co can support you. With their three locations in Waynesboro, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg, VA, they have supplied welders from different industries and businesses with high-quality welding supplies since 1959. Their extensive inventory carries products from Lincoln Electric Company® and Miller Electric Manufacturing®. To learn more about their welding products, call them today at (540) 942-4145 or visit them online.