Today I’m going to teach you how to weld a permanent bracelet. This technique is the same if you are welding an anklet or necklace.
Lets start with the tools you’ll need!
Two Pairs of Pliers (my favorite here), Chain Cutters, Safety Patch, Dremel, Orion Welder, Chain, Jump Rings, Safety Glasses, and Magnifying Glass
First, you’ll need to fit the chain to your clients wrist. Let’s say this is the chain they selected. You’ll wrap it around their wrist and pick a spot to link your jump ring. This takes a little practice but I have a pretty good idea now what most customers like. You want it to move on their wrist but not hang over the palm of their hand. This could feel like it’s getting in the way or could get caught on something. Before closing the jump ring I like to ask my client how it feels size wise and they will typically say they love it or know for sure they like their bracelets to fit a little tighter or looser. I make any necessary adjustments and close the jump ring so they can get a better feel and move their wrist without the chain falling off.
Cut the chain – just make sure you don’t cut into the bracelet links.
Next, I take my favorite pliers…these are by far my favorite because of the narrow tips which make it easier to grip your tiny jump ring. Over the years I’ve tried tons of pliers and these are the best! I then grab my jump ring with one pair of pliers close to the seam of the jump ring. You’ll want to make sure your jump ring is closed as flush as possible (see my other video on opening/closing jump rings) so you get a proper weld.
Then, you can take your alligator clip (which acts as a ground for the Orion welder) and clip it directly onto the pliers – another reason why I love these pliers!
I take my second set of pliers and get the jump ring into position to weld.
Settings: I typically set my power to 7 Jouls on my Orion for Sterling Silver, Gold Filled and Solid Gold and aim to weld with one spark. This can be different for everyone and vary by welder so play around until you find your sweet spot.
I protect my customers wrist with a leather patch before I weld.
I aim my electrode to touch directly on top of the seam. Most of the time I go in at a slight angle and let the electrode work its magic. You want to make sure you hold the electrode on the jump ring until there is a spark, then pull away. Otherwise you’ll hear the welder beep letting you know to try again. (demonstrate this to hear it)
I brush any firescale away with the fiberglass pen. Firescale is the black soot on the jump ring.
If it doesn’t weld, some things to consider:
Is the jump ring closed flush?
Do you need to adjust your settings?
I have no problem in telling my client that I didn’t like they way it welded, and start over again. Your client will appreciate that.
Charms
Now if your client has chosen to add on a charm, I like to add it to the jump ring I welded. If they are adding more than one I will lay it on their wrist to get their feedback on how they want the charms spaced.
Let’s say your customer wants to add a connector. These take a little more time but are so pretty! First, you’ll connect the jump ring to one side of the connector. Weld. Then size it to your customers wrist and weld the other side. That’s it!
You can shop all the products you saw in the video at AGJewelrySupplyCo.com.
Watch my YouTube tutorial here.