laser welders,” deJonghe said. “They are very expensive and it took us a while to pull the trigger and buy one. You have to weigh the cost with expanding your marketability as a jeweler and repair shop. We’ve made some pretty awesome pieces of jewelry with it. We’ve also been able to do some major jewelry restorations through the use of the laser.” Fisher said the laser welding machine is a mainstream, marketable service for jewelers, and if a shop owner can perform maintenance on the machine him or herself, it is a wonderful investment. If a shop has a welding machine, it differentiates the jeweler from others because it allows that shop to make repairs beyond jewelry, from key fobs to antique silverware. This service brings in new clientele, and carries a higher price tag for the specialty services. The main advantage of the laser welding machine over traditional jewelers’ torches is the heat consideration. Stones sensitive to heat can’t stand high temperatures, and the laser weld provides a precise, localized pinpoint of heat that greatly reduces the risk of damage to jewelry being repaired or created. The machine makes it easier to do more thorough repairs without removing detailed pieces. Fisher said that this was “hands down the best part of the technology.” Efficiency in Repair Fisher explained that a large portion of a jeweler’s day is spent repairing people’s jewelry with laser welding. 50 WELDING JOURNAL / MARCH 2016 Fig. 3 — A — Dennis deJonghe’s “Ammolite Awl” showpiece was laser welded together to protect the heatsensitive ammolite stone (left). B — To prepare his pendant, deJonghe laid out the two design elements on the glue side of wide silver tape, which allowed him to adjust and fit the large round fire opal into the opening between the pieces. C — deJonghe used the laser to tack weld the pieces together while silver tape maintained the piece’s alignment. D — The braces on the top and bottom of the piece were only used until the center section was completed and soldered into place. Then they were cut away. E — At this stage, deJonghe checked the layout with the jewels in their bevels. It was critical that the correct spacing and angle of the two side elements allowed the center design section to fit properly. (Photo © Evan deJonghe.) A B C D E
Welding Journal | March 2016
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