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Micro Welding WSF [message #33236] Wed, 24 August 2011 15:44 UTC Go to previous message
avatar dhawktx is currently offline dhawktx
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Registered: March 2011
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I'm working with stop4stuff's mini chain maille on a 1:5 scale hauberk project, and dealing with current printing size constraints it's taking about 4 sheets to provide the basic units for the hauberk.

I was trying to figure out the best technique for fusing the links back together during assembly, and not really interested in having my face over curing super glue for hours, when I remembered my thread fuser from my beadwork tools. It is essentially a micro soldering iron that runs on a single AA battery and gets quite hot, very quickly, then just as quickly cools down. It is an American product readily available in the US via craft stores, eBay and Amazon, though I've not found it (yet) on any EU sites.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_arts-crafts?_encoding=UTF8 &node=2617941011&field-brandtextbin=Bead%20Buddy]

A short application of the heated tip is sufficient to melt the open edge. Pressing the edges together results in a near instant bond and there is just enough time to tap down any spiky bit before it cools too much.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6076377141_238f8b93a6_z.jpg
tip of thread fuser by dhawktx1, on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6076912860_88bb546809.jpg
sheet with pen and fuser for scale by dhawktx1, on Flickr

After working about halfway through the project, I've developed my technique to the point that I can weld the cut loop back together almost invisibly. Note that, in the sample below the bottom left has a completely hand welded chunk approx five rows tall by 20 rows wide.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6076375493_a37ce99730.jpg
sheet closeup 1 by dhawktx1, on Flickr
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