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Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3DMicro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33236&th=6224#msg_33236
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.
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.
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.
note to self: next project... suitable casing for micro welding iron]]>stop4stuff2011-08-24T18:01:18-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33248&th=6224#msg_33248
Let me know if anyone needs one of the welding irons. I can get them reasonable at the local craft store, since I can often get a 40% - 50% off coupon, which in turn makes the postage less killer.]]>dhawktx2011-08-24T18:55:18-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33289&th=6224#msg_33289
Exscellent tool!
I've been searching through the link you've posted but couldn't find the micro welding tool. Could you post a direct link to the specific page?
And... a UK version (I've used this company before for mail order and they are pretty good)
]]>stop4stuff2011-08-25T10:36:22-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33306&th=6224#msg_33306
Paul: You SO Rock!
I was hoping there were other versions of the tool out there but couldn't seem to find the right search terms. Am so glad to know that I can get extra tips...mine is a bit crusty already and I was worrying that I'd have to buy a whole other tool. I'd recommend going ahead and ordering several replacement tips when you get yours.
That one overpriced one? I wonder how many she's ever sold at that price?
The hauberk is coming along nicely. I've filled in a few places with hand knit linking, good practice but tedious. I will wind up using just about every scrap of links from the $25.08 US order.
Here's some piccies of the WIP hauberk being modeled by it's intended recipient, Jack (yes, my work areas are a mess):
Jack and hauberk 4 by dhawktx1, on Flickr]]>dhawktx2011-08-25T13:44:56-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33307&th=6224#msg_33307
Daniel
]]>DOC 22011-08-25T15:08:54-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33312&th=6224#msg_33312
Jack's hauberk is coming on very nicely indeed!
From the photos, I am finding it hard to believe that the maille is WSF... your colouring skills are awesome!
@Daniel (DOC 2)
The key search phrase seems to be thread burner - 'thread sealer' comes up with all sorts of loctite & similar products for sealing nut & bolts. The UK one I linked to is made/distributed by a US company called Beadsmith.
Paul]]>stop4stuff2011-08-25T17:12:52-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33313&th=6224#msg_33313
And all because I didn't read up on the dye threads first! LOL!
]]>dhawktx2011-08-25T17:18:25-00:00Re: Micro Welding WSF
http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=33349&th=6224#msg_33349
Yes, under that name I've found it.
(I've used this company before for mail order and they are pretty good)
