I got my new torch !!!

I found out a while back that Bernzomatic makes a nice mini torch.   The ST900D is a mini torch with a 4 foot hose.  It has a regulator on the gas bottle and a control knob on the handle.  It should be perfect for welding small pieces, and I should be able to hold like a pencil.  This should give me better maneuverability when soldering.

I could not find a Canadian distributor, so I had to order it from the US... fortunately my good friend Maggie, played middle men, and forwarded the torch from the American vendor.

Many Thanks Maggie !!!

I can't wait to try it out !  It just happens that I have some welding to do on the ring that I started a few weeks ago. ;-)

Stay tuned for comments on the torch !

Starting on a new ring...

I made it back into the shop today, I started on a new ring.  

The band is in four sections.  2 long lengths of brass and 2 very short pieces of silver.

The parts are welded together and form a band that will be 1/4" in width.

• I started by flattening a bar of brass to the desired thickness, then cut two lengths from it.
  
• I then flattened a short piece of silver to the same thickness and cut two pieces from it.
  
• I annealed the brass lengths, then shaped them around the ring mandrel.
• I straightened and cleaned-up the ends of the brass and silver pieces to get them ready for soldering.
• I made up a temporary jig with tweezers and by carving a fire brick to hold the silver and brass pieces in position for soldering.
• I fluxed the parts and welded the 2 silver pieces onto one of the brass length.
• After cleaning the parts again, I fluxed the other brass length and welded it to the other half of the band.
• It took a bit of reshaping on the ring mandrel after the welding.  I took the opportunity to give a hammered texture to the ring.

That's it for now...