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Welded the Proper Way

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Categories: Instruction and information; Jewelry

Word count/read time: 490 words; 2 minutes

Every industry cycles through buzzwords. Welding is the next one in chainmaille. Advanced joining techniques like welding, soldering, and brazing are the only way to transform chains or maille into legitimate jewelry.

Jewelry demands superior welds that are neither visible nor detectable through sight or touch. It requires exemplary construction techniques (no gaps or misaligned edges) and quality materials (no damaged, pinch-cut, nipper-cut, or machine-sheared rings). Most chainmaillers neglect these fundamental chainmaking principles so welding fixes the disfigured rings in their unsavory positions, a lasting testament to their laziness and menial skill.

Cheap tabletop spot welders are a bargain at ~$200. They are a piece of crap - I own one so I speak from experience. You are a poser, a joker, absolutely pathetic if that's all you use. Even when each join is welded from multiple sides or angles there will still be gaps and places to gash flesh and snag clothing. It will be ugly, distracting, and weak, a weld only in the literal sense but preferred among the untalented.

When used without shielding gas, which is the norm since regulators and gas hookups are costly, and not cleaned before welding (too much effort for the wannabes) its penetration, strength, and aesthetics are further compromised. There will be significant structural and functional issues, too. Oxidation, scale, discoloration, porosity...the list goes on. Using inferior tools on a substandard assembly will always make junk. Simply, welding doesn't improve quality on its own.

Those who practice these ugly, incomplete welds have the privilege of saying they weld their products. It's a placebo because they have ignored the most crucial metric in jewelry: pleasing aesthetics. Manufacturing glorified barbed wire is unpraiseworthy but at least their customers get ""welded"" chains. And the seller gets to brag about how super duper awesomely awesome they are!

Aside from some fusion welds, which are the best and most challenging, proper welding techniques use shielding gas and a filler metal. They require much more skill and money than all but the most dedicated artisans are capable or willing to do.

Precious metal chains are too weak and worth little more than scrap value without properly welded or soldered links. It's an expensive and over-priced novelty, not bonafide jewelry. Those who ignore this requirement will say the exact opposite. What do you think they'll tell you to sell their products...the truth?! It's what separates real jewelry and honest, skilled artists from everyone and everything else.

Many will disagree with the facts stated above because getting your money takes precedence over quality and truth. Is any price good if you're deceived into purchasing inferior products under dubious circumstances? Captain Obvious says look elsewhere.

A discriminating buyer will quickly discover there are no buzzwords here. I've been welding my chains flawlessly since the beginning and it's all I've known. There is a difference and I invite you to see for yourself. Better yet, close your eyes and feel perfection personified!

Posted by M: November 17, 2021

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