electricmonk
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2011
Posts: 281
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Post by electricmonk on Dec 23, 2014 1:43:35 GMT -5
I have been watching a series of videos by a guy going by Filligreenus on YouTube.
He presents a type of silver/gold soldering/fusing that is markedly different than typical. He goes on to do exquisite enamel and filigree work.
Going to post a few videos to give a feel for it. The first video is him processing Chrysocolla in a way that eventually yields a liquid suspension that becomes the solder medium.
Really interested in doing this, wouldn't know if there is a low grade Chrysocolla that could be used or if what makes it desirable for this application is also what makes it expensive to purchase in rough form.
In any case, thanks for any input, I figured there are so many gurus on the board that someone was bound to have some interest/information.
Cheers!
Erik
PS if anyone would be interested in trying this out with me I am willing to try the process and ship some of the results after completion assuming its not cost prohibitive.
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Post by snowmom on Dec 23, 2014 5:45:50 GMT -5
interesting! watching closely.
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Dec 23, 2014 18:51:05 GMT -5
It's a fascinating technique, I'd be interested in giving it a try but the videos leave out several necessary details. I'm assuming he's working in fine silver, fairly heavy gauge. Not sure what karat gold, but it looks at least 14k...it would have to be fairly high karat. The chrysocholla "alchemy" wasn't something I care about too much; it seemed more drama than anything; looks like he's basically making a flux though. The technique of fusing, confirming and fusing over and over again is what caught my attention. The black and gold look of the finished piece was striking, reminiscent of Keum boo. I'm wondering if this can be done with base metals like copper and brass. I wouldn't want try gold until I was sure I knew what I was doing.
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electricmonk
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2011
Posts: 281
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Post by electricmonk on Dec 23, 2014 22:13:44 GMT -5
It's a fascinating technique, I'd be interested in giving it a try but the videos leave out several necessary details. I'm assuming he's working in fine silver, fairly heavy gauge. Not sure what karat gold, but it looks at least 14k...it would have to be fairly high karat. The chrysocholla "alchemy" wasn't something I care about too much; it seemed more drama than anything; looks like he's basically making a flux though. The technique of fusing, confirming and fusing over and over again is what caught my attention. The black and gold look of the finished piece was striking, reminiscent of Keum boo. I'm wondering if this can be done with base metals like copper and brass. I wouldn't want try gold until I was sure I knew what I was doing. Don, you bet, not willing to try on heavy gauge and certainly not gold, just don't have the funds. My understanding of the use of the Chrysocolla was his attempt to reinvigorate older techniques. If I am following his dialog correctly, the flux mixture he is making prevents scaling or oxidation of any sort. Really talented guy if you dig into his video's and home page a bit. Cheers
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Post by Rockoonz on Dec 25, 2014 15:34:23 GMT -5
Interesting, I wonder if the techniques would work to make Mokume Gane. Sadly, I don't have the koi pond, or the kitty cat to pass under my soldering station at that critical moment.
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alan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 111
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Post by alan on Dec 26, 2014 11:33:36 GMT -5
I was watching the same videos and his work has inspired me quite a bit! The use of chrysocolla stems from research in the technique of granulation. It can be used in higher carat gold work along with silver. I stumbled across his videos while researching the same technique after seeing gold granulation work in the Houston museum of natural science... The exhibit was a few years back but after some initial success working with silver, I became inspired to try and learn more..
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electricmonk
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2011
Posts: 281
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Post by electricmonk on Dec 26, 2014 12:52:48 GMT -5
I was watching the same videos and his work has inspired me quite a bit! The use of chrysocolla stems from research in the technique of granulation. It can be used in higher carat gold work along with silver. I stumbled across his videos while researching the same technique after seeing gold granulation work in the Houston museum of natural science... The exhibit was a few years back but after some initial success working with silver, I became inspired to try and learn more.. Do you know of an "off the shelf" substitute for the Chrysocolla solution by chance? Also, is there a possibility of doing the same in base metals such as Copper or Brass that you know of? Thanks!
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Post by Rockoonz on Dec 26, 2014 14:11:32 GMT -5
Copper and brass theoretically should be easier since they have copper as the main ingredient, The concern I would have would be the amount of lead in the brass and adequate ventilation.
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alan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 111
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Post by alan on Dec 26, 2014 14:48:54 GMT -5
I think this works with silver and gold because of the high resistance to oxidation... If you could coat the copper or brass or work with it in a reducing environment, it should in theory work..
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alan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 111
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Post by alan on Dec 26, 2014 15:16:37 GMT -5
If you can identify the specific copper salt that is produced by burning chrysocolla, then a commercial product could be mass produced. The production from chrysocolla does look pretty straight forward though
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