Welcome to Episode 14 of our micro welding series! Today, we’ll unleash your creativity with a micro welder to craft a stunning stamped initial signet ring from wire, perfectly sized for a size 7 finger. Follow along as I walk you through each step of the process, from measuring and cutting the wire to finishing the ring with a professional touch.
Step 1: Measuring and Cutting the Wire
Accurately measure your wire using a size chart. For a size 7 ring, the circumference is 54.5 cm, but we’ll round up to 55 cm to ensure a perfect fit. Use flush cutters to cut the wire to the desired length.
Step 2: Shaping and Flattening the Wire
To prepare for stamping, we need to flatten a portion of the wire. If your wire is wonky, a simple hack is to tap it while rolling to straighten it out. Focus on flattening the middle part where you’ll stamp your initial. If you prefer a different shape, adjust the flattening process accordingly.
Step 3: Stamping Your Initials
Position your letter stamp on the flattened part of the wire. Ensure the stamp is facing the right direction and apply even pressure to get a clear impression. Remember, handmade items have a unique charm, so don’t worry about perfection—embrace the natural beauty of your work.
Step 4: Forming the Ring
To start forming your stamped initial ring, bend the wire around a ring sizer to form a perfect circle. If you don’t have a ring sizer, use an object with the same diameter as your finger. Use pliers to adjust the wire ends, making sure they meet flush.
Step 5: Welding the Seam
Set your Orion Impulse 30 welder to 20 Watts power. Position the wire ends and weld them together for a strong, seamless bond. If you’re using a different wire gauge or metal, adjust the power settings accordingly. I’ve created a video and chart on optimal power settings for various metals, which you can find linked in this post.
Step 6: Finishing Touches for your Stamped Initial Ring
File down any rough edges and brush the front of the ring for a satin finish. If you forgot to turn on the argon gas, you might need to do a bit more cleaning. A metal file works best for smoothing out the weld area.
Tools and Materials Used
- 16 gauge (1.3 mm) Sterling silver wire
- Orion Impulse 30 welder
- Flush cutters
- Letter stamps
- Ring sizer
- Metal files
Stamped Initial Ring Result
By following this guide, you’ll gain confidence in using your micro welder and create beautiful, custom stamped initial ring for your favourite jewelry pieces. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jeweler, these tips and techniques will elevate your craftsmanship.
Don’t forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest tutorials and product reviews!
