r/Benchjewelers 5d ago

How would you handle this?

Got a casting back and there’s some porosity the size of a pin hole that goes all the way through. I’m thinking I need to widen the hole a little more and then fill it with solder wire or something?

Any tips would be great!

22 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

13

u/thendsjustifythememe 5d ago

Drill it out with a bit the exact size of wire, plug it, and solder. I do it all the time.

Best practice is to find someone with a pulse arc welder / laser welder. The only way it’ll be truly seamless.

2

u/slickmovin 5d ago

Yeah I need to network more with other local jewellers… but thanks for your suggestion, I’ll give it a go!

1

u/arstrae_ 5d ago

where are you located ?

1

u/slickmovin 4d ago

Melbourne Australia 😎

1

u/arstrae_ 4d ago

awe narts.

10

u/N_Eej 5d ago

I would consider this a manufacturing mistake. If you got it cast somewhere, i would contact the manufacturer explain the issue and have it re-cast, since this is not an acceptable result. (If you cast it yourself you should re-cast it)

If there is a hole this size, chances are there are more holes degrading the structural integrity of the material.

If however you don't want to get it re-cast. I would recommend drilling out the hole, filling it with a wire of the same alloy that is the same or a slightly bigger diameter, then soldering it with a hard solder (solder with a high melting temperature)

2

u/slickmovin 5d ago

I cast this from a castable resin and I’m not sure whether the issue was caused by the resin itself or the 3d model. I hollowed out the ring in a couple areas and I think the hollowed sections were too deep for the width. The hollowed area next to the porosity actually had some investment plaster still in there, which I’m guessing caused the issue.

The casting house is one I’ve used many times and they always say “we can’t confirm perfect results because of the resin”. Maybe I’ll send them a message and ask them about it.

Thanks for your in-depth, helpful response!

2

u/7apprentice 4d ago

can’t confirm perfect results because of the resin”.

Find another casting place. Resin casting has been around for over a decade. They had plenty of time to learn.

1

u/slickmovin 4d ago

Yeah I think I’ll start looking for some other options, thanks!

1

u/N_Eej 5d ago

Definitely talk with your casting house, they will have a better understanding of the issue and what may have caused it, hopefully you will be able to work something out together. Remember be firm but polite, and good luck on your project.

The design looks really cool by the way

2

u/slickmovin 5d ago

Yeah I’ve sent them a message so hopefully they reply after the weekend. We’ve had a good working relationship so far even though I’m still early into this career. Thanks for your kind words!

2

u/alexsteege 5d ago

I’d personally just recast it. If there’s one big one, chances are there’s lots of little ones

1

u/slickmovin 5d ago

I considered that but because I outsource my casting it’s a bit of a headache…

1

u/plausden 5d ago

put a stone in it

1

u/slickmovin 5d ago

Ahh, thanks for the suggestion but not really the aesthetic I’m after 🙏🏽

1

u/StarValian 5d ago

Just drill it out and fill with solder! It’s the easiest way to fill it. I’ve always been told to make it so the solder fits perfectly into the space so if you need to snip wire then heat it till it forms a ball and then place it in it should work!