11a Is Argon Gas Necessary for Welding with the Orion Micro Welder - Free Permanent Jewelry Training

Is Argon gas necessary to weld successfully with the Orion Micro Welder? Does the use of argon gas eliminate oxidation and fire scale as promised by the manufacturer?
This video shares a comprehensive product review of the argon gas feature for the Orion Micro Welder, and discusses more specifically, welding permanent bracelets.
The points discussed are:
-what is argon gas
-what is argon gas supposed to do for welding
-how much will a regulator, argon gas tank, refill cost
-how difficult is the argon gas and regulator to set up
-how effective is argon gas welding on different metals and surfaces
-a comparison welding of silver and gold filled, rings and patterned chains, with and without the argon gas
-cleaning hack if you don't want to buy the argon gas
Full Disclosure:
About us: Stones And Findings is a wholesaler of premium jewellery components. We supply many stores that weld permanent bracelets. Our chains and components are high quality well made (all 925 silver chains are made in Italy and gold filled chains are American).
You can shop our extensive collection online at wholesale prices by first creating an account (you do not need a business license). You will get instant access to prices and shopping cart at the bottom of this page:stonesandfindi...
Note on Micro Welder I have used in this video:
Orion Micro Welder mPulse 30 is made by Sunstone Engineering, in the USA. Stones And Findings is a premier licensed distributor for Orion Micro Welders.
You can purchase it here 👉 bit.ly/orion-m...
FREE SHIPPING in USA and Canada ✈️
🌎 If you are located elsewhere, you can email me and I'll find the licensed reseller in your country.
Here's a link to the argon gas regulator - pepetools.com/...
They are about US$140-$160 ea
I bought my tank and refilled the argon gas at Linde Canada (formerly Praxair) - they have locations throughout USA, but I think local welding supply stores would have argon.
The 19L Tank is approx US$350 and refill of argon gas is about $85.
Please let me know what you think of this video and whether you have a trick of using the argon gas to completely eliminate oxidation (fire scales) when welding using the Orion Micro Welder.

[@motherofhellaphants]

I have a degree in welding & metal fabrication. Yes, you can weld metal together without gas but I can guarantee you 100% that your weld will not last as long as if cover gas is used. It should ALWAYS be necessary as a tool in general when welding, but especially if you are investing a lot of money into a high quality luxury product. You will never be able to clean your metal enough to prevent contamination & porosity the way argon does. It is an extra expense, but what's the point in pouring all of your time & money into it if youre not going to complete it the absolute CORRRECT WAY. Please use cover gas for your business & if you're getting permanent jewelry, please go to someone who uses argon with their welding process. It's the proper way to perform welding.. and to all of the "trainers" who say it isn't necessary genuinely have no idea how welding really works. All they are doing is pressing a button.

[@motherofhellaphants]

Also, cover gas won't completely eliminate oxidation, but the weld will be performed properly for quality & longevity. Welders still need to clean welds if their is oxidation.

[@stonesandfindings]

Thank you for this thorough explanation, Ruby. Can you let us know why and how argon gas affects the longevity of the weld?

[@motherofhellaphants]

@stonesandfindings argon works best for non-ferrous & precious metals.. It protects the weld from elements like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor which will contaminate the weld. This can lead to oxidation, corrosion, or weakening of the weld. In the industry of permanent jewelry, I've noticed jewlers do not always use proper technique or tools to sharpen their tungsten and clean their material which will only contaminate the weld site. I understand it's basically impossible to see the inside of a precious metal weld on a tiny jump ring or link, but I can guarantee that there is porosity & contamination if gas isn't being used. Yes, it'll stick without argon but if the fusion was tested properly I'd put my money on the argon shielded weld vs the weld where no cover gas was used at all and if I'm paying between $75 & $300 for a bracelet, I'd make sure argon was being used. I'm sure in time more jewlers will see how important it is even for a spot weld because a weld, not matter how long or tiny needs to be done properly to last.

[@cjohnson913]

I'm researching this for my wife. I understand welding. I do a little bit myself. I'm trying to wrap my head around the concept of not using shielding gas, but I can't. It just doesn't make any sense not to. Trying to weld steel and forgetting to turn the gas on ends up with a weld that looks like swiss cheese. I wouldn't want my wife producing jewelry that had porous welds, even if you can't see it.

[@ShastaD-v5w]

This is so informative thank you so much for this. I agree with it not being necessary especially for just starting up.

[@stonesandfindings]

Glad it was helpful and thank you for this note!

[@schmidtlifeproductions603]

This was great! I’m looking to get into this cool business! Thanks no much again! Subscribed!!

[@stonesandfindings]

Thank you so much for watching my low budget video! It is a great business to go into and the technology has revolutionized jewelry. This happens maybe once in a couple of generations. This is a huge leap. I have been making and wholesaling components for almost 3 decades, so I know. If you get a chance, please check out the my website and you will understand what I mean.

[@schmidtlifeproductions603]

@@stonesandfindings thanks I will do that! 😎

[@wt2201]

Super informative 👌🏼 thank you for your videos

[@stonesandfindings]

My pleasure! And I appreciate this note of encouragement.

[@ElectricpowersupplyDelay]

Thanks for every information you say in this video ❤🎉

[@stonesandfindings]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching, it's wonderful to know that something I've made has helped someone else. This is what life should be about - helping the community do better. Thank you! Please comment and watch more. I really appreciate this.

[@jrosaleeesthetics]

I was tried calling my insurance company and I wanted to see if they covered permanent jewelry services however . They have no idea what I’m talking about 😂. I was wondering what it could be categorized under so I can inquire about the right thing . Any point in direction would be great . Your videos are amazing and through. ❤

[@stonesandfindings]

That's funny - you should direct the insurance agent to watch my video as to what permanent jewelry is!!! You might even get customers out of them. Ok, back to insurance - there is no special insurance needed because the argon gas is non-flammable. You are also not dealing with open flame. If you already have business insurance, then your package would have liability insurance - I would imagine similar to a aesthetician and laser hair removal. You are working with people and personal machinery. That may give them a better idea. That said, I need to have a disclaimer that this is my personal opinion and I am not a licensed insurance professional. I don't want to assume any sort of responsibility and each country/state have their own laws and I'm glad you've reached out to the insurance agent already. Now, get some bracelets on them. And really, they need to know this because it will become a very popular thing!

[@sonyagallardo168]

Have you tried the fiberglass brush pen to remove the firescale?

[@stonesandfindings]

I have and it doesn't work as well as an eraser surprisingly enough. I also prefer the white erasers over the pink ones, which have a bit more grittiness.

[@Blancaf02]

When making pop up markets do you just turn it off , or also remove the tube?

[@stonesandfindings]

Yes, when doing pop up, you can just unhook. Bring a fibre glass bristle brush to clean the oxidization.

[@raymelo5990]

Why does it sometimes spark and not spark? Is there a reason my welds always spark?

[@stonesandfindings]

Great question - this does not have to do with argon gas. I notice that my welds spark less when I keep the electrode clean of soot build up. However, I will ask the manufacturer if there is anything else they could suggest we try. Let me get back to you.

[@lustyds]

Hello, I'm trying argon for the first time, I watch your video like 15 times but I still need to know do I keep it on all day and check the gauges before i use it everytime? then shut it off when I'm done and if so please show me how. I'm scared of gas I had a stove blow up in my face at 10 yrs old, Help please

[@stonesandfindings]

Thanks for this note - it's actually a good point that I forgot to mention. Argon is non-flammable, so no need to worry about explosions. It is precisely used because it is a heavier gas, non-toxic and non-flammable. It displaces oxygen surrounding the electrode as you weld. I always feel that it is best to turn off the valve when you're not using it. This avoids loss due to tiny leaks. You do this by turning the tank valve clockwise (the tank should have arrows), and also the regulator (but this is the opposite way - so strange). Then do one final weld to release all of the gas still in the chamber. Then you can see the dials go to zero.

[@lustyds]

@@stonesandfindingsI want to say thank you for replying back to me, I appreciate that. I watch sunstone mini argon set up video 16 time and the pressure goes to 100 but after I hook the tube and start to turn the pressure down slowly, my gas gauge doesn't move and I done this 3 time and receive the same result, Is there something I'm not doing?

[@lustyds]

Sorry to be a pain but I did get it to work and I'm so grateful for you and your videos help me with the tip n hacks, Thank you

[@12prettythings10]

Hello! I watched your video and I guess I'm still not clear on whether it's necessary to have Argon or not. I wish the manufacturer would see your video and comment on it.

[@stonesandfindings]

Yes, exactly. I want them to watch it, too. Ok, that said, a few years back, when I bought the welder and wasn't happy with the fire scaling, I called up the Sunstone and they told me about the argon gas. I then bought it and found that it did not completely eliminate it. I reached out to them again, asking what I was doing wrong. They then told me that it minimized it, but doesn't completely prevent it. I have since found that others are experiencing the same thing, so it doesn't seem like it's just me. I don't think you NEED it, but it helps reduce the amount of work. If you're welding a lot, then I think it is worth having - makes cleaning much easier.

[@12prettythings10]

@@stonesandfindings I've been looking at the welders on Alibaba. I honestly don't see a big difference (aside from price) in the welder performances (based on video, not real life!). I'm tempted to order a non-argon one just to have in my retail store(bricks and mortar, 28years). We sometimes need a quick solder of a jumpring or a quick weld and no longer have a metalsmith in the shop. That being said, I want to make sure I make a safe purchase. Thank you for your wonderful videos. Very helpful!

[@absolutaim]

Thank you for making this video! It’s exactly what I needed to make my decision. I’m going to purchase the welder without the gas and try the eraser hack first for my test runs and see how that goes. Thanks again!

[@stonesandfindings]

@@absolutaim yeah, try it out and if you’re not happy with the results, can always buy the regulator and gas later

[@stonesandfindings]

@@12prettythings10 safety is the main concern. However, if you’re just doing repairs and welding jewelry (not close to client’s skin), then the cheaper option should suffice!

[@kramp76]

Argon gas is fine. So, would a hallow chain work too?

[@stonesandfindings]

hollow chain, I am assuming, would be chunkier otherwise there's no need to make hollow chain. You would have to weld multiple spots around the seam. Argon would help and I would imagine that it would not be different from welding another chain with argon.

[@alessandrocanti6256]

do the Orion be more subject to overheating if you do not use the Argon?, or it is just related to a better welding?

[@stonesandfindings]

I feel that the gas has no bearing on heat - unless you're using very high wattage. For permanent jewelry, where most of the welds are for 22ga or 24 ga jump rings (or equivalent chain links) and the perfect wattage is 7w, it cools instantly. The argon gas just reduces the oxidation by blowing away the oxygen that causes more burn during the spark. It doesn't have effect on the security of the weld - at least not that I have found in my experiments.

[@merkilegur]

You really should not be advising people on the use of argon sheilding gas nor the reasons it is used as you do not seem to have any understanding of it’s uses. Argon sheilding gas provides excellent arc stability, which is crucial when welding thin metals. It helps maintain a steady arc, minimizing the chances of arc wandering or extinguishing. The arc stability allows for better control and precision during the welding process. Essentially, argon is an inert or noble gas that does not react with the molten weld, thus providing a 'shield' to maintain the purity of the weld. This is vital for quality welds, as the absence of a shielding gas can lead to undesirable welds due to oxidation and contamination.

[@stonesandfindings]

You are absolutely correct for industrial welding. For micro welding, it is not absolutely necessary to achieve a secure weld. One should weigh the benefits of using argon, which are many, against the weight of carrying the tank to and from pop-up events and welding jump ring wires that are usually no thicker than 22ga. This was the purpose of the video.

[@wt2201]

👏🏼👏🏼​@@stonesandfindings

[@christinamcnealy5440]

Do you recommend using argon when does permanent jewelry?

[@stonesandfindings]

so, really the whole purpose of this video is for you to make the informed decision, but if you want my one word opinion, then it is No.

[@janietheis]

Pope Tools' Helix welder doesn't need argon!

[@hstorer]

For the aragon gas originally the sunstone manual said to use a high quality argon. But I read or head the high quality wasn't necessary. What so you use?

[@stonesandfindings]

I didn't find any difference. I get the argon mixture for welding at the gas supply store. I also did a bunch of research when I first got the gas regulator and it's pretty much the same - you do not need high purity. Even at high purity, it does not completely eliminate oxidation (this was confirmed by Sunstone when I contacted them), it might make your regulator last longer with no clogging.

[@hstorer]

@@stonesandfindings thank you so much for your reply that's very helpful! Although I may go the no argon gas route as you mentioned for pop-ups!

[@merkilegur]

Welding supply stores only sell high quality argon. There is no source of low quality argon.

[@sara-tx4br]

So u dont reccomend using argon at popups?

[@stonesandfindings]

Correct. I feel the large tank is hard to transport and argon is not completely necessary. The difference is minimal for micro welding. If you have help in lifting the tank and it's a longer event, then it is something to consider. I do not recommend the small travel size tanks - they are costly and non-refillable.

[@janietheis]

I didn't need a half an hour video for a yes or no question

[@stonesandfindings]

LOL - but people would then ask why? And what about ....., but then ..... and how do you?..... I thought I was doing a good thing by showing it in detail. It's also not a hard yes or no. There are benefits, but you be the judge as to whether those are worthwhile. Or is that just me and I'm a pain in the butt. I've always been the person to ask more questions than the teacher anticipated cuz I don't like people telling me stuff unless they can convince me resoundingly.

[@Guitarkungfu]

This was a great video with a lot of info.

[@nicolerheingold4653]

hello! i am so so stumped! ive tighted mine completely with the wrench and everything youve done and it makes a loud hissing sounds and it definetly feels like there is gas leaking! ive tried about ten different times! idk what to do:( ive been trying for weeks. I just want to get stared:( please help thank you

[@stonesandfindings]

Then there's definitely a leak. Sometimes the treads aren't meeting up properly. The best thing to do is to go back to the gas provider, where they filled your argon gas tank, and get them to help. They do this day in and day out. Be nice and tip the guy/gal who helps - with treats or $

[@beckyrobinson3528]

Do you think not using argon gas effects the strength of the weld?

[@stonesandfindings]

Argon gas has no effect on strength of weld at all. It does affect the oxidation/fire scale. If your connections are not strong, then it is something else you are doing.

[@beckyrobinson3528]

Thank you!