new pendant uses damascene for gold overlay on niobium

peteb

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152
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Rhode Island
My latest effort uses oxidized and anodized niobium with 24kt gold overlay and Argentium mount. The gold foil is the same used for Keum-boo or diffusion bonding. The first layer is softly hammered onto the burr field (as per Barry Lee Hands tutorial video) and a second layer bonded to that. Fine silver will also work for the damascene layer and further bonding with the silver, saving the final layer of gold for maximum smoothness.
You can still see the burr field with only 2 layers of gold foil. The size is about 2.7" x 1.4" wide. imageedit_5_8924591466.jpg
 

peteb

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Sep 3, 2009
Messages
152
Location
Rhode Island
Niobium is very easy to oxidize. I use thin stock (.010") and heat from behind to red heat and cool by blowing on the front (co2). Too much of this can cause oxygen embrittlement but once or twice still allows for hammering from the back(repousse). Diamond filing the oxide allows for color development by anodizing.
 

peteb

Elite Cafe Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2009
Messages
152
Location
Rhode Island
By the way, the black oxide of niobium is very durable and takes a shine from buffing or a fine abrasive wheel. Cutting the oxide will dull your graver very rapidly also.
 

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