What is a tacking machine?
There are 2 basic ways to hold pieces together so that they can be solder to
each other. One way is to wrap them together with binding wire, the
other is to tack them. That's where a tacking machine comes in.
By running a very high energy, low voltage current between the two pieces of
metal, a tacking machine "tacks" (lightly welds) the metals together. A
"tack" is not a permanent weld. It's purpose is to hold the pieces
together in the proper position for subsequent soldering. If the position
of the pieces when tacked is wrong, the tack can then be easily broken and
retacked, with no damage to the work. Most work is actually held in
the hand when tacking, so getting the right positioning is very easy and
accurate. It's a tremendous time saver when soldering settings,
hollowware, etc.
These tacking machines also fusion weld-
When using "fusion type findings" and using the fusion offset pencil option, you
can permanently fusion weld earring posts, tie tack nails, lapel pin nails,
joints and catches, and any other findings that are available with a fusion nib.
These fusion type findings are readily available from any of the leading finding
houses that you may be buying from now.
Tacking machines are not stock items (special
order) and take about 2-3 weeks to build.
Tack I-
Tacks and fusion welds. For gold, nickel silver or stainless steel. Tack
ear posts, settings, ring prongs, wires, joints, catches or hollowware.
Energy: 17,000 MFD @ 12 to 70 volts DC
Dimensions: 8" x 8" x 4 ½"
Price: $795
The difference between Tack I and Tack II- Their purpose is
the same, but their power is not. Tack I is a lower power tacker and is
excellent for gold and a few other metals. Tack II, on the other hand, is
much more powerful and is designed to handle metals that Tack I cannot-
platinum, silver, brass, titanium etc. Tack I & Tack II Instructions
Tack II-
Tacks and fusion welds. For brass, gold, silver, platinum, aluminum,
titanium, nickel silver, stainless steel. Fusion weld ear posts, joints,
catches, tie tack pins. Tack position settings, joints, catches, prongs
chain repairs.
Energy: 62,000 MFD @ 12 to 70 volts DC
Dimensions: 8" x 12" x 4 ½"
Price: $1,295
Tack III- The Tack
III is designed to perform 3 very distinct operations:
Tack II has proven invaluable for the finish welding of one piece cast
connector links that are used in multipiece cast bracelets and necklaces.
Bombing and pickling chemicals are typically used to remove fire scale and
discoloration created when using torch brazing for soldering of these joints.
By using the technique of welding with the Tack III, the need for costly and
dangerous pickling and bombing operations is completely eliminated. By
simply placing the Tack III's weld pencil tip on the joint and stepping on the
foot pedal, you instantly, electronically
weld the joint closed. This process brings the material
up to the melting point and fuses the materials together in milliseconds.
Using the Tack III, you also eliminate the
need for costly solder paste, solder wire and flux.
The job is much easier and faster with the Tack III so
inexperienced operators can now be trained to perform operations that, before,
required highly paid solderers.
The Tack III can be used to weld closed joints on
jump rings and also weld closed cast bails with the same efficiency and
process as outlined above. Repair flat "S" chain without wicking the solder
and greasing the links. Weld bracelet hinges without freezing the joint or
removing the stones.
In addition to the above operations, the Tack III
also serves its original purpose- to provide
a simple method of putting two hollowware shell halves together for soldering.
The old method was wither wire wrapping or using metal clips to hold the
halves together. Wire wrapping is labor intense and using metal clips, if not
applied with the proper tension, causes dents and miss miters. Using the Tack
II, the two matched shells are simply held together in your hand and placed on
the grounding plate with the tip of the weld pencil at the joint. When you
step on the foot pedal, the shells are instantly tacked together for brazing.
Tack III-
Tacks and pulse-arc welds. For fusion welding chain links, chain mail, jump
rings, hollowware, findings, bracelet hinges, chain repairs without solder.
Tack position findings before soldering to eliminate tweezers and clamps.
Energy at 3 levels: 450/3,100/15,000 MFD. 10-9 volts DC
Dimensions: 16" x 15" x 7"
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