Mike:
I don't know about the refinish, I reckon it depends on the filler used. If it is truly just a crack it may well be able to done with an autogenous weld, i.e. no filler rod. On the other hand the work can be done so precisely that the pattern could be matched with different filler rod. It would take some experimentation as to the right rod for the light and dark areas but I'll bet it could be done. Maybe a rod prone to rust like O-6 along with a nickel bearing rod.
I saw the machine at work. It is more like a video game than a welder. You look through a stereo microscope, and there is a red crosshair superimposed on the work. A joy stick moves the work table under the lens. Step on the pedal and a little round puddle of molten metal appears on the work at the junction of the crosshairs which quickly solidifies. It might as well be magic. The machine will single pulse or continuous pulse at a programmable frequency. The weld bead looks like a tiny tig weld, but it is created by a series of pulses, like overlapping spot welds. The target area is bathed in a flow of argon and the metal does not discolor at all. I had some substantial welding done on an action and the polish next to the weld was as shiny as new after welding.
Again, I don't run the machine and cannot say for sure that this can be done. Howsomever, I have seen the machine and the work of the guy that drives it, and I would be surprised if he couldn't make an invisible repair on damascus with a bit of experimentation. From my conversations with them, they would be willing to do it if there was market enough to justify the learning curve. For the repair of fluid steel barrels or filling of pitting and the like there is no learning curve required. They can do it.
I would love to have one of these machines just to play with. <G>
Glenn
Last edited by Glenn Fewless; 12/29/06 12:57 AM.
