Just how small can you weld a crack?

[Spartancrest]

I just received this tsuba   Sure, I spotted the problems. But I was wondering just how fine, can people weld cracks these days?

The hitsu has two cracks probably as a result of damage and why the rim was removed. The fan with the missing "sticks" is bent slightly out of the plain of the rest of the guard. I don't think it can be straightened without the risk of breaking it from the guard entirely. Worth a try or leave it alone? Just a cheap "novelty" buy so no big deal.

            

Edited yesterday at 02:44 AM by Spartancrest
layout

[Hokke]

You may consider a laser welder. I can weld stainless and mild steel but have never tried iron. The problem will be getting the defect clean enough, or perhaps even filing it out before introducing the fill. You may see if there is a jeweler in your area with a LW, but make sure they also have argon or it will likely fail. 

[Bugyotsuji]

What he said above. 

I’ve had some really fine work done with laser welding.

[ROKUJURO]

Micro-welding can also be done by goldsmiths with a very small, very hot hydrogen-oxygen flame welding apparatus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEX5xpKuhUw

Dale, in your case, you might also have the missing MIMI of this TSUBA re-installed! 

 

[Spartancrest]

59 minutes ago, ROKUJURO said:

might also have the missing MIMI of this TSUBA re-installed! 

 For a 3000 yen tsuba - I already overcapitalized on the rust!   Besides I only bought it because it was Kawarigata - my latest fad