Abstract: A machine is shown for feeding a length of wire to a forming station, cutting and forming the length into a U-shaped element around an arbor, moving the U-shaped element to a presentation position in a channel of a face plate with the free ends of the element extending out of the face plate, then forming the free ends into a closed loop by means of a forming head engaging the ends and bending them into the loop and finally ejecting the element from the face plate.

Abstract: Welding of similar and dissimilar metals such as fine wires of gold, silver, brass and others to provide required strength without marring the surfaces of the link is accomplished by mounting an electrode (75,264) a selected distance from the surfaces to be welded. A first high voltage ionizing arc of a selected atmosphere between the electrode and the surfaces to be welded is followed by a low voltage, high amperage welding arc. An electrode (75) is mounted in a discontinuous link forming machine (10) so that it can be oriented in optimum position relative to the work piece (9). An electrode (264) is mounted in an automatic chain making machine (200 ) so that it can be optimally adjusted in x and y directions employing target adjustment block 320, as well as in the z direction employing vertical adjustment block 290.

Abstract: An electrode (75) disposed within an insulating sleeve (86) is placed adjacent a work piece (9) to provide a selected gap between the electrode and the work piece. The atmosphere between the electrode and the work piece is first ionized and then a welding arc discharges between the electrode and the work piece. The orientation of the electrode can be adjusted by rotation of the electrode assembly (36), the amount of the gap by rotation of member (78), vertical placement of the electrode head 36 by eccentric means 40 and spacing between the terminus of the forward movement of arm (32) and the work piece station by adjusting the position of stop (54). Spacing of the electrode from the work piece enables the welding of similar and dissimilar metals such as fine wires of gold, silver, brass and others used in such applications as jewelry, medical, and electronic to provide the required strength, but without marring the surface of the work piece.