Zapp Vs Helix - Permanent Jewelry Welders Compared

Permanent jewelry is one of the hottest things going right now in the jewelry market. With that comes new technology. The two latest PJ welders are the Zapp+ and Helix machines. I put these two welders through their courses to see which one is better.

The Zapp+ welder can be purchased here:

1:07 - Introduction to the Zapp+
3:22 - Introduction to the Helix
4:22 - Physical comparison between the two
7:13 - Testing Parameters
7:43 - Operating the Zapp+
7:52 - Operating the Helix
8:57 Testing Method and Results
18:23 - Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Helix Machine is made for PepeTools.

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[niccibethell]

Brilliant and very complete review. Thank you so much for sharing this. I am just starting to look into the possibilities and find this hugely helpful.

[AndyDaviesByTheSea]

Hi Melissa thank you for this very useful and interesting video. I guess that you don't need telling, but your in-depth look at these two welders knocks spots off anything else out there, Well done!!
I haven't seen anyone take a serious look at machine capability like this, (and put it under the microscope, that's what I'd do!), and your direct comparison must give both companies food for thought. As a retired electronic/mechanical design and manufacturing engineer, I can visualise such equipment being so very useful in may industrial environments. I only want one for my hobby jewellery work but I am also very interested in making a rolling ball sculpture, in that case, I would want to be able to tack weld 2mm diameter brass or stainless steel wire, end-to-end prior to hard soldering. Some of my jewellery pendant work has 20 or 30 joints all very close together and I've lost count of how many times I've I have accidently over cooked a piece just to have it all fall apart. The idea of been able to 'glue' it all together with tack welds prior to hard soldering is very appealing.
Thanks again, from your latest subscriber.
Kind regards and Happy New Year . . . Andy in the UK

[bobsmith]

That was really fascinating. I seem to learn about new things all the time when I watch your videos. Thanks so much for sharing. I’ve never known any of this before!

[johntaglia]

Excellent video! There are a lot of mostly young ladies looking at this Permanent Jewelry business as I'll make a ton of money. My daughter is one of them. It's going to be a 2-3 year gig. When people realize they must remove their jewelry for X-rays, MRIs, etc.

[Risa-pf]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for such a thorough review.

[terriberry]

I don't find any rigidity with the Helix hose and have been using it since it came out

[jyotimachen]

Thank you for your very informative video. I am only using the welder to close jump rings (not permanent jewelry). Is there another, perhaps less expensive, welder you would recommend for that purpose only?

[indiebindie]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I've noticed that Sunstone is a trusted supplier and I see why!

[sarahpace-jr]

What is the highest joules you use? If the gauge of wire is the same is the joule the same used for sterling and 14kt or 18kt?

[melissas]

Hi Melissa-

Would you be open to reviewing the Everarc by Everlinx?

[mcapm]

I have a question. My daughter is just beginning this work and I'd like to know if when using the welder, your skin touches the earthed crocodile clip, would you be electrically shocked?

[vancekessler]

Nice video. Do you think that the Zapp and Helix would have more similar and consistent welds if both were using argon gas?

[timthejewler]

Hi Melissa, is there a difference in price?

[f.a]

which one is the best for repairing precious metals? Thank you!

[songsong]

Hello, molim gdje mogu kupiti srebreni lanac za permanent nakit?

[BrendaKeegan-gu]

I'm just curious, are you compensated in any way by Sunstone for this review?