Soldering Tips
Silver Solder - Recommended Uses
- Easy - This solder flows easily and is deep penetrating. It should be used on pieces requiring a few widely separated joints; also as last solder on multiple soldering operations.
- Medium - Excellent for ring joints and general purpose. The melting point is enough above easy for protection in multiple solderings.
- Hard - Used for first soldering on many joint operations and requires great skill in using. Used in multiple operations requiring more than two solders.
- IT - Special enameling solder where color is important under transparent or translucent enamels.
Gold Solder - Recommended Uses
- Easy - For repairs and final soldering.
- Medium - For repairs and secondary soldering.
- Hard - For general purpose, sizing, and color match.
Hints for Soldering
The process of joining metals with solder is simple and well understood by gold and silversmiths. There are, however, a few important points which deserve mention. Soldering troubles can usually be traced back to an oversight of one of them.
Locatioin of Soldering Equipment
Color is your indication of heat. Heat colors cannot readily be distinguished in a bright light, select the darkest corner of the room for your soldering.
Fitting Preparatory to Soldering
The pieces to be joined must fit perfectly; this is of the utmost importance for technical excellence of your work. Solder will not compensate for careless fitting.
Cleaning
The pieces to be joined must be free of any oxides, dirt, or grease. These may be removed with scraper, file, crocus cloth, or polish buff depending on circumstances.
Flux
Apply the flux with a brush to join areas to be soldered as well as the pellets or strip of solder. Flux forms a protective coating allowing the silver to flow into the joint. The flux must be entirely fluid below the melting point of the solder.
Preheating
Using a soft blue flame, concentrate heat on the part with greatest weight. Bring both parts to soldering temperature at the same time.
Balling of Solder
Improper fluxing or the presence of dirt may cause balling of solder. It may also be caused by insufficient heat or a flame concentrated on the pellets rather than on the pieces being joined.
Flow Points
Color, your indication of heat, shows first at the ends of wire and the edge of sheet. When working with sterling silver, never heat the silver above 1500 °F, because it begins to break down at this point. It is liquid at 1640 °F.
