Beginners Guide to Jewellery Making Soldering.
Soldering is the process of permanently joining two pieces of metal together via the application of heat. This heat can be provided by a soldering iron, (only suitable for base metal) or a blow torch which produces a controllable fl ame through a combination of oxygen and gas (normally propane, butane or natural gas). Solder is melted into the desired gap to form a strong bond which is facilitated by an initial application of fl ux which helps the solder to run cleanly and evenly. When metal is heated a dark oxide layer is formed on the surface, which needs to be removed before polishing can begin. Jewellers generally use some form of ‘pickle’ (acid solution) which is often heated, to clean the metal to a suitable fi nish ready for the next step.
14 Tools of the trade...
Blow Torch: The size of torch you require depends on the scale of your work but most torches have interchangeable tips which will alter the size of fl ame produced. A larger torch will need to be attached to a propane gas bottle and a gas and oxygen regulator to monitor both levels for safety. It’s advisable for beginners to start off with an ‘all in one’ torch system which has a built in regulator. This type of system will simply connect to your propane bottle and is then ready for use.
B) Bench Torch: A small scale bench torch is a great option for those whose work doesn’t require a large fl ame. It is a free standing torch with a push button ignition that uses butane fuel (lighter fuel). Air fl ow is controlled via a ring around the top of the torch and the fl ame can be also be adjusted to suit your requirements (a larger yellow fl ame exudes a gentle heat and a fi ner blue fl ame a more intense one). Bench torches are easily refi llable as well as being portable and are the perfect choice for anyone not ready to tackle a larger torch.
C) Flux: Flux comes in liquid or paste form and is applied to a joint before soldering to help the solder to fl ow. It works by preventing oxides from building up during heating and basically keeps the metal cleaner which allows free movement of the solder. Flux is available to buy as a liquid or as a borax dish and cone which you simply grind together with water to form a paste. Flux is generally applied with a small brush.
D) Solder: Silver and gold solder is supplied in strips or panels which you cut into tiny pieces with snips or shears. It comes in Hard, Medium, Easy and Extra Easy and each has a different melting point. Hard has the highest melting temperature so you always start with hard and then move down the grades for subsequent joints.
E) Fine Tweezers: Fine stainless steel tweezers are ideal for picking up, transferring and positioning small pieces of solder onto your work.
D H
Tip: Propane gas is supplied in large blue, red or green canisters and is available from garages, hardware stores and garden centres.
I G
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24