HINTS AND TIPS
BUYING SILVER Precision is key when buying precious metal so you will need to be prepared with a list of exactly what you require. If purchasing sheet, you will need the gauge (thickness in mm) as well as the size required, for example, ‘100mm x 100mm x 0.9mm’. Silver sheet can generally be purchased in 0.1mm increments ranging from 0.3mm – 4mm.
MELTING RANGES FOR
TIP: To anneal silver, gently heat with a bushy flame until the metal glows a dull red. Keep the flame moving at all times and try to keep the heat even across the whole piece. Remove the flame as soon as the dull red colour is achieved and quench.
SILVER 925 Sterling silver – melting range 805˚C – 890˚C
Britannia silver – melting range 890˚C – 940˚C
999 Fine silver – melting range 961˚C – 961˚C
(The first temperature is when the surface will start to melt and the second is when the material will become molten).
PREVENTING
HINTS AND TIPS FOR BEGINNERS WORKING WITH SILVER
Why not download our Beginner's Guide to Working with Silver?
It's filled with everything you need to know about working with this precious metal. Visit: cooksongold. com/home/static. jsp?page=guide-to-silver
FIRE STAIN: The best way to deal with fire stain is to prevent it from occurring in the first place and there are several ways to do this:
• Avoid heating silver for prolonged periods.
• Ensure your soldering and annealing operations are efficient and completed as quickly as possible with the correct size torch and flame for the job.
• Quench heated silver in a Picklean or pickling powder solution to avoid the build up of oxides.
• Paint the surface of your silver with flux before heating. This will form a protective, transparent coating which should prevent oxides from forming.
TIP: It is possible to buy both flux and solder combined in a soldering paste which essentially does two jobs in one. It comes in a syringe which means it can be applied with great precision, ideal for more delicate work.
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