Soldering – Make Jewelry Blog
Soldering is a process used to hold metal pieces together by using another metal or combination of metals which melt and flow at a lower temperature than the metal to be joined.
For these projects soft solder of tin and lead is used. Pure tin is used as solder only with sterling silver, as it is the color of silver and retains its brilliance. To help the flow of the solder and to keep the metal in condition when heated, a substance called flux is necessary. The flux referred to here is in paste form.
An electric soldering iron, or electric plate, will heat the metal enough so the solder will flow on the parts to be joined. Wire or small pieces of metal may be soldered with the iron. The electric plate is used for large areas of metal, or that of heavy gauge which cannot be heated enough with the iron. The metal to be joined must be held firmly until it cools.
Soldering irons can be obtained in several different types with replacement tips. The copper tip of the iron must have a thin coating of solder before it can be used. This process is called tinning.
Tinning the iron
Heat the iron. Turn off the electric current. File the hot tip until it is a bright copper on all surfaces. Reheat the iron. Rub the hot tip in the flux and solder until a thin coat of solder covers all surfaces of the tip.
Soldering wire joints and small pieces of metal
Hold the metal pieces firmly together. Pick up the solder with the tip of the iron and place on the joint. Heat the metal until the solder flows.
Sweating a sawed design of metal to a metal background
Clean and flux one side of the metal sheet from which the design is to be sawed. Lay pieces of solder on the fluxed surface. Place on a screen and hot plate until the solder flows. Spread the solder with a hot iron to form a thin coat on the metal. Rinse in water and dry. Saw the design and file all edges smooth.
Clean and flux the background sheet. Clamp the design to the sheet and soldered surface down. Place on a screen and hot plate until the solder melts. This is shown when a thin light line appears between the two metals. Let cool before removing the clamps.
Check out our other posts to learn more about how to make jewelry.
October 24th, 2009 at 3:42 am
Excellent site with a lot of tips and hints for the beginner in jewellery making.
May 4th, 2010 at 3:41 am
Cool ! I love this blog. You teach me a lot.