What kind of solder do I need for sterling silver?
Medium Grade Silver Solder Cadmium-free solder, available in your choice of sheet or wire. Both forms melt at 1275° F (691° C). Excellent for the middle stage of soldering a complex piece with many joints. For use with sterling silver, Argentium® sterling silver and fine silver.
What supplies do you need to solder jewelry?
What you need to get started soldering jewelry:
- Kiln brick, charcoal block or a ceramic honeycomb block.
- Microflame butane torch.
- Cooling cup with tweezers.
- Soldering pick.
- Silver solder paste.
- Penny Brite, pickling components.
Can silver solder be used on silver?
Silver soldering is the process of permanently joining two pieces of metal together using heat to melt pieces of silver solder to fill a prepared joint. It is used essentially with silver for jewellery making and silversmithing, but can also be used to join together copper, gilding metal, brass and gold if needs be.
What is the difference between silver solder and regular solder?
What is silver solder and how does it differ from other types of solders? Silver solder is silver-based filler metal that has been used for years by welders. It’s a silver alloy with some other metals added in, which makes it stronger and able to take more punishment than typical aluminum or copper soldering wire.
Do you need special solder for silver?
If you are filling a crack, you may want to use a lower-purity “easy” silver solder, as it melts at a lower temperature. For joining two pieces together, use “medium” or “hard” silver solder with more silver content, to create a stronger bond.
What is the difference between solder and silver solder?
The silver solder itself is not going to be as strong as copper or aluminum bonding wires. Silver solder does have a higher melting point than other silver solders, which means it’s more durable and may be able to withstand high-temperature welding projects better than some other silver solders on the market.
What kinds of solder are used in jewelry making?
A gold soldering alloy would work best for gold metal, which requires a higher temperature than silver. Soldering is similar to welding or brazing, both use heat to join pieces of metal together, however, soldering requires less heat. A jewelry-making torch is used to solder.
How do you solder sterling silver?
Joining the Silver Clean the silver. Apply flux to the joint. Position your silver components to be joined. Position the solder onto the joint. Heat the objects until the solder melts. Dip the object in water, then immerse it in a pickle solution. Rinse the silver.
How to solder sterling silver?
Ensure safety. Safety is a top priority when it comes to soldering at home.
How to silver solder?
1) Clean and Prepare Your Metal. The basic idea with silver soldering is less about “melting silver” and more about heating two separate pieces of metal to a point 2) Apply Flux. Soldering flux must be applied to each metal surface at the joint. 3) Cut Your Silver Solder. While you CAN simply apply the silver solder directly from the roll while you are torching, you may end up using much more silver 4) Position Your Parts and Solder Pieces. Using your “helping hands”, titanium clamps, metal assistance wire, or whatever your preferred clamping/holding setup may be, situate the pieces as you 5) Apply Heat. Once everything is in position, you are ready to turn on the torch and apply heat. 6) Pickle (or Just Sand It) Once your piece is cooled, you can remove the clamps and it should all hold together on its own. 7) You’ve Got a Strong Silver-soldered Joint! Give your joints a little twist/bend to be sure it’s secure. 8) Get Creative! Have fun with it! My favorite part about this process is looking for metal pieces to combine and turn into something.