[Jewelry making - Article 00166] - Re: [Orchid] Preventing fused catches

[John Sholl]

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    Dave, I think I have screwed up more pin catches than any other
    finding. They are tricky. What I have found works best is the
    combination of anti flux a heat sink and speed. First apply a bit of
    anti flux to the pin joint being careful not to get it on the area
    to be soldered. ocher works better than White Out because it can be
    mixed thin enough to get sucked into the works if the catch. Open
    and close the catch to assure distribution inside the piece. Be sure
    there is no anti flux on the solder surface. Take a pair of cross
    lock tweezers with fine tips and hold the piece. Apply a very very
    small amount of solder to the back of the finding and flow slightly.
    At this point if there is any problem with the anti flux
    contaminating the solder it will become evident. Apply some more
    solder to the item you are working on and heat until the solder is
    just beginning to flow. Now move the pin catch into position. The
    finding even with the cross locks acting as a heat sink will heat up
    very quickly and if properly done the two solders will flow together
    rapidly. Just do your best to get it straight the first time.
    Positioning findings by hand is tricky and can be frustrating but
    with practice it can really eliminate some headaches. 

    The bottom line is moderation. Do not use too much ocher. Do not use
    a too heavy pair of cross locks. Do not apply too much solder. Do
    not overheat the piece. Do not hold the piece at a flow temperature
    for too long. But most of all do not get too stressed. Remember,
    sometimes even when everything is done correctly, pin catches do
    fuse. 

John Sholl
Littleton, Co

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