[Jewelry making - Article 00387] - Re: [Orchid] Alumina soldering block

[Dave Sebaste]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========


>     do any of you use the soft alumina soldering blocks 

    Hi Danny, Yes, I use them. As with a charcoal block they're best when
    they are in new, pristine condition. Unlike a charcoal block, they
    don't help create a reducing environment, reflect rather than absorb
    heat, and they don't burn. 

    When I find the alumina blocks to be indispensable is when I need to
    pin work down to prevent shifting during soldering. I take some
    straight steel pins, cut off the heads, and form a hook on the end
    with pliers. I can then insert the pin all the way into the block and
    hold wires in place securely. Much easier to pin than a charcoal
    block. 

    This works best, as I mentioned, when the block is new. After some
    use, the heat seems to fuse some of the surface, giving it a harder,
    somewhat glassy texture. The well used surface becomes  crackled and
    develops a bit of a depression where material has fused together. 

    They do last a long time, and don't tend to crumble like charcoal.
    Their suitability for a variety of purposes diminishes with use, as
    the surface deteriorates. 

All the best,
Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans' Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave AT sebaste.com 
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com 

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________