[Jewelry making - Article 01046] - Re: [Orchid] Soldering bezels to large flat backplate

[LEESSILVER]

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    I solder findings on sterling buckles, conchos and pins.  I support
    the main piece between two blocks.  I heat from the bottom side of
    the piece with an upward point flame.  The findings are on the top
    of the item.  When the temperature of the main piece is about at the
    solder temperature I move the torch to the top of the piece and heat
    the findings and main piece with a brush of the torch. The motion of
    the torch will prevent the bezel or finding from melting. I use a
    sharpie pen to mark a strip on the top side of the piece.  I find
    that when the strip starts to burn away the temperature is almost
    correct for medium solder. I use acetylene and a large tip.  I try
    to heat the silver as fast as I can. 

    To prevent fire scale I coat both sides of the piece with an
    anti-fire scale flux.  I find that handy paste flux is best at the
    solder joint.  Do not use too much paste flux as it will spread and
    wash away the anti-fire scale coating. 

    I normally do not solder small items.  I discarded the metal solder
    screen many years ago because I found it difficult to get enough
    heat on the piece. Good luck. Lee Epperson 


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