[Jewelry making - Article 00091] - Re: [Orchid] Bezel Melting Problems

[coralnut]

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    Milt, You can do several thing to correct your problem.  First, you
    should be sure the join is well fluxed.  I don't know what kind of
    flux you are using...I normally use Battern's.  I had a situation
    recently where I was using some very old Battern's (the clear kind)
    and could not get a good join...tried three times in my usual method.
    Got some good fresh (and new) flux and it soldered perfectly. This
    has been discussed previously and, while I don't remember any
    agreement on whether old flux looses its action, this is an example
    of what may happen. 

    Second, heat control is very important while soldering bezels and
    backs.  A Nr 6 tip should do the trip up to at least 22x30mm but
    over that you either have to get a multi-oriface tip (also used for
    casting with the little torch) or switch to acelytene.  It is
    difficult to solder bezels/backs of any size from the top with the
    LT.  It should be heated from the back.  If you use a large heavy
    wire mat it will take most of the heat away and, because you have to
    keep the item heated longer, it will oxidize and not solder. You
    must get in with the most heat fast and get out again. 

    Try this instead....get everything ready to solder (make sure it is a
    good flat fit), the back plate should extend out from the bezel 4 or
    5 mm.  Now pick up the bezel/plate with a pair of medium tweezers and
    hold it flat in front of you.  Bring the tip of the torch flame up to
    the underside and move it in circles until you see dull red. Now
    concentrate the flame under the bezel in the area furtherst from the
    tweezers.  The solder (snippets should be on the inside of the bezel)
    will melt and flow.  Move the flame around to each side until each
    snippet flows.  At this point, stop, lay the bezel down and quickly
    pick up the other end with the tweezers. Heat again and solder the
    remaining area.  With practice, you can do this without switching
    ends. In this way, all the heat goes into the piece being soldered
    and the LT will work on pieces up to 30x40! 

    Cheers, Don at the Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple 
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net


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