[Jewelry making - Article 00200] - Re: [Orchid] Silver Bezel on Copper

[EarthSpeak]

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Cris, 

    I make sure that the copper is very clean first then heavily and
    completely cover with the paste flux to seal the surface from the
    air. Next you want to heat it up fast, flow the solder, then get
    out. The longer the flame in on the piece the more oxidation. The
    flux can only absorb so much in oxides in the fluid state then it
    quits working/cleaning. Also remember that the fine silver bezel
    melts at a much lower tempter that the copper: 1762F verses 1981F
    (Practical Casting, McCreight, 1986) so you can use a lot more heat
    and work faster. Even if you are using hard solder, you are still
    working well below the melting tempter of either metal. I have found
    the massive amount of flux the key to keeping everything clean. It
    also helps to make the solder into beads then place the beads where
    you need them rather than using chips. I use a solder pic to put the
    beads in place once the flux is fluid on the metal surface. 

Hope this helps.
Bill


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