[Jewelry making - Article 00605] - Re: [Orchid] Soldering metal sheet together

[Karen Goeller]

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Albert,

    It sounds like you are basically creating a mokume "stack" without
    the subsequent distortions and rolling-mill steps. 

    You might want to take some tips from the different ways those
    stacks are created, whether torch or kiln, as they will probably be
    applicable to your use. 

    First off, sheet solder is a great choice.  Flux each side well and
    use lots of solder (more than you think you need).  Pull the solder
    "out" the sides of the stack as you heat. 

    Pickle, then boil or ultrasonic it in a baking soda solution to make
    sure you've neutralized the pickle that will inevitably "seep" into
    the little gaps.  Dry and closely inspect.  

    Any visible gaps should be well-fluxed and have solder (sheet,
    strip, or whatever will fit) pushed into them, and the process
    repeated.  You may find it helpful to ochre in areas where the solder
    is "solid" to prevent gaps from forming from solder re-flowing. 

    NOTE:  It will be a mess with solder when you start, but it seems to
    be the only good way to get a really solid flow coverage.  

    Repeat this process until you've got solid solder flow with no
    visible gaps. After pickle and baking soda, you will want to file the
    edges down so they are "sharp" and clean, without solder drips.  This
    is the point where you would normally start rolling out the mokume
    stack.  A trip through the rolling mill might help you, or might not
    -- entirely up to you.  Either way, you've got a stacked "ingot" to
    work with. 

Hope this helps!
Karen Goeller
kgoeller AT nolimitations.com
Hand-crafted artisan jewelry
http://www.nolimitations.com

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