[Jewelry making - Article 00926] - Re: [Orchid] Advice for soldering 20ga silver

[Charles Friedman]

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Rick,

    there's nothing wrong with using 20ga sterling.  I use it all the
    time.  You said you had a problem with soldering on a charcoal block,
    What kind of problem did you have? 

    I only use charcoal, but  I use the compressed German charcoal
    blocks. they last alot longer than the cheaper ones and provide a
    good support for the metal.  I happen to like the conductivity of the
    charcoal, it retains the heat from the bottom as you heat from the
    top.  I use mostly medium and IT solder on the block.  But try to
    keep the block free of borax. it tends to get sticky and the silver
    gets sticky and then the charcoal starts to get all over your piece. 
    I have used ceramic surfaces to solder on and they are okay, but I
    prefer the charcoal. 

    We all have our own methods we have developed over the years and it
    is all about "what makes you comfortable" with what you are doing. 

    Please feel free to contact me regarding your problems with
    soldering.  I teach jewelry design and enamelling and I am more than
    happy to help you figure out your  problem. 

Jennifer Harris Friedman
enamellist, jewelry artisan and holloware
Ventura, CA
jenenamel AT sbcglobal.net

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