[Jewelry making - Article 00206] - Re: [Orchid] Filigree Soldering

[Bethkatz]

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    A wonderful product for soldering filigree is powder solder. This is
     a product that is used throughout the industry for doing this type
    of work. There are many other applications for powder solder such as
    sweat soldering all  in one operation, but filigree is a prime
    application for the powder. You use Handy Flux and not a liquid flux
    when working with the  powder. The flux needs to stand up to the job
    and not burn off  quickly. As was mentioned in a previous post, one
    of the orchid  members grinds off some solder to make it into a
    powder or very, very small chips and places it a the site to be
    soldered. The already  made powder solder saves you the time and
    effort of making you own. All temperature flows are available,
    including extra easy. You had thought of soldering this type of
    construction in a kiln. This would work only of you have an inert
    atmosphere.  It will not work in  a regular kiln. 

    BUT...... you can get the solder into all the nooks and crannies,
    that is  an advantage of this type of solder since it is made into
    such fine particles. The heavy duty flux melts slowly as long as you
    do not overheat all at  once, the powder stays in the flux and when
    it attains the proper temperature,  it will melt. I have not tried
    to do the powder with a liquid flux in filigree, but the liquid flux
    just does not stand up to the powder as a  general rule of thumb.  

    I suggest that you work on a tripod with a screen and from the  back
    up and apply the heat to the back of the piece (the filigree work is
    on the  front).  Then, just as you are seeing the solder start to
    flow, quickly go  to the top of the piece. Since solder goes to
    heat, it will flow into the spaces  as you direct the heat towards
    the areas that you want to be attached. Heat  evenly from the back,
    you can direct just a little to the side, pulling the solder into
    the joins you want to make. It is a learning curve to get the
    correct temperatures so your piece does not melt. By putting the
    heat on the thicker part of the metal (back), you are able to bring
    the piece to  the proper temperature without putting direct heat on
    the very thin wires of the  filigree.  Then, when the solder is
    ready to flow, you are ready to direct  it into the proper place.
    Remember, you must have a good fit. No solder fills large gaps. 

Beth Katz
http://www.myuniquesolutions.com
Paste and Powder Solder for Jewelers and Metalsmiths

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