[Jewelry making - Article 01351] - Re: [Orchid] Struggling with soldering sterling silver

[The Doctor]

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    Hi Julie. It sounds as though you're doing (almost) everything
    correctly. Perhaps your flux is contaminated, though. Consider
    trying a commercially prepared flux such as Battern's or Prip's.
    Also, you don't mention using a firecoat. Before fluxing, I dip all
    pieces to be joined in a solution of denatured alcohol and boric
    acid in a 50/50 ratio, then burn it off. This removes residues that
    can prevent a good join, and helps prevent firescale. Try this first
    before replacing your flux. 

    I often use a charcoal block to solder large pieces of sterling,
    since it can help maintain heat and provide a reducing atmosphere
    (and help prevent firescale), but it may be creating too much heat
    for such a small join. 

    Solder follows the heat, so using the charcoal block the way you are
    may be hindering you. Try placing the two pieces to be joined in
    tweezers and suspended above your surface so that you can direct the
    torch flame underneath the join. Place your solder on top and heat
    from underneath. This should draw the solder around and through the
    way you need it to. Please let us all know how you solve this
    problem. 

James in SoFl

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