[Jewelry making - Article 00157] - [Orchid] Soldering at the basement

[LisaF]

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Hello All,

    I've been lurking a bit and searching the archives, but I still have
    some questions to ask that I can't seem to find the answers.

    I am new to this (jewelry making/metal smiting) but have wanted to
    do this my whole life. I've been a software engineer for HP but left
    several years ago to raise my family. Now the youngest is in first
    grade and I'm ready to return to life. So I took a couple of classes
    this spring and have gotten the fever. I am now trying to make some
    pieces to "support my habit" hopefully, and if I can make some money
    all the better.

    Anyway, I have setup my studio in my basement (in my sewing room)
    and my garage. Recently, my brother  <hugs & Kisses> bought me a
    smith little torch propane/oxygen outfit to help me in my endeavor. I
    have been melting a few bezels and such while getting the knack of
    it. One of my big problems is positioning of pieces. I have binding
    wire but it only helps so much. If I have things I need to solder
    that are different heights, sometimes I can't get the wire to bind
    them to keep them where I want. My question is what do you all use
    (other than a tack welder) to do this? I've looked at investment
    compound in the Rio Grande Catalog and also soldering grain. Which is
    easier to use or best to use?

    My second question is what are the requirements to moving my
    soldering bench from the garage to the downstairs? I looked through
    the Bench Exchange studio visits and most folks seem to have their
    torches by their benches. Is an open window sufficient? I've also
    read you can get away with a stove hood for exhaust. Would that be
    sufficient?

    There are tons more questions, but I'll stop there, lest I overwhelm
    you all.

    BTW I have really enjoyed visiting everyone's web sites that have
    been in their posts. The designs and jewelry are interesting. I'm
    lovin' it! 

Lisa Fowler
Fort Collins, CO USA
llfowler AT comcast.net

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