[Jewelry making - Article 00453] - [Orchid] Raising Copper on 18k Soldering

[Sarah Hood]

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Hi all,

    I'm having a problem with the copper in my 18k alloy coming to the
    surface of my work in the process of soldering, and I'm wondering if
    anyone could tell me how to prevent this, and how to get rid of it
    once it happens. 

    The elements: I'm using 18k yellow and occasionally green gold from
    Hauser & Miller, oxy-propane setup with a Smith versa-torch
    w/mini-torch attachment, HandyFlux paste flux, and 18k plumb gold
    easy solder (1470 degrees melt & 1530 degrees flow), Sparex pickle. 

    Is it my flame? Is my pickle too strong? Do I have a bad batch of
    gold? I've tried adjusting everything, and I still seem to be raising
    enough copper on, for instance, 18k jump rings that I'm soldering
    shut, that in the end, they actually look like copper, and not like
    gold anymore. 

    Suggestions? 

Thanks in advance,
Sarah

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