[Jewelry making - Article 00289] - Re: [Orchid] Afraid to solder

[coralnut]

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Todd,

    It sounds like you were doing most everything correctly. However,
    too much flux is not always a good thing. It can interfer with flow
    if it coats the surface. Also, I have not used their magic flux...is
    it a protective (i.e., anti-firescale) or a cleaning flux. One
    protects the overall piece from firescale, the other cleans and wets
    the join. Also, it sounds like you either did not get the join areas
    clean enough or they did not meet well the second time otherwise the
    solder would have flowed. 

    I hate to say this, but.....I suspect you attempted to bite off more
    than you could chew!!! Soldering is kind of like golf....you only
    have to remember 21 things....the problem is you have to do them all
    at the same time! 

    Before you try to solder something in which you are mixing metals
    and soldering big things to little things....not to mention sweat
    soldering, you probably need to practice doing a whole lot of
    micro-soldering -- putting little things onto little things, then
    practice some macro-soldering -- putting big things to big things.
    When you can do that kind of job without batting an eye, then move
    onto the project you describe. In my experience, it takes the average
    person about 10 to 15 of each before they get the process down pat.
    Remember, its not just knowing a technique thats important, its
    knowing how to do it well! How many stones did you have to cut before
    you could cut a perfect oval by eye with out using a template? 

    Don't loose heart....just practice first. 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry!
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