[Jewelry making - Article 00154] - Re: [Orchid] Problem soldering

[R . E . Rourke]

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    Copper (100Cu) melts at 1063 C
    Hard Silver Solder at about 750 c
    Metal firing temps in an enameling kiln:
    for Cu 1082 C
    .925 Ag 893 C

    For copper one must anneal to cherry red first,air cool and water
    quench.let it dry 100%. I would suggest nitric Acid for the initial
    preperatory pickle at a ratio of about 1:4, then a bit diluted for
    dissoving scale ( if you have not put a firecoat on to protect the
    non-joint parts of the metal) after soldering.).Ordinarily a gap is
    the sign of incomplete or poor fitting, so double check your joins
    for perfect fits.It is better to take the time to get it right in the
    beginning than having to re-do it. 

    Not having the slightest clue as to whether you are using transparent
    or opaque enamels,or are using the wet or dry technique -if not both-
    and presuming you have prepared the glass well in distilled water
    until clear, you may consider torch melting the enamel onto the
    copper using a tripod to allow heat to encase the piece,but not melt
    it as a kiln would do if above 816 C. thoroughly stone the glass
    working coarse to fine, then refire to bring up a glossy finish ( if
    that's what you're after)..For a matte finish try dilute hydrochloric
    acid instead of refiring. 

    Copper paste solder may be the answer in your case. as opposed to
    silver solder..due to the sheer size of your pieces that your are
    attempting to connect..regular silver solder strikes me as
    incorrect.,not to mention the flux is already in the copper paste
    type solder so the flux you are using for Ag may bear on the problem
    too! ( alternatively make your own enamelling solder ( 6 g fine
    silver to 1.5 g copper- no zinc, no anything else.roll out thin or
    draw into a wire and mark clearly the grade and purpose) 

    Make sure you clean the joins in between the attempts as well as you
    can (sand them perhaps with a very fine grit paper or film in
    addition to a nitric acid dip).I'm not sure why acetylene and O2 have
    not worked..check your regulator pressure(?) if it's correct, try
    MAPP brand gas and oxygen as it achieves a slightly higher temp than
    acetylene.. with propane you would best have a second person holding
    an additional torch on the piece- even then it probably will not
    give you the results you need...the main consideration is a Reducing
    flame - or about half of the length from the tip of the torch to the
    end of the flame,oxidising flames are of no value n soldering
    enameled pieces together. 

    hope at least there is a grain of something usable here..if not
    there are a number of excellent enamelling books out there, one that
    might be specific to your needs is"Enameling onCopper and other
    Metals" by Thomas e.Thompson,c.1950's or "Enamels and Enameling" by
    Randau, both are probablyout of print but available on Alibris.com or
    ABEbooks.com 

R.E.Rourke
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