Comments | metalsmiths: soldering on the cheap

adularia in metalsmiths

soldering on the cheap

Jun 12, 2006 12:47

I need to solder one sterling jump ring. Only one! I have a butane torch, and some pieces of solder left over from my jewelry class, but I don't have a shop setup at home. What would be an economical way to get this one ring done? I would prefer not to buy large amounts of flux and pickling chemicals while I am doing metalwork only infrequently.. ( Read more... )

Comments 4

beegirlamy June 12 2006, 20:20:04 UTC

You can use a piece of a metal 'clothing hanger' as a soldering pick.
*be sure to use sandpaper to sand off any coating it may have on it*

For flux you could use 'Borax'...*the powdered laundry detergent*
*mix it with denatured alcohol so it's 'suspended' in the liquid (you can get in small quantities in the paint solvent section of a hardware store)*

I have used marble tiles from Home Depot as soldering pads.

(If you want it done REALLY fast and cheap, go to any local mall to a 'Fast Fix' Jewelry store. They can do it for you in 30mins while you shop)

I hope this helps~
Amy

adularia June 12 2006, 20:43:07 UTC

That last part might be the best suggestion for the moment, as nice as it would be to do it myself. Thanks for your other tips, though -- I've been trying to collect ideas to get a semi-portable shop together. I had thought of using a pizza stone as a work surface, but the tile idea is even better.

and I'm also named Amy :)

beegirlamy June 13 2006, 05:03:53 UTC

Amy's UNITE!
*Good luck with your metalwork and jewelry in the future*

michigansundog June 13 2006, 02:48:23 UTC

It's nearly criminal to suggest it, but perhaps some low temp solder like "Tix"? I think it melts at ~400-600 F?