another soldering question ?

[PLP]

I want to know if there is a way to melt silver wire together without solder ? I have seen it done , and i have done it too but , it turns a black color when you are done . Is there a way to do this where it wont turn or is it just easier to use solder?   '>  



Thanks PLP

[Metalman]

Well, if it turns black - you are using Sterling Silver wire, which is an alloy of silver and copper. If you use fine silver wire, you will not have it turning black. If you are trying to join the wire with solder, this is called fusing and is doable but requires specific techniques.
I would do searches for "fusing silver"
Other wise, use solder.  You can use a higher temperature medium or hard solder if you wish - the color quality is better.

hey i just registered in this forum, and it wont let me post a new topic.. i dont actually go to forums much so im not sure how this works exactly.  but,  i have a question about soldering as well!  

i cant get the solder to work on the pendant im making.  i am trying to solder on a wire clasp i made.. but it wont stay.. i have tried over and over and it doesnt want to work!

so then i tried premelting the solder onto the wire, and that workd, but then when i went to solder the wire onto the pendant, again no go!.. so then i tried premelting the solder onto the pendant itself but instead of running, the piece of solder just balls up

i have been careful to (a.) clean the piece well .. and (b.) heat the whole piece.. and the torch, solder, and soldering board im using should be fine (smith "little torch" and silquar soldering board)..

im wondering if maybe the flux has something to do with my problems .. im using pro-craft jel-flux ..as the name suggests its a gel.. and previously (in my jewelry class) i had used a paste that we made by adding water to this white granular stuff (boric acid or something?)

otherwise, i dont know?
any suggestions??

[Metalman]

While I have not used the Jel Flux - it sounds mostly like your piece is not getting hot enough. The Smith 'Little Torch', while the flame is very hot, does not have a large enough flame to heat up a piece like you describe.  An Acetylene/air torch; a propane /air torch or a butane/air torch will have a larger flame that can do the blanket heating you need for this application.
The 'Little Torch' is best for very focussed jointing jobs.
You have taken the right approach with presoldering, etc - just not enough heat.

I am mildly concerned about the flux you are using but everything I can currently find on line seems to indicate it proper for this usage. When I solder, I usually use a general liquid flux for the main surfaces and a thick paste flux like HandiFlux for the specific joining area.

[EnglishIvy]

With all the discussion about which torch to use, I recently purchased a Butane Micro Torch Stock
#: 69-180  from Rings and Things.  I was thrilled when it arrived and went immediately to work with it.  I used to use a creme brulee torch and could solder jump rings together but could not solder a bezel to a backing.  I was hoping that this Micro Torch would do the trick.  It didn't.  I am guessing that it is not getting hot enough.  My question...can I use a regular hand held cannister to solder silver pieces?  And if so, what kind of gas is safe to use inside the house?

[Metalman]

(EnglishIvy @ May 24 2007,15:43)

QUOTE

With all the discussion about which torch to use, I recently purchased a Butane Micro Torch Stock
#: 69-180  from Rings and Things.  I was thrilled when it arrived and went immediately to work with it.  I used to use a creme brulee torch and could solder jump rings together but could not solder a bezel to a backing.  I was hoping that this Micro Torch would do the trick.  It didn't.  I am guessing that it is not getting hot enough.  My question...can I use a regular hand held cannister to solder silver pieces?  And if so, what kind of gas is safe to use inside the house?

Okay, 2 possibilities here:
1]  The Microtorch will not have enough heat for a large bezel & backing but should have enough heat for a smaller  to small medium size.  What solder were you using?
I would solder my bezel with medium, and use easy grade on the second soldering to attach to the backing.  
2] If you have more then 1 soldering block or fire brick, you can make a "heat corner" by stacking the brick pieces onto each other. Make sure that the stack layers so that the flame is bounced back and contained - this will increase your heating capacity in that area. Set  your work up into this 'corner' and heat.  If you still have your brulee torch - use both torches to bring it to soldering temp.

AS to the  regular hand held cannister I am guessing you mean one of the propane torches from the hardware store - Yes this will work, but you may need to apply option 2 above as well.  Really, a torch is a torch, the important factors are = does it produce the heat you need & is it controllable [some torches are so hot, so fast that they will just melt the silver]