stay-brite on sterling silver

[dafduck]

I work strictly in sterling silver and have recently read about soldering and would like to incorporate the two.  Because I don't have the first clue re: soldering I borrowed quite a bit of books from the library, including the one by Tim McGreit (sorry for the misspelling)...and found out that I don't think I'd be inerested going that route. Sooooo, can I use Stay-Brite on SS wire? Also, is this stuff safe to use for jewelry since it will be touching the skin.  I also like to work with glass..can I foil a piece of glass then use stay-brite as the solder (I told you I was new at this)
PS Thank God for this site....I have been searching the web for info but there is none available that I found for soft soldering.

[Metalman]

The short answer: You can use Sta-Brite on sterling. The amounts are so small that regarding skin contact, its probably fine. I haven't tried Sta-Brite with copper foil but I would expect it to be fine.

The long answer:  Sta-brite is what is properly referred to as 'soft solder'  Regular silver soldering is 'hard solder'.  There is a big temperature difference.  Soft solder is usually tin plus other soft metals like zinc or lead.  If you use a 'soft' solder and sometime later heat the piece up to the 'hard' solder temperatures, the'soft' solder eats cancerous holes in the silver. Not Good!
The difference between the two has to do with strength and durability. Also, fine jewelry would be made with 'hard' solders, while soft solders would be for lower quality, costume jewelry type work.

On a different note: from your questions, I think you might find the metal clay products very compatible with your work.  Rings &things sell the Art Clay SIlver products. YOu might check into them.

[dafduck]

Thanks for the feedback.  Since I am using sterling and fine silver I supppose (sigh) I should then use hard solder.  Ok, my question then is this:  Since I don't know ANYTHING about soldering, what should be my basic necesseties. How do I know what level of hard solder I should buy, silver sheet or coils, etc? What kind of solder and entry level torch.  I just want to do basic, simple connections, nothing fancy [although I might change my mind later '>  ] Just think of me as a little newborn please.  I'm probably making it seem a lot harder than it seems, anyway, thanks in advance

[Metalman]

Okay - First, I would recommend that you purchase the Tim McCrieght book 'The Complete Metalsmith' [R&T cat #:62-010].
If you are going to start in on this, you will probably want this on the shelf so that its there when you have a need. Also much of your question can be answered in there as well.

The small butane fueled 'broule' torches will suffice as entry level torches, as will the propane/mapp gas ones - as long as you are working small.
You may be able to find some one in your area who will give you some mentoring lessons or who is teaching a class - this would probably be time /$ well invested.  There are a number of 'tricks of the trade' that are easiest to pass down in direct contact. I assume you are not in the Spokane, WA area?
Keep sending us your questions and we will keep it moving for you.