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can i solder sterling silver with a soldering iron

by Shirley Spencer Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

A soldering iron will not be suitable for soldering sterling silver. You will need to use a gas torch to achieve the correct temperature.

Full Answer

Can you refine silver out of silver solder?

While you CAN simply apply the silver solder directly from the roll while you are torching, you may end up using much more silver than you need to. I prefer to cut an appropriate-sized piece of silver solder for the joint. Once you have your silver solder pieces cut, go ahead and apply flux to them as well.

Where can you buy silver solder?

Things You'll Need

  • Soldering brick
  • Silver solder
  • Wire cutters
  • Silver objects
  • Flux
  • Water
  • Glass jar
  • Small paintbrush
  • Tweezers
  • Torch

More items...

How strong is silver solder really?

Why do we use silver?

  • To lower the melting point of other alloys like copper. ...
  • Silver increases the melting temperature range. ...
  • Improves ductility. ...
  • Types of solder based on alloy composition. ...
  • Lead alloy solders. ...
  • Lead-free solders. ...
  • Flux-core solders. ...
  • Silver-alloy solders. ...
  • Type of solders based form factor. ...
  • Bare wire or fluxless solder. ...

More items...

Can you pawn sterling silver?

This Old Pawn Sterling Silver Navajo Concho Belt is your opportunity to own collectible, American Indian jewelry.....that you can wear! Made with a premium weight of Sterling, this unisex accessory features 10 (includes buckle) 1-3/8" wide rounds, that are heavily textured and finished with scalloped edging.

What kind of solder do you use for sterling silver?

Hard Grade Silver Solder Cadmium-free sheet solder. Melts at 1365° F (741° C). Excellent for the first stage of soldering a complex piece with many joints. For use with sterling silver, Argentium® sterling silver and fine silver.Oct 27, 2021

Will solder stick to sterling silver?

Many metals used in jewelry making can be soldered, including sterling silver, fine silver, brass, copper, gold, and gold filled.

Can you use a soldering iron to solder jewelry?

You can use a soldering iron to make many jewelry repairs. A soldering iron is a tool used to heat solder, a metal-based substance used to join two or more metal components. Soldering irons are frequently used in various creative pursuits, such as jewelry making, metalsmithing and stained glass assembling.

How do you solder sterling silver wire?

8:0316:56Begin soldering! How To Solder a Sterling Silver Bangle. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd draw the solder up through the wire by heating on the top because solder will flow wherever theMoreAnd draw the solder up through the wire by heating on the top because solder will flow wherever the heat source is wherever the hottest point is it's going to flow towards it.

How do you fuse sterling silver?

9:0312:07Soldering & Fusing Silver - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHeating it up so that things stick on there and the flux dries. And then i decided that i'd ratherMoreHeating it up so that things stick on there and the flux dries. And then i decided that i'd rather do this by heating it from the back. Side at least at this moment.

How do you solder silver?

1:463:22HOW TO SILVER SOLDER - FOR BEGINNERS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow apply the hottest part of the flame. To where the nipple meets the copper pipe. When the fluxMoreNow apply the hottest part of the flame. To where the nipple meets the copper pipe. When the flux takes on a watery runny appearance. That's the time to just touch it with the rod of silver solder.

Can you solder a silver chain?

1:025:13How To Solder Ends to Sterling Silver Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now don't worry if it takes time to prepare. Get yourself set up for soldering I mean it couldMoreAnd now don't worry if it takes time to prepare. Get yourself set up for soldering I mean it could take it can take a few minutes sometimes to get everything just right.

How do you solder copper jewelry with a soldering iron?

0:084:22How to solder jewelry - Jewelry Making - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe soldering iron becomes hot when you use it. So never leave it unattended around kids or pets.MoreThe soldering iron becomes hot when you use it. So never leave it unattended around kids or pets. Always make sure that you have adequate ventilation.

What kind of solder is used for jewelry?

Use silver solder when soldering copper, brass, sterling silver or silver-filled metals. Solder is rated based on its melting point; the melting point is affected by the percentages of metal used in the alloy that makes up the solder.

Can you use soldering wire for jewelry?

9:1910:56How to use wire solder for jewelry - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr anything to a table use your soft solder because it just makes it just easy and and then alwaysMoreOr anything to a table use your soft solder because it just makes it just easy and and then always make sure all your parts are flat.

What is soldering sterling silver?

First of all, what is soldering? Soldering is joining two or more metal parts using a solder. Solder is a metal alloy that is heated and fluxed where the bond is needed to fuse the parts.

What is the best way to clean silver after soldering?

This isn’t the kind you eat, of course! Pickle is an acidic cleaning solution to use on sterling silver after soldering. It eliminates the blackish or reddish fire scale restoring the original beautiful silver color. An old or spare crockpot you never use in the kitchen is the best vessel for holding the pickle bath.

What kind of torch do you need to solder sterling silver?

Torch and Fuel. To solder sterling silver, you’ll also need a flame torch . The variety can be a bit overwhelming as there are so many different types and sizes. You can go straight to a professional-grade torch, so you only need to buy it once.

Why is my solder not flowing?

Here are the issues that could be causing it, and how to fix each one: 1. Dirt, oil and grime stuck on your sterling silver or the solder.

Why is flux used in sterling silver?

Flames cause metals to oxidize and change color. Flux is a pasty or fluid substance applied to sterling silver to act as a reducing agent and prevent oxidation. It also helps the solder flow better.

How to clean silver with copper tongs?

Using copper tongs, pick up your sterling silver and dip it in the pickle solution. Leave it in there until it turns white. That is how you know it is clean.

Is solder a metal filler?

When well-executed, the soldered joining is virtually invisible. It is worth mentioning that solder is not a metal filler .

How to clean silver before soldering?

If there is oxidization on the surface, you may need to place the silver in a pickle solution before soldering. Optionally, you may use 1000 grit sandpaper to make a rougher surface for joining.

What is silver solder?

Silver solder is an alloy formed from silver and other metals, designed to join with silver but melt at a lower temperature. You may purchase this as a container of pre-cut chips, or purchase it in sheet or wire form and cut off 1/8 inch (3mm) chips with wire cutters.

What solder to use for cracks?

If you are filling a crack, you may want to use a lower-purity "easy" silver solder, as it melts at a lower temperature. For joining two pieces together, use "medium" or "hard" silver solder with more silver content, to create a stronger bond.

What is the best soldering block for silver?

A charcoal soldering block may be the best option for soldering silver, as it reflects heat to create the high temperature silver requires. A magnesia soldering block or a kiln brick are other common options, and may last through more soldering projects than charcoal.

How to reduce fumes when soldering?

Use a fan for ventilation if necessary. Open the windows or turn on a fan in order to minimize the amount of fumes you inhale, moving the air over the work area and away from you. Keep strong breezes away from the object itself, however, or their cooling effect may make the soldering process difficult.

Why use flux in silver?

A "flux" is necessary to clean the silver's surface and assist in heat transfer. It also helps remove oxides on the silver's surface, which would interfere with the bond. You may use a general purpose flux, or a "blazing flux" specifically for silver or jewelry.

Can you use lead solder on silver?

Do not attempt to use lead solder when soldering silver, as it will usually fail to work and is difficult to remove. Warning: Avoid silver solders containing cadmium, which may cause health problems if fumes are inhaled.

What is the best way to solder silver?

To help prevent this from occurring, you will need a specialized working space that features low heat conduction. In most cases, a charcoal soldering block is often considered the best option for soldering silver. This is vital since it helps in reflecting heat, creating a relatively high temperature to work on your silver.

How to clean silver after soldering?

Allow your silver object to cool for a while and then dip it in the water, allowing it to cool even further. The pickle solution is an acidic solution that will help in cleaning your silver after soldering. Use copper tongs to low in your silver and then leave for a while, allowing it to get rid of flux and oxidation.

How to get rid of oily silver?

Cleaning the silver. It would be best if you considered using a degreasing solution to help in getting rid of oily surfaces. In the presence of oxidation on your silver object, you should consider placing the silver in a pickle solution before you start the soldering process.

How to apply flux to silver?

Applying flux. As per the instruction on the packaging, prepare the flux, and ensure that it is ready for use. A small paintbrush will help in applying the flux onto the surface of your silver. Applying the flux on the point where the solder will be placed will help prevent the amount of solder that will flow to the wrong place.

Is it important to learn soldering?

Mastering the art of soldering is vital. With the right tool, you will be able to work on various projects with the utmost ease. However, when it comes to soldering precious metal, the process can be intense, and you should always protect yourself during the soldering process.

Can you join silver and copper?

At times you might be required to join two silver alloys or silver and different metal. The process can be intense, especially when joining silver to a different metal such as copper or brass. In such cases, you might consider looking for a more sophisticated method of fusing the two metals.

Can soldering iron melt silver?

Since silver features a high melting point, a soldering iron cannot melt silver.

What kind of torch do you use to solder silver?

Torch and Fuel. You need a heat source to solder silver. I use a butane torch with refillable butane fuel which can handle your smaller soldering needs when you’re first starting out, such as ear wires and jump rings.

Can you use a striker to light a torch?

You can use a striker to light your torch flame if you’re using a traditional jeweler’s torch or if your butane torch does not have a built in lighter or ignition.

What solder is used in audio cables?

The only wires used in high-end audio are Copper and Silver, so George Cardas developed an ultra pure Tin/Lead/Silver/Copper eutectic or Quad-Eutectic solder. This solder is now used in the vast majority of all high-end cables and equipment.

Is 60/40 solder a joint?

The problem is only one type of soldered connection is truly a joint, most are as the word states, a connection. Many solders, such as the popular 60/40, are a slurried mixture of Tin and Lead. In making the joint, the Tin/Lead mixture melts, but as it solidifies it does so one metal at a time.

Do printed circuit boards have slurry solder?

The reliability of printed circuit boards went up nearly 1000%, and solid state audio gear began to sound almost tolerable. Today, all printed circuit boards use Eutectic solder. The melting point of a Eutectic solder is lower than any of its component parts, so there is no slurry state in these solders.

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