Learning how to solder jewelry is an invaluable skill that can elevate your jewelry-making hobby. Whether you’re passionate about beading or starting out as a metalsmith, soldering is a crucial lesson to acquire.
Soldering not only allows you to permanently close those unreliable jump rings but also enhances your skill set significantly. It’s completely understandable to feel hesitant.
- A torch is a serious tool, not a toy, and must be handled with care.
- Nevertheless, you can safely solder at home, which will propel you towards creating cool men’s rings and women’s chains.
- You don’t need a designated studio, garage, or jewelry bench; a kitchen table can serve as a safe soldering space with just a few items.
- Set up your space, practice diligently, and you’ll overcome your fear of soldering in no time.
Soon you’ll be closing jump rings, joining links, and securely soldering finger rings.
Note: Stay focused! When you first begin to solder, remove distractions such as pets and phones from the room and ensure you have ample ventilation.
Let’s get started
Soldering metal involves a few variables based on what is being soldered, but generally, you follow the same basic steps every time.
- First, set up a safe area to solder.
- You’ll typically need a large ceramic tile, fire brick or heat-resistant pad, and an overhead lamp.
- Place the fire brick on top of the tile.
- Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area.
- Have items like copper tongs, a jar of water, a small paintbrush, your solder and flux, and a pickle pot readily available.
Prepare Metal
- Make sure the metal is clean and free from grease and oils that may have been transferred from your hands.
- Each piece to be soldered should be immersed in a pickle for a few minutes.
- Once removed from the pickle, use pliers or tweezers to handle the metal and arrange it on the fire brick for soldering.
Add Flux
With the pieces cleaned and arranged on the brick, it’s time to cut your solder.
- The solder should also be clean, though it doesn’t need pickling, and you should minimize handling it.
- Cut tiny pieces of solder using wire cutters or sharp scissors.
- Set these pieces asideon your tile for later use.
Now it’s time to apply the flux. There are two methods and types of flux to choose from, based on personal preference.
Here are your options:
- Use a type of flux called Batterns, which is light yellow.
- Apply the flux to the soldering area using a thin paintbrush.
- Then place the solder on the metal.
- This method allows both flux and solder to be heated simultaneously.
- Alternatively, you can use a borax-based flux that is like a paste.
- Apply the flux again with a thin brush.
- Instead of applying the solder immediately, heat the metal first until the fluxed area looks like glass.
- Then place the solder on the metal.
If you need extra time to arrange your solder, option B might be better because it makes the soldered area slightly sticky.
However, option B requires heating the metal twice, whereas option A allows for simultaneous fluxing and heating of the solder.
Place the Solder
Use tweezers to place tiny pieces of solder onto the metal.
Ensure that the solder is positioned between the areas that will join the metal most effectively.
A little solder goes a long way when placed correctly. This will, however, require some practice.
Torch It
With the solder in place, it’s time to light your torch.
- Begin by heating all the metal so that the soldering temperature is reached uniformly.
- Remember that the solder follows your heat, so avoid pointing the flame directly at the solder.
- Instead, use the flame to draw the solder through the joint being connected.
- Continue heating until you see the solder run, then immediately remove the flame.
Quench the Metal
- Use tweezers or pliers to pick up the hot metal and drop it into a jar of water.
- Repeat these steps if you need to solder the piece again.
- Keep in mind to switch to a different type of solder, either medium or soft, as previously described.
