Hi ...

Any opinions out there, strong or luke warm ones, about the strength of paste solders compared to snips from sheet or wire solders?

Frankly, I've used all three, and paste is my all-time fav for ease of use.  Mind you, I don't have a ton of experience in soldering, and my jewelry production isn't what you call prolific, but I'd like to know what the "holding together" life is for paste compared to the others.

Thanks!

Betsy

I only use paste for certain applications, because well...frankly if you're not careful it makes an awful sandy looking mess.  For me, using snips of sheet solder is the best way to control exactly when I want to place the solder (after the flux is done bubbling), and where I want the solder.  Since the flux is in the paste solder, if the flux bubbles and slides a bit you've got a mess.

 I haven't had anything I made using paste fall apart, so as far as strength goes, it seems fine.
 

Karen,

Thanks for your reply...actually, sheet solder is my second choice.  But I always have a problem with the flux bubbling so much that it moves out of place.  I guess this is where experience and practice comes in.  I'm getting less anxious to jump on the piece so fast with the blue tip of the flame and instead, coming at it more gently.  Also, my borax mix might be too thick, so I've watered it down some, and that seems to help.

Another question...how do you put the sheet solder back in place after the flux is done bubbling? Isn't the flux kind of hard that time?

 guess I'll just, practice, practice, practice...and that's how you get to Carnegie Hall!!

I never put the solder where I want it until after I warm the piece and the bubbling is over. 

 
I flux my piece, warm up the piece until the flux gets glassy, then I turn off my  torch, place the solder where it belongs, torch back on and finish up.

Sorry it took so long to post again, karen, but between working overtime (my, unfortunately, "real" job), and baptizing my jeweler's saw with my blood (through the coil and a quarter inch deep into my left index finger...OW! ), I haven't been typing too much.

I can't wait to try your method of soldering.  But can you stand one more question? (Oh yeah, that's a question too.)  Is the silver still clean enough for the solder to flow after you take the torch off to place the snip of solder where you want it?  I suspect it's the flux that's keeping it clean, but tell me if I've answered my own question anyway...this is how inexperienced I am!

Thanks!

Betsy  

Have you tried pick soldering? I find it gives me a lot more control. Put a pallion or two of solder on a block near your piece. Warm your piece up until flux stops bubbling. Shift your heat to the solder, until it balls up, heating your pick above it at the same time. (takes less than a second.) Touch the pick to the balled up solder and it will go to the heat. Place the pick, with the solder, where you want to solder. Then heat til it flows. This is easier than it sounds. Many folks think placing the solder means pushing it into the mix. Just lightly touch it and if the piece is hot, the balled-up solder will move toward the heat.

Hi guys, I have read this thread with interest, I was just wondering if you always use a borax cone and dish or if you use liquid flux such as auroflux? I  am self taught and sometimes you miss out on the benefit of someone elses experience!

 

Sally

I use the pre-mixed stuff you buy from Rio. It dries out, but you just add a drop or two of water on the top and mix it in with your brush. All the books I have must be antique.. they mention the borax cone, but it hardly seems to be available today. The Rio handi-flux works great.