Torches allow jewelry artists to expand the variety of their work. By using a torch, jewelers can permanently join pieces of metal to create intricate and sturdy pieces of handmade jewelry.
Safety Issues
Torches should not be used by those who do not fully understand their proper use and care. Before purchasing a torch for your home studio, make sure that you have taken classes that address how to properly handle and care for a torch. Do not attempt to operate a torch without first working under the supervision of an experienced art teacher.
Purchase Metalsmithing Supplies
Before you can begin to make silver jewelry, you must purchase supplies. The bulk of supplies can be purchased online through the RioGrande supply store.
To solder jewelry, you will need:
- A Torch - The Bernz-O-Matic pencil torch works well for beginners, and can be hooked up to an inexpensive propane tank.
- Metal - Depending on personal preference, you can purchase sheet metal that is either sterling silver, brass or copper. You may also want to purchase metal wire or tubing.
- Easy Silver Solder - Solder can be purchased in wire or sheet. Wire usually works well for beginners.
- Flux - Flux is the substance that allows the solder to flow on the metal. My-T-Flux liquid flux works well for beginners.
- Needle-Tip Flux Dispenser Kit - This is a small bottle with needle tip applicators with which to apply flux.
- Soldering Station - The Heetrix soldering station provides an all-in-one soldering station and third arm to hold metal. Other soldering stations are also available at RioGrande.
- A Pick - A variety of picks are available at RioGrande.
- Copper Tongs - Only copper tongs can be used in the pickle solution that helps clean the metal after it has been soldered.
Additional Tools:
- A Crock Pot - This can be purchased at a local thrift store. The crock pot is used to keep the pickle solution at a low heat.
- Ph Down - This chemical solution can be purchased at any home store or pool supply store. Combine about 1/4 cup of the powder with water to make the pickle solution.
- A Small Propane Tank - This can be purchased at your local home store.
- A Striker with Flint Replacements - This is used to light the torch and can also be purchased at a local home store.
Prepare the Metal
Before soldering, make sure that the pieces of metal to be joined are completely clean and free from debris that could obstruct the solder. Place the pieces on the solder station so that they are touching. Use the flux applicator to coat the area in liquid flux.
Place a few small pieces of solder, around the size of a grain of salt, on one side of the solder station. Also, make sure that you have a soldering pick ready.
Solder the Metal
Start the soldering process by using the torch to heat the area of the metal where the flux was applied. Next, placing the end of the pick behind the piece of solder, heat the solder until it forms a small ball and attaches to the pick.
Apply the solder to the metal by placing the end of the pick on the area to be joined. Head the solder and metal until the solder is transferred to the metal. Keep heating until the solder flows and joins the areas. The solder will move toward the hottest areas. Make sure to move the torch flame slightly so that the sheet metal will not become too hot and melt.
Clean the Metal
After the solder has joined the metal, use tweezers to pick up the piece and drop it in a bowl full of water. This will cool the metal, but it will still be covered in black soot from the torch. To clean the metal, drop it in the pickle solution in the crock pot. The solution should be kept at a low heat to be effective. Leave the item in the pot for around five minutes and then remove and scrub with pumice and water.
Finishing The Piece
The item must then also be sanded and polished. To sand the metal, start with a heavy-grit sandpaper and work up to a fine-grit. The piece can then be tumbled in a polisher with stainless steel shot and Dawn liquid soap. The shot will correct any nicks or scrapes on the metal and the soap will condition the metal and remove oils.
Create a Variety of Jewelry Pieces
After learning to solder, jewelers can make a multitude of different types of metal art. It is important to practice this skill though and pay close attention to safety issues. With time and practice, this skill will add greater quality and diversity to any artist's metal work.
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