08-06-2020, 07:08 PM
The only thing helpful I can think of, having done a lot of silver soldering, is that the temperature is far higher than soft soldering- but the flux will tell you when you're in about the right range, as it turns to 'glass' which is very obvious, and tells when the solder is about to flow.
I agree it's a good idea to cut small pieces of solder and place next to the joint, rather than stick feeding, if you're not used to it.
I use low temperature solder and easy flo flux, and a small propane torch on a bottle. It's not as fine as pure silver for fine silversmithing work, but still makes a very strong joint, and it's easier to work.
Getting the flus 'glass' off is best done with a weak acid solution as already said.
Give it a go- it's not difficult and good fun- but clean really thoroughly- a freshly filed surface with flux added before it has time to tarnish usually works fine.
I agree it's a good idea to cut small pieces of solder and place next to the joint, rather than stick feeding, if you're not used to it.
I use low temperature solder and easy flo flux, and a small propane torch on a bottle. It's not as fine as pure silver for fine silversmithing work, but still makes a very strong joint, and it's easier to work.
Getting the flus 'glass' off is best done with a weak acid solution as already said.
Give it a go- it's not difficult and good fun- but clean really thoroughly- a freshly filed surface with flux added before it has time to tarnish usually works fine.