What type of torch do you have? I have been making memory glass pendants, but I wanted something three dimensional. Venture Tape MasterFoil Plus Adhesive Copper Foil. It makes clean-up a nightmare! Oxygen can either be drawn into the torch from the atmosphere through the flow of the fuel or combined with the fuel through the torch's configuration, drawing in pure oxygen and fuel from individual tanks, each with its own regulator and adjustments on the torch itself. If its higher than copper, youre probably fine. Thanks for your help. So I wont recommend it until I find out what were doing wrong! Flux is included with the Staybrite solder. Ive now ordered some Simply Swank solder & flux from your site, and hope that will take out a few of the unknowns for me. 1 sheet Piddix 7/8 Square Collage Sampler You could use a strip of copper, brass or nickel silver sheet or bezel wire as the sides, and wrap it to the memory glass, just like above. But that was just my first try my teacher hadnt scorched any in years. But you are working with thin wire, so who knows. Use the 60 watts soldering tool with pointy tip to permanently secure jump rings, attach jewelry findings, design soldered pendants and much more. Soft solder (used with soldering irons) and hard solder (used with torches) have different properties, so require different construction methods. wipe it on a wet spongue or a metal scrubie. So littery the tool is useless after the tips are worn. I know the hotter ones put off lots of fumes. Handy and worked great for the project I used it for. It is important to use lead-free solid-core solder. Thanks for all the valuable info. I always plug my iron into a power strip along with a radio plugged into the same strip , leave the radio turned on. I am really happy with this purchase. First off, not all soldering irons are created equal. Hi Michelle, what type/brand of solder and/or flux are you using? The foil is wrapped around the item and the sides of the foil are folded and burnished along the top and bottom faces of the item. Or if you have lotion on your hands, and you touch it again after cleaning it, youre coating it with something that will prevent the solder from sticking. I am using Handy Flux (Lucas Milhaupt) recommended by my bead store. Soldering precious metals together, often referred to as hard soldering, makes use of a similar listing of tools as those used for soft soldering. NO monthly membership fees. Use pliers to hold the jump ring on the blob, and reheat with the iron to secure it in place. by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Thank you for sharing these tips. I think you should take it back and see if you get a tip that fits your iron, or else an iron that fits your tip. How can you tell if gemstone beads are genuine or imitation. Shaping the solder coil into a snake makes it easier to feed onto your soldering iron. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Each has its own tools and intricacies. Different types of flames are used to create different results when soldering and heating your metal. Ive watched the videos on their site & they were very helpful, so thanks for pointing me that direction. Now that you know the general soldering landscape, we are ready to jump into Lake Soldering Iron! Come play! You can very carefully use a torch with soft solder. I have the Hakko Soldering Station FX-888, which I love. . There are two completely different soldering methods used in jewelry making, yet people rarely explain which type theyre talking about much the way people say they spent the weekend simply at the lake. (If they are your friends, you do know which lake and hopefully this post will help you make friends with solder!). This quote belonged to the Chocolate Pixie (part of the Simply Swank Queens and Divas collage art set). Avoid solders that have rosin or acid cores. You might also want to gently but firmly burnish (press it down) with a burnishing tool or the back of a pen (Sharpies have a smooth end that works great as a burnisher). Hi Tia! Silver solder would work, but it would look silver, not gold. Good chance its not your technique, but one of your supplies thats causing the problems. Glass Bezels How to show off your treasures I have only been thinking about this for the past couple of days. It would be all straight cuts, so not too tough. . Hi, I have a broken cufflink that the shank broke away from the cabochon. (See article "Tinning Copper Foil" for instructions on this technique.). Each type of torch is made for use with a specific fuel and often the choice of fuel is a personal one or dictated by what is most readily available. let your iron warm up for a good 10 min .or more . How did you like this resource? The gases used include butane, propane and acetylene. Soldering in the jewelry-making world lives up to this definition--the "how" and "what is used for soldering" is where I get excited as it leads to tools, materials and techniques. So if your first one fails, that doesnt mean it isnt do-able; it may just mean that you need a lighter touch, and a soldering iron with a rheostat rather than the simple unplug it when it gets too hot and plug it back in once it cools off a bit temperature control that my soldering iron has. Yes, you can use the soldering iron in the house. Use the torch to lead the solder into the joint. Soldering iron (soft soldering) or torch (hard soldering), Place your piece of glass with copper-taped edges (slide) into a, . Thank you. Lead-free solder has a higher melting point than 60/40 and 50/50; it is safe to use in items that will be used for food service or that will be worn, and creates a strong soldered joint. You do make a difference on my blog! But, then again, I cant find any information. Hi, Polly, I have watched multiple videos online and read many how-to pages and FAQs. Thank you very much. It is a standard Bali styled handmade pendant from Jaipur, India. I got this with a 30% off coupon. A must-have for experienced and beginner jewelry-makers, this comperehensive tool kit includes all the necessary materials for applying solder to your jewelry creations. The soldering iron runs too hot for the solder in the kit, resulting in discolored solder. is used as a cleaning agent, dissolving oxides on the surface of the metal to be soldered, as well as a barrier, preventing oxides from forming on the surface of the solder as it is heated. They are 1 round, and about 1/4 thick at the thickest point. And dont worry there are no evil sea monsters lurking in Lake Soldering Iron. A jewelers saw would be ideal, but you might be able to get away with sheet metal shears. ~ Polly, I have just purchased the whole set of soldering torch items, all of the videos made it look so simple, and when I started my solder ran everywhere but where it was supposed to go, when I finally got some on it would crackle and fall off.. Would love any tips on what Im doing wrong The iron on the right has the recommended chisel tip, but needs to be cleaned! ~ Cindy. Nearby gemstones may be damaged. To remove dirt and grease, soak your metal pieces in a. bath then wash with a good de-greasing liquid detergent. My teacher told me to NOT use acid-core solders, but I dont know the reason why. So all info is greatly appreciated. Since I havent used any others than the ones we sell (and the ancient one in my dads basement 40 years ago), I really cant advise you on the quality of yours, or the various types of flux. i am not a jewelry maker. This combination will allow you to heat a piece from all sides. I am using the soldering that came with it, and also the kind Michaels carrieswhich isBead Landingtah dah (I picked it up bc I wasnt sure how everything worked and wanted to make sure I had some)! 2 potential issues to deal with would be: bending the corners to perfectly match the size and shape of the memory glass for this you could place the metal in a bench vice, and bend sharply against the jaws. I make something similar to photo pendants, but double sided and coated with UV or regular epoxy resin. If you have a reastate most 60/40 solder will melt at a 8 to 8 1/2 setting . These are the tools and supplies Id recommend to get started: Does it have a temperature/wattage control or it simply off and on? The wax will clean the solder further as well as create a high shine. Charcoal blocks are intended to create a reducing atmosphere which will reflect the heat back toward the piece you are soldering. Most products may be shipped via standard ground (delivered in 3-5 business days), second day or next day. Use tweezers of pliers to place the two pieces of metal to be joined onto your, If it is not included in the paste solder, apply. The clips that come with it are either too loose to effectively hold the project or have such a tight grip there is a fear of the China snapping in two or it ripping my copper tape off because I cant open it wide enough to avoid scraping the edges. One Hakko 60w Soldering Iron Atom Is it possible to repair it with a soldering iron? A few tools that have become essential to me are a. Soldering irons used for soft soldering can be electric or gas powered and heat to a range of temperatures from 600-1100 degrees Fahrenheit. http://www.rings-things.com/blog/2013/04/18/how-to-solder-glass-pendants Remember not everything will survive the heat. Clean with alcohol to remove any oils from your fingers a clean surface is the best soldering surface! Thank you again:)!! --that extra hand I always need, fiber grip tweezers for holding things that are hot, and titanium solder picks to help with solder placement. This is to be my next level. ~Polly. The 1/2 foil should be big enough to allow for a bulky object and still go over the sides. Hello :0) I was wondering if you could give me a tip on how to get the copper tape to stay stuck to the glass. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, Inc. - One Fire Mountain Way, Grants Pass, OR USA 97526-2373
2) What type/brand/model of soldering iron and tips are you using? Do not heat solder directly with the torch--the solder will flow toward the heat. Applying this layer of solder is called "tinning. to heat the metal. Exclusions subject to change. And turn it off for a few seconds every now and then to let it cool off. 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. I wouldnt waste the time to file anything off my soldering iron tip when using a Sal Amoniac block to clean it and re-tin it takes only seconds and is not harmful to your tip. Can you help? Stephanie, Hi Stephanie, Thx so much! Solder is a metal alloy that is melted to connect or coat metal pieces. http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Soldering-Irons-and-Tools-for-Soft-Solder-Jewelry/Rings-Things-Exclusive-Glass-Soldering-Jewelry-Making-Kit_2.html to the metal. 1 roll of 5/16 Copper Foil Tape The tip on the iron that fits is the pointed one, so that is the one I have been trying with. Michaels and the Michaels logo and other trademarks and logos used on this site are owned or licensed by Michaels Stores, Inc. All rights reserved. Cindy . Orders placed by 11:00 AM Central Time using second day or next day will ship the same day. Hi Elizabeth, Create a Healing Shrine Its actually a lot of fun to use a butane micro torch and soft solder, because it is gratifyingly FAST. is an adhesive-backed copper tape. It was the best Ive found. Flux is found in liquid and paste form. Ill try reducing the temp and see what happens. See what I mean? Once the soldering is complete, the piece needs to be cleaned of oxidation and flux residue. Valid Online. Lower than 60 watts might not heat up enough. Copyright 2008-2022 Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, Inc. All rights reserved. The whole thing was 40$. Hard solder is more durable, but requires temperatures that are unsafe for the types of jewelry pictured in this blog article (paper, thin glass, etc.). 1 pack of 1 Square Memory Glass 2022 Michaels Stores. video how-to and illustrated instructions, how-to video and illustrated instructions, ''Tumbling and Polishing Jewelry and Stones with a Tumbler'', ''Cleaning Metal and Jewelry with Polishing Cloths'', ''How To Set Up and Polish with the Polisher Bench Lathe'', ''How To Use a Sal Ammoniac Block to Maintain Your Soldering Iron''. Copper tape creates the metal base needed for the solder to flow onto. 25w, 45w and 60? Aqua Love: http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Aqua-Love-Necklace-Tutorial/ Thank you. Your feedback helps us provide resources that matter to you most. Hi Michelle, If they melt/smoke too easily, that would be the only reason it wouldnt work. The flathead tip is too wide to insert. Flux is applied to the copper foil using a disposable. It beads up and runs everywhere. or would it be necessary to get a torch for that? Editors note: This article (titled: How to solder jewelry with Simply Swank tools) is one of our most popular blog topics, and the techniques are tried and true, so when Simply Swank quit producing a line of soldering supplies, we updated the blog article to include our favorite replacements. Plus your sterling wire, chain, charms etc. The heated soldering iron is used to melt the solder. This is much better for your tip! If oxides (tarnish) form in the process, the solder will not flow properly and the seam will not be joined. How to Make a Metal Box Im enjoying all the tips and am still learning as I fine tune this art. File any rough edges, buff with a polishing cloth, and youre done! Flux is included in most paste solders but otherwise needs to be introduced into the soldering equation. http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Soft-Jewelry-Solder-and-Flux/Solder-Soft-Staybrite-reg.html Can you use the soldering iron in the house?? as well like other customers comes with no flux you have to invest more from the 40 you just did, and the glass for me was a waste what am I gonna do play barbies with my daughter. "Hard" solder has a high percentage of silver (average 80%) and a high melting point (about 1365 degrees Fahrenheit); "easy" has a lower percentage of silver (average 60%) and a higher percentage of copper (or zinc) and therefore a lower melting point (about 1240 degrees Fahrenheit). Precious metals should be torch soldered. Let us know how you make out. I think the Simply Swank tip about filing was meant to be very gentle as in file off the big globs and then use a scrubby or sponge when you get in contact with the iron itself, but youre right, it pays to be careful! Learn how your comment data is processed. (Simply Swank no longer produces soldering irons and soldering accessories.). Here is Rings & Things selection: http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Jewelry-Soldering-Tools-and-Supplies/ I hope this helps! You just need to be careful not to melt your non-precious-metal objects and trinkets into sad little puddles. They often turn black and dingy and even green on some pieces. I was scared I put on too much, then too little, then it was oxidizing quickly even though I was covering a small area at a time. This is very challenging! I also think these would need a little bit of reinforcement on the inside unless you only use glass on the front, and you cut the back and sides from a single sheet of copper (or other metal). Hello, I have a torch that I want to solder with. We recommend a 60-watt chisel-tip soldering iron. ; silver solder and flux: http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Hard-Jewelry-Solder-Flux-and-Pickle/. Repeat Steps #2 and 3 for the other side of the tip. Im shocked to know Simply Swank is no longer is business. Im not quite sure what youre asking, so Ill give you a few links that I hope point you in the right direction. Flux is a chemical compound applied to the surface of the metal and the solder before applying heat. ~Polly. http://bit.ly/y6t6UQ Best of luck! But with the wide assortment of solders out there, and not knowing the temp to use, its a bit difficult. I had trouble tinning the tip with it, so tinned the tip with some small sized lead free (acid core) solder from Lowes. Butane torch kit: http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Jewelry-Soldering-Tools/ Still one of my favourite tools as it's the better of my two micro torches.I don't really solder: when using solder it's actually just been in order to create a cool surface with silver or tin solder on copper pendants. ), 2019 Rings and Things All Rights Reserved, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Jewelry-Soldering-Tools/, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Reference-Books/Book-The-Complete-Metalsmith-An-Illustrated-Handbook.html, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Hard-Jewelry-Solder-Flux-and-Pickle/, http://www.lucasmilhaupt.com/en-US/products/fluxes/handyfluxes/13/, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Soft-Jewelry-Solder-and-Flux/Solder-Soft-Staybrite-reg.html, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Soft-Jewelry-Solder-and-Flux/, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Aqua-Love-Necklace-Tutorial/, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Pleasant-Dream-Etched-Barrette-Tutorial/, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Puppy-Love-Pin-Tutorial/, strip of copper, brass or nickel silver sheet, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Soldering-Irons-and-Tools-for-Soft-Solder-Jewelry/Rings-Things-Exclusive-Glass-Soldering-Jewelry-Making-Kit_2.html, http://www.rings-things.com/blog/2013/04/18/how-to-solder-glass-pendants, Glass Bezels How to show off your treasures, http://www.rings-things.com/Products/Jewelry-Soldering-Tools-and-Supplies/, Create Colorful Jewelry with Mirage Beads and Mermaid Scales, How to Make a Silk Ribbon and Cameo Bolo Tie Necklace, How to Make Beaded Guitar String Hoop Earrings, "Blue Valentines" A Free Earring-Making Tutorial. The iron worked really well for me. BUY IN BULK: Everyday low prices for everyone! Now that I know how to care for the soldering iron (thanks Simply Swank) Im sure my next will be better! View Full Shipping Policy and Pricing , If your Michaels.com purchase does not meet your satisfaction, you may return it within two months (60 days) of purchase. Allow the bubbling that will occur to slow down before disposing of the solution. I am very new at this so I decided to start with something easy like the glass pendantsI cannot, for the life of me, get the soldering to stick evenly. I havent destroyed any yet, but I dont use mine daily. Hello there, i saw that it is an old post but i will try, i want to buy the versatip to melt only silver, coper, and gold wire 0,3 mm, it would be inlay for wood so if it isn necesary i would prefer to use soldering without the torch alternative. Burnish smooth. The uses are only limited by your imagination! The chisel tip developed a V-shaped dent in it after two uses despite the fact that I did not apply excessive pressure to my project. It is overpriced and you cannot find replacement tips. Maybe give our flux, solder and soldering irons a try and see if it makes a difference. A box of microscope slides and a glass cutter would give you enough material to practice and make more pendants than you'd ever know what to do with. I have a Versatip, though I must say that I'm mostly using it as a micro torch (to melt hard solder among other things) and have only used it as a soldering iron once (not used to using round solder iron tips and it didn't come with a flat one) and same with the heat gun function: used it once to melt embossing powder on brass tags. Making soldered pendants is totally addictive. Soldering, according to dictionary.com, is "anything that joins or unites." There are a few ways. I have a sterling silver pendant that the bail broke off from. It includes: EXCLUSIONS: Great Buy items; clearance; doorbusters; MichaelsPro Packs; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; LEGO; sewing machines; craft technology & accessories; Cricut, Silhouette; Christmas trees. The worst thing that can happen is that your pendants will burn or melt, giving off potentially toxic fumes. Jenna, to make the shadow box charms you need to use black backed copper tape that is 1/2 wide. I prefer to use a wider tip when joining two pieces of glass together as the bead of solder is wide enough to effect the width of the join; I choose a thinner tip when adding a bead of solder around a single piece of glass or other item, or when joining a jumpring or other finding to my solder work. Successful soldering requires heating the metal pieces, not just melting the solder, so if the piece is very large or thick, its probably torch soldered as well. A fire brick allows you to pin pieces into the surface for stability. And here are a few shadow box design ideas, but they use already-made shadow box pendants that you just fill: just above the copper, place the end of the solder against the tip of the iron until the solder begins to melt.
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