Types of gas and tools for soldering silver

[judyr55]

hello, to all you artists out there, we are new to making silver jewelry and things and need to get a proper set. What are you using to solder with and where do you get it in Canada.
Thanks for your help!!
Judy

[Jack ( Yorkshire)]

Hi Judy,

Im in Uk ,

I use a Small silversmithingl flame nozzel on a ordanary Butane / Propane cylinder used by DIY plumbers and handy men

This is ok for medium small jobs ,where you get a high heat loss it struggles

Some use small Nozel on Oxy/ Act but I think this is extreemly hot flame to start with unless you have experiance in welding

Have a look on Utube there are some great tutorials.

There are other methods and Im sure others will jump in and answer your question

Jack
Yorkshire Uk

[mc2]

I have been using a micro-torch, with good results for small jobs. I hae used it for both medium and hard solders. It definately takes practice! Jack's suggestion is excellent, I have also looked on youtube as well as ask lots of questions here. And, using google or whatever search you prefer to look for info is good also.
I got my torch at a local auto parts store. Easy to find, and not expensive.
Good luck! Have fun!!

Mike

[WarrenA]

I use mostly hard solder, I will use medium for attaching bails. I have a smith little torch, (oxy-acetylene) I bought mine on Ebay. Check with a local blacksmith or a gas dealer/supplier. it will not be cheap. I get my silver from Rio Grande along with the solder flux and other misc supplies. solder in a dimly lit room with ventalation. look on you-tube and type in silver solder and watch the ones by Art Jewelry magazine. there are about 5 of them it will give you somewhat of an idea on what to do. This is not a cheap way to mount cabs but you will get more in return for your work. PM if you need help Warren

[Woodyrock]

Judy:
I use the old Prest-O-Lite torch. It is about as simple as you can get, and still have the heat range to do most work including melting for casting. It is a straight acetylene torch. The small "B' cylinders are a good size for you gas supply. Indian Jewelers Supply has good prices on these torches. BTW, I saw these for sale in Victoria recently.
Woody

[ol3m3]

I learned on and now use a Smith handi heat air aspirated acetylene
torch. The oxy / acetylene torches are great for gold work, but not so good for silver, they give a very hot concentrated flame. silver conducts heat much better then gold and the entire piece must be brought up to brazing heat for the solder (solder is actually brazing material in this instance) to flow properly.

the air aspirated torches such as the Smith and Prestolite give a gentler flame that will bring the entire pc up to brazing temperature without reducing it to a puddle of molten metal quite as quickly as an oxy acetylene torch.

I prefer the Smith Handi Heat over the Prestolite torch due to the construction of the torch. the Prestolite uses metal to metal seals, that rely on a tight connection, if the metal get damaged you have a bad connection and a leak. the Handi heat is made like the commercial oxy actyl cutting torches, and uses a double o ring seal, low maintenance, and easy to repair if damaged.

I used the propane plumbers torch on the first project I ever did, it works, but you have to contend with the disposable bottle and in some soldering instances where the torch has to be positioned in ackward angles the propane torch will not work properly and will flame out, but with a bit of effort and thought it will work and produce good results

Rio Grande and a number of the jewelry supply houses carry the Handi Heat torch but they relabel it as a silversmiths torch, and charge extra. I bought my torch from a welding supply company that carried the big boy smith torches, I had to wait a couple of week for the torch to come in, but it was cheaper then getting it from Rio. I use the OO, O and #1 tips for almost all of my brazing.

You will also be getting your acetylene from the welding supply house, might as well price the b tank from them at the same time. and while you might buy a nice shiney new bottle when you take it in to get more gas it is probably the last time you will ever get a new tank, as they will exchange the bottle for the first full one on the rack, so do not get hung up on a new bottle.

[jakesrocks]

Smith's torches are in my opinion, the best you can buy. I'm lucky, as I live about 1-1/2 hours away from where they're manufactured. A relative of my wife works there, and tells me that he can get torches at cost.
Don