Copper Wire Solder
There are several different types of solder that can be used on copper. No matter what solder is used, the metals being soldered together must be clean or the join will fail.
Instructions
Years ago, I purchased copper wire solder advertised as already having flux in the wire. Great idea! At that time there was not a lot of information available about this product, but it was inexpensive so I decided to give it a try. The smallest amount available was a large coil and I still have many feet left, as seen in the photo I took recently.
Over time, the solder wire became tarnished. Each time it is used, the tarnish should be cleaned off a section with steel wool.
Over time, the solder wire became tarnished. Each time it is used, the tarnish should be cleaned off a section with steel wool.
Memory wire cutters make quick work of cutting the solder wire, which is quite stiff. Store little pieces in an airtight container, but try not to cut more than is needed for a particular project, as they will tarnish like the wire.
This is a wonderful solder to use when connecting two flat pieces or pieces that will not have any stresses, like bending, on the joins after the project is completed. All metal manipulation must be completed before soldering.
I tried using this on bangles I was hammer texturing and every seam failed while texturing. It took a lot of research at that time, but I found that this particular solder is too brittle to handle texturing.
Just like other solders used on copper, this is not a color match, even though the coil is copper colored. The solder seam will be silvery colored. All the pieces I have used this solder on have accepted a nice patina, disguising the join. These three pieces were constructed using copper wire solder. Even with no patina to cover the joins of the pieces in the third photo, this solder still looks good.
I tried using this on bangles I was hammer texturing and every seam failed while texturing. It took a lot of research at that time, but I found that this particular solder is too brittle to handle texturing.
Just like other solders used on copper, this is not a color match, even though the coil is copper colored. The solder seam will be silvery colored. All the pieces I have used this solder on have accepted a nice patina, disguising the join. These three pieces were constructed using copper wire solder. Even with no patina to cover the joins of the pieces in the third photo, this solder still looks good.
Materials
12 Gauge Half Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-12HRD
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $3.01
- Gold Club Price: $2.26
18 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-18D
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $0.85
- Gold Club Price: $0.64
24 Gauge 0.020 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-705.24
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.42
- Gold Club Price: $7.07
20 Gauge 0.032 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x12 Inch
MET-705.20M
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $17.18
- Gold Club Price: $12.89
Tools
Copper Solder Paste, 1/2 ozt, Soft
SOL-824.10
- SOL-824.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $9.95
- Gold Club Price: $7.46
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Judy Larson
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