Why I Use Solder Paste
Adapting to differing conditions is a part of life. I would love to be able to still use traditional solder wire, chips, sheet - but as I have gotten older I have had to adapt because of physical limitations. I used to have beautiful penmanship, but now my fingers jerk and my hands are weak so my handwriting is atrocious. It became all but impossible to use spray or brushed on flux, necessary with traditional solders, because of this. Using spray flux in a bottle that my whole hand could squeeze instead of a finger worked for a while, but my solder pick would jerk at the wrong time and move things that I did not want moved.
Instructions
Enter paste solder. I was thrilled to find that flux was included in the paste. (ALthough I still use spray flux when I can.) Solder paste can require more clean-up, and it produces fumes (so religiously wear a mask and use proper ventilation. It is not quite the same color - it is a bit more yellow - as traditional solder after connecting pieces, and yes, it is more expensive. BUT, it is easier for me to use. It doesn't jump around like chips can, and paste solders are available for different metals, not just silver. Because it is easier for me to use with my age-related limitations, I believe it may be easier for beginners and weekend jewelry makers to achieve professional results. Of course, traditional soldering methods should be learned as the jewelry-making journey progresses.
Labeling the plungers of my solder syringes with paint for gold filled and for base metal solders, and words for solder strengths for silver, makes it easier to pick the correct one at a glance for the job I am doing. Just because my hands are no longer as steady as they used to be, and I can't do things in the traditional manner, does not mean I can't still make beautiful jewelry.
Materials
No materials listed
Tools
Silver Solder Paste Hard SS75 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.20
- SOL-822.20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $19.95
- Gold Club Price: $14.96
Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.15
- SOL-822.15
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $18.95
- Gold Club Price: $14.21
Silver Solder Paste Soft SS65- 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.10
- SOL-822.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.95
- Gold Club Price: $12.71
Soldering Station with Helping Hand And Magnifier
G10-7
- G10-7
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $11.97
- Gold Club Price: $8.98
Solderite Soldering Board 6 Inch by 6 Inch Soft
SOL-421.10
- SOL-421.10
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $12.95
- Gold Club Price: $9.71
Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
- G15-5
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $116.97
- Gold Club Price: $87.73
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- Category: Metalwork
- Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques
Judy Larson
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