08-02-10 01:26 PM - Post#143515    

Hi,
I am thinking of going into silver brazing/soldering
but I am confused regarding the rods/wires I should buy for that purpose
what is the % of silver needed for brass soldering
I know for soft soldering the recommended is 50/50
but what about silver soldering?

My name is Doron and I am a stovie http://www.pressure-lanterns-il.com http://fuel.papo-art.com

08-02-10 03:02 PM - Post#143522    

I think Lance is more knowledgeable on brazing. Give him a PM and might give you some idea of what to look for.

RON

A wise man once said "if it ain't broken, don't fix it!" The young one's sometimes do not follow what they are told to do - SG1

08-02-10 06:04 PM - Post#143541    

In the UK there are many types of silver solder available, from engineering grades to Hallmarking quality.
The most common one is Easiflo and it will do most single application jobs. If you have a few repairs to make on a piece it can be an advantage to use different grades as they melt at slightly different temperatures, allowing you to re-heat and solder without un-soldering the previous join(s).
Check with your local engineering supplier to see what they stock or can get and what fluxes are available.
Be completely certain that there is ABSOLUTELY no lead-based solder on the piece because at silver-soldering temperature this will eat irreparable "cokey" holes into the brass. It may be necessary to remove the lead solder traces chemically.

Other than that, the usual rules apply, a very good fit and scrupulous cleaning are essential.

You may need an acid pickle bath to remove (borax-based) flux residues which form a glaze on the metal to protect it during soldering.
Do some reading before you start!

08-02-10 06:19 PM - Post#143544    

Hi Doron i bought my silver solder and flux from ebay from a seller who sold it as a kit it contained about 12 inches of 1mm silver solder and a small pot of flux compatible for silver soldering it came in a white powder form which you could apply as it is or mix it with a drop of water to form a paste.
The process is just like normal soldering but with more heat the melting point of the solder is around 700 degrees But as zincman states they come in different grades and a clean joint with no lead solder residue is paramount.And you do get a glazed residue i removed mine gently tapping it away with a small screwdriver and finishing it with fine wet and dry it is worth practising on some scrap material hope this doron is of help to you and good luck

Best regards Brian harlow essex

09-02-10 06:53 AM - Post#143623    

• RonPH Said:

I know , but I thought an open question will be more beneficial to other forum members
as I am a beginner I had a burner sent to Lance for fixing
but I would like to experiment for myself

My name is Doron and I am a stovie http://www.pressure-lanterns-il.com http://fuel.papo-art.com

09-02-10 08:54 AM - Post#143627    

• Doron Papo Said:

Too right, i'm interested in learning more about it as well. I have a few little pieces that need fixing, just knowing the correct gear and techniques would certainly save money and time.

09-02-10 10:47 AM - Post#143630    

The book I used as a bible at the start of my career as a jeweller/silversmith is
Metal Techniques for Craftsmen by Oppi Untracht
ISBN 7091 0723 4.
It covers all types of decorative and practical metalwork, often showing local craftsmen in native workshops making exquisite stuff using very basic or improvised techniques and equipment. The basic techniques are universal, it's seeing how you can adapt and apply them in your own set-up.
It may be out of print by now but libraries should have a copy and while you're in that section you'll find lots more! Link

09-02-10 11:39 AM - Post#143632    

Thanks - will try to find it 2nd hand as I dont think I can find it in libraries here

My name is Doron and I am a stovie http://www.pressure-lanterns-il.com http://fuel.papo-art.com

09-02-10 12:17 PM - Post#143633    

Amazon UK have 9 new copies but I don't know if they will ship to Israel.
Amazon US also have used copies but shipping again may be a problem.
There are of course lots of other books dealing with silver soldering.....

09-02-10 12:36 PM - Post#143634    

Amazon UK and US do ship books to Israel
surprisingly the book on Amazon UK is cheaper
it is something to consider

My name is Doron and I am a stovie http://www.pressure-lanterns-il.com http://fuel.papo-art.com

09-02-10 04:41 PM - Post#143657    

It's a fine book but perhaps I've pointed you at something too comprehensive. The US amazon site lists several othe interesting and less expensive volumes. There are also sites here Link
and here
Link
which will probably give you all you need to know for free.

09-02-10 08:38 PM - Post#143687    

Hi Doron
The type of soldering we use to fettle stoves is very similar to that use by model steam enthusiasts.
If you look for info on that you can find some gems.
Examples
This covers "soft" soldering even though it's titled silver soldering.
http://jorgensensteam.com/index.php?p=1_36_Constru...
Silver soldering
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bryan.rozier/silver_s...

Gary

Edited by redspeedster on 09-02-10 08:43 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

09-02-10 08:45 PM - Post#143689    

• Zincman Said:

i went to the local library and found a copy ('68 1st ed.) - quite fascinating to read! thanks for the tip...

09-02-10 08:59 PM - Post#143690    

Thanks for the tips and great links!!

My name is Doron and I am a stovie http://www.pressure-lanterns-il.com http://fuel.papo-art.com