Making your own silver solder for jewelry

Materials:

1. Fine Silver (99.9% pure)
2. Copper
3. Zinc
4. Boric Acid (optional, for flux)

Tools:

1. Digital Scale (for accurate measurement)
2. Crucible
3. Torch (propane or acetylene)
4. Tongs
5. Ingot Mold
6. Rolling Mill or Hammer
7. Jeweler’s Saw
8. Protective Gear (gloves, safety glasses)

Types of Silver Solder:

There are generally three types of silver solder, each with a different melting point:

1. Hard Solder (highest melting point, used first in the soldering sequence)
2. Medium Solder
3. Soft Solder (lowest melting point, used last in the sequence)

Ratios for Making Silver Solder:

Hard Solder:

• 75% Fine Silver
• 20% Copper
• 5% Zinc

Medium Solder:

• 70% Fine Silver
• 20% Copper
• 10% Zinc

Soft Solder:

• 65% Fine Silver
• 20% Copper
• 15% Zinc

Steps:

1. Measure and Prepare the Metals:

   • Cut the metals into small pieces for easier melting.
   • Weigh the fine silver, copper, and zinc according to the desired ratio.

2. Prepare the Crucible:

   • Place the crucible on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
   • Add a small amount of boric acid to the crucible to help prevent oxidation.

3. Melting the Metals:

   • Place the fine silver into the crucible and begin heating with the torch until it starts to melt.
   • Add the copper pieces to the molten silver and continue heating.
   • Once the copper has melted, add the zinc. Zinc has a lower melting point and will melt quickly.

4. Mixing the Alloy:

   • Use a stirring rod to mix the metals thoroughly while keeping them molten.

5. Pouring the Alloy:

   • Carefully pour the molten alloy into the ingot mold.
   • Allow the alloy to cool and solidify.

6. Forming the Solder:

   • Remove the solidified alloy from the mold.
   • Use the rolling mill or hammer to flatten the alloy into thin sheets.
   • Use a jeweler’s saw to cut the sheet into small, manageable pieces for soldering.

7. Storing the Solder:

   • Store the solder pieces in a labeled container for future use.

Tips:

• Safety First: Always wear protective gear when melting and pouring metals.
• Clean Metals: Ensure all metals are clean and free from contaminants before melting.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes, especially from zinc.
• Flux: Use flux (boric acid mixed with alcohol) to prevent oxidation during the soldering process.

Using the Solder:

• Apply flux to the joint area.
• Place the solder pieces on the joint.
• Heat the area with a torch until the solder flows into the joint, creating a strong bond.

References

1. Jewelry Making Journal - Make Your Own Solder

2. Ganoksin - Jewelry Soldering Basics

3. International Gem Society - Soldering for Jewelry

4. The Bench - Silver Solder Composition

YouTube - Making Silver Solder