How To Silver Solder (#1 & #2)

SILVER SOLDERING #1

*** See current info about this class: "Learn2MakeJewelry" website.

Many people interested in learning about jewelry making are unsure where to start. Silver soldering is unquestionably the technique to learn First!

This is a 3 hour class that will 'introduce' you to a jewelry making “central skill,” working hands-on in a small, jewelry production studio. You may choose the day, Tue. to Fri. and the starting time, 11AM to 4PM. Normally 1 week prior notice is required for this class.

You’ll work with sterling silver as you learn about different torches, gases and solders. I’ll demonstrate several soldering techniques... then we’ll switch chairs and you’ll be soldering in no time!

My wish is to give persons a real world, affordable experience using a process that’s key to making jewelry. Once you learn to solder many jewelry projects become possible. Spend an hour and a half learning about a jewelers torch and I’ll bet you’ll start thinking of lots of things to make just as I did once upon a time.

I also teach an "information filled", 5-hour “Silver Soldering Class #2" that covers A to Z about soldering. If you're serious about learning to solder that's the class to take next. Both soldering classes are designed to teach a skill verses making a specific project. Once you learn "How-To" solder transferring this knowledge to specific jewelry projects is easy.
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SILVER SOLDERING #2

Soldering is the most important technique you need to master in making fine jewelry. Technically speaking "soldering,” in fine jewelry making, is really “brazing” although soldering is the commonly used expression.

In this 5 hour class we’ll review the basic steps & process of soldering; beginning with safety procedures. We’ll go over what’s meant by “hard, medium & easy” solders and why to use each one. You’ll learn what types of torch flames to use for different processes or projects. We’ll cover techniques such as “sweat," "tact" and "oven” soldering.

You'll be using sterling and various silver solders to practice techniques like soldering jump rings, ring shanks & earring posts, etc. "Fluxes” and the "Pickeling" process will be explained in detail and precious metal “welding” will be demonstrated. Gold and more exotic platinum soldering will also be explained, and demonstrated if time allows.

In class we use the best soldering gases, e.g., Natural Gas - Oxygen & Propane - Oxygen. Some jewelry programs -still- use acetylene... a very dirty gas and a poor choice for jewelry work... although acetylene is great for welding steel!

People just starting to solder sometimes use “Propane - Air" torches. Although these simple units lack the range of flame control and higher heat torches also using oxygen provide they are a cost effective option to start with. In class you’ll have a chance to work with both types.

Additionally we’ll cover add-on accessories that address torch safety plus we’ll discuss equipment suppliers and good material sources.

Once you’re able to solder with confidence many jewelry projects become possible. This class will help refine your technique as you master the skill of "Soldering."

Persons under 18 yrs. of age need signed parental permission to take this class.

*** See Website For All Classes!