10 Common Mistakes Jewelers Make When Soldering
We would like to thank Krohn Industries for supplying this information.
- Assuming 14=14K. "No K is a no know." Karat laws do not govern items marked without a "K" (14YS vs. 14KYS). So if solder is not stamped with a "K" the number is no indication of the true gold content.
- Thinking lower karat=lower temperature. Lower karat does not equate to lower temperature. If a lower temperature solder is needed compare flow points. Know your metals.
- Not stress relieving platinum. When soldering gold to platinum the platinum must be stress relieved first. Stress in the platinum could crack the solder joint when cooling.
- Using cadmium solder on platinum. When using gold solder on platinum make sure it is cadmium free. Cadmium can make platinum brittle.
- Using a word, not a flow point. Soft, medium and hard are ambiguous terms and differ greatly from solder to solder and supplier to supplier. So compare temperatures not terms.
- Overheating the solder. Excessive heating can cause porosity. Solder will not flow onto a piece until the temperature of the piece reaches its flow point. Use direct heat on the solder joint not the solder.
- Using paste solder for sizing. Paste solders are best for soldering small pinpoint joints and seams but will not fill a gap. Size with sheet solder for better results.
- Using the wrong solder on dissimilar metals. When soldering two dissimilar metals together, use the lower temperature metal for soldering. For example, when soldering silver to gold, use silver solder.
- Using soft or repair solder when sizing. Use a hard solder when sizing to prevent porosity and avoid seems.
- Buying only based on price. Quality is like karma. Poor quality will come back to you. When choosing a solder provider, look for one with a wide selection, product knowledge, published temperatures and gold content.
We would like to thank Krohn Industries for supplying this information.