Soldering Strategies

This specialized workshop takes the "sweat" out of sweat soldering and aims to help solve the dilemmas that arise when trying to tackle challenging fabrication and soldering set ups. Students will refine their techniques from cleaning, properly fitted seams, torch control, and getting the solder to flow in the right direction. Set up tips, tools and holding devices, as well as refractory materials will be demonstrated. The chemistry of solders, fluxes and torches (including oxy-acetylene Little Torch) used by metalsmiths will be emphasized.

Students are invited to bring in their soldering nightmares/challenges to class for resolution and to learn to understand and love soldering! Emphasis will be in silver solder for sterling silver. Copper as well as brass with a hinge hoop earring project demo during the beginning part of the workshop will also be covered.