How to Solder Using a Small Butane Torch

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By geltdesigns
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The Torch inspires more fear—and admiration—than almost any other tool in the jewelry maker’ s arsenal. Learning how to solder opens many doors for those learning how to make art jewelry.

There are numerous torches and fuels to choose from when soldering. Each has very real benefits and detriments. Jewelers often talk with passion as to why certain torch setups are preferred.

This tutorial will explain how to use a small butane torch (such as those used in kitchens to make crème brulee) for small soldering jobs such as making jump rings, attaching charms to bracelets and necklaces or smoothing wax for casting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

small torch
butane
annealing pan
charcoal block or solderite pad
pickle
pickle pot & copper tongs
third hand (optional)
hard, medium and easy solder

Step 1

Anealing pan and pumice.

Regardless of the type of torch selected, certain tools are necessary to solder jewelry. The annealing pan is usually filled with heat reflecting pumice. The set up is particularly well suited for standing-up and holding parts while soldering.
Step 2

Charcoal block on annealing pan.

Charcoal blocks or solderite pads are placed inside the annealing pan on top of the pumice. Charcoal blocks are heat reflective, creating a great surface for soldering and making balls as well as a variety of heating applications.
Step 3

Third hand resting on charcoal block.

Locking tweezers (at right) or “third hands” (pictured below) are used to secure the items to be soldered. These tools enable the pieces to be soldered together to be held still during the soldering operation
Step 4

Solder picks are used to move solder.
Step 5

Ultra Flux

Flux is applied to coat the piece and protect the metal from oxidizing and developing fire scale during soldering. Handy Flux or Ultra Flux are examples of paste silver flux used for hard soldering of non-ferrous metals. Mix the flux with water, as needed, until it is the consistency of yogurt.
Step 6

Prepare your piece for soldering by first checking to see that the seams your are about to solder fit very tightly together. Solder will not fill a gap. The seam must fit securely. If the fit is not good, file, sand or manipulate the piece until the seam abuts.
Step 7

Next clean the piece very thoroughly to remove grease from fingers and dust from sanding. You can use detergent and water or acetone. We prefer to use Simple Green and an old tooth brush or scrub sponge.
Step 8

Place the piece onto the charcoal block. Cover the seam with flux. Add a very, very small piece of solder. Place the tiny piece of solder directly under the seam so that the piece holds the solder in place by gravity. Most folks begin with hard solder (and use medium and easy, if at all, for subsequent seams).
Step 9

Turn on your torch and heat the entire piece evenly. When the piece begins to glow, the solder will flow and fill the seam. Note that the solder will follow the heat of the torch. You can direct the solder to the spot you want it to flow by moving your torch.
Step 10

Once the solder flows, allow the piece to cool and then place in a warm acid pickle bath to remove oxidation. Use only copper tongs when placing your piece in the pickle. Using steel tongs will cause a chemical reaction that can result in plating your piece with copper.
Step 11

Rinse the art jewelry piece in a solution of water and baking soda after removing from pickle.

How to Solder Using a Small Butane Torch

Things You'll Need:

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