How to Make a Borax Cone
The mineral borax is commonly used as a flux for soldering fine metals and intricate jewelry. Make a borax cone that will dissolve, and the borax will be available to dispense on tiny joints and seams that you need to weld together with solder. The techniques for making a borax cone are similar to those for creating your own incense sticks.
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Things You'll Need
- Borax
- Binder (Makko)
- Dowel (1/2 inch thick, 18 inches long)
- Bowl (big)
- Measuring cup
- Cutting board (plastic, 8-by-10 inch)
Instructions
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1
Prepare your work area. Have at least 6 cups of borax available and half as much Makko binder. Place a big bowl on a flat surface next to a plastic cutting board and a half-inch-thick wooden dowel about 18 inches long.
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2
Put 2 cups of borax and 1 cup of Makko binder into the bowl for mixing. The two products are dry and will mix easily. Blend the two dry products until they are evenly mixed together.
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3
Add 1 cup of water slowly into the bowl while you continue to mix the two dry ingredients together. Each drop of water needs a motion to mix it into the dry ingredients; distributing the water content evenly is important. Add enough water to create a very firm consistency.
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4
Take some of the stiff borax mixture out of the bowl and shape it around the end of the dowel. The tip of the dowel is the tip of the cone, and the base of the cone is closer to the end you are holding. Form the rough shape of a cone on the end of the wooden dowel and work the mixture so that all the borax is pressed together.
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5
Roll the wooden dowel over the cutting board with the tip of the dowel touching the board, while holding the rest of the dowel away from the board at an angle. This rolling motion will shape a cone at the end of the dowel. When the cone is shaped, let it dry for at least 72 hours before using for soldering.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a knife to shape the bottom of any cones that are irregular. You will want to place the base of the cone flat onto a cone dish to dissolve just a small portion at a time. Wrap the cones in brown shipping paper and tie with a string. Once the cones are dry, they will be good for as long as you need them.
Do not eat food after handling these products without first washing your hands thoroughly. Wear gloves when working with drying agents such as borax for extended periods of time to avoid skin irritation.
