How to Repair a Saxophone with Silver Solder

Soldering is a delicate procedure, particularly on a saxophone. To solder silver, the step-by-step process is a little different than for other metals, and it requires silver solder as opposed to regular solder that melts at a much lower temperature.

Things You'll Need

• Nonflammable work surface
• Fire brick
• Silver solder: hard, medium & soft
• Torch
• Flux paste
• Spray bottle with cold water
• Small paintbrush

Instructions

1. Inspect your repair area. It should be free of debris and loose papers or objects that may catch fire. A tile tabletop is ideal and recommended, although any nonflammable surface will do. For safety, wear protective glasses and gloves; however, be sure the gloves do not encumber your repair efforts. Keep a fire brick close by for certain procedures, like soldering the bell seam or key guards. However, for most repairs you will not be able to use it due to hard-to-get-to locations.

   Wipe down the saxophone's damaged area. Dirt, grease and saliva residue can prevent a solder from lasting as long as you would like it to. Pre-cut the solder to length; do not touch the solder with your fingers. Add the flux using the paintbrush--only a small amount to cover the area--and heat it with your torch until the surface has a glassy appearance. The flux paste will become tacky

2. Start with the hard-grade silver solder and place only the amount needed to cover the damaged area. Torch it. Silver melts at 1,640 degrees F. Copper is the base shell of most good saxophones and it melts at 1,981 degrees F. Check the temperature settings on your torch to make sure it is set at 1,640 F to prevent melting or damaging the shell. Remember, if you can't melt the surface metal, the solder will not take.

   Be sure the metal is heated so that it and the solder reach temperature simultaneously. Do not place the flame directly at the solder. Place the flame over the joint and the solder will run, being drawn in by the heat of the flame. As soon as the solder runs to the joint area, turn the flame off.

3. Using your spray bottle filled with cold water, spray the area, wait a moment and wipe the area clean. Make sure it is dry before starting again.

   After the hard solder takes and is quenched, repeat the process with the medium solder and again with the soft solder.

4. Test the repaired area by grabbing it with your thumb and forefinger and torque from side to side firmly. Most saxophone repairs occur at the rod posts and are easy to identify as well as test. Don't apply any more pressure than the rod or key guard would normally take while playing.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt about repair, consult a repair technician for advice.

• Soldering torches are extremely hot and dangerous. Keep all flammable items away from the repair/soldering area. Also be aware of hazards like loose clothing and long hair. Keep hair pulled back and clothing tight to the body.

References

• Silver Soldering