What is your method of reconstituting dried-out and/or chunky paste
flux?
Toss it and buy new if dried out fully- (what you have left is
probably a borax, boric acid cake) or if just chunky,yet still
containing some moisture,crush chunks with a pestle ( preferably
non-wooden) add methyl alcohol bit by bit until the texture you want
is regained…
I depends on what flux you mean. Here in UK I use Auflux for precious
metals and Johnson Matthey EasyFlo (or occasionally Tenacity) powder
for other metals. The powder fluxes work OK with precious metals, but
its a bind mixing it up and it tends to bubble up rather more than
the Auflux. Since the Auflux is a slightly luminous green liquid, if
a little dries out I just discard it, but I assume you’re actually
talking about the J&M powders - probably EasyFlo. I’ve found that if
it dries out and goes hard I can just crush it with the handle of a
spoon, or a mortar and pestle, and remix it with a little water.
Despite what I’ve read, it seems to work just fine. After all, the
water doesn’t actually do anything except make a convenient medium
for placing the powder on the joint. The water gets boiled away long
before the flux melts and is activated. The powder must melt in order
to form the protective film that keeps the oxygen away from the
joint.
I use the EasyFlo only occasionally, so it always dries out like a
little block of plaster before its needed again. I just crush it as
above, and remix it.
By the way, don’t forget to add a drop or two (no more) of
washing-up liquid when you add the water - it helps to degrease and
wet the joint nicely.
Regards, Gary Wooding
What is your method of reconstituting dried-out and/or chunky paste flux?
Put flux in pyrex dish with a small amount of distilled water, cover
and heat in microwave for 2-3 min, stir and add water and heat again
if necessary or remove and allow to cool. If you do this the
microwave must be used only for studio warming no food or drink. You
can get them so cheaply now that having one for this type use is not
too extravagant. No microwave, place pyrex dish in a pan of water and
heat on burner it will eventually work but needs more attention and
time than with microwave. Warning the flux is very hot and will
create nasty burns, potentially cause blindness etc. if you splash
it on you so gloves, goggles and all other relevant safety equipment
should be used. Also remember that some paste fluxes have some nasty
chemicals (sodium hydroxide, sodium fluoride) in them be careful.
Jim
James Binnion
@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
360-756-6550
Toss it and buy new if dried out fully- (what you have left is probably a borax, boric acid cake) or if just chunky,yet still containing some moisture,crush chunks with a pestle ( preferably non-wooden) add methyl alcohol bit by bit until the texture you want is regained..
OI! Not Methyl alcohol! it is very poisonous, you can absorb enough
through your skin to blind you!
Margaret
Dried Chuncky Flux
I use Handy Flux and it has dried out on me numerous times. I just
add water, stir it up a bit and have had no problems that I’m aware
of. Is there a problem reconstituting it this way?
Thank you
Debbie Parent
Debbie.
I just add water, stir it up a bit and have had no problems
I do the same. Just add water no need to mess with any chemicals or
throw the old flux away.
Scott
I do the same. Just add water no need to mess with any chemicals or throw the old flux away
I find that by heating it either in the microwave or in a double
boiler it regains its creamy consistency that just adding water
never seems to recover.
James Binnion
@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
360-756-6550
I just remix mine with a small bit of water… however, I use a nice
little mini “wisk” (like you use to whip egg whites) that I keep on
the table just for that purpose. Perfect consistency every time!
Karen Goeller
No Limitations Designs
Hand-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry
www.nolimitations.com