My initial learning was in copper
My initial apprenticeship was copper, low cost, good malleability, good welding, improved sawing training, tool making, good polishing experience and a good study of electroplating silver baths.
What do you talk about, which is the best way for beginners, how did you start?
Carlos
What kind of solder do you use ?
Some of my students have been wanting to experiment with copper , but in our shop we only have silver or gold solders ( we make our alloys ) but I’ve never made or had copper solder , if any one has a formula for copper solder that could be a lot of fun .
Hi Yves,
It will be great to talk about copper soldering. I make my own copper solder alloys.
Generally I use copper alloy with silver but I also made copper with zinc. I try to put a little silver to lighten not much weld and do not give much contrast.
As for% of the parts of each metal I use 80% copper to 20% silver for strong solder , and 70% copper to 30% silver for medium solder, weak solder usually 50% copper and 50% silver.
My torch is not very powerful, so. I use charcoal next to the part that will receive the solder to increase the temperature and the solder melts better.
I use the sodium tetraborate decahydrate flux.
I’m sorry, my English is not good.
Regards.
Carlos
Thank you Carlos , I will make you’re solders and try them , where are you ? What’s you’re home language ?
Carlos your english is better than many americans. Im not kidding. Dont apologise i began by learning to solder jump rings. Usually silver. Then polishing. Again mostly on silver.
Aaron
Carlos, your work is lovely! And your English is just fine! I also began working with copper because it was less expensive & I was afraid of making mistakes with the more expensive silver. But I find I still work with copper a great deal because I’ve come to appreciate the different colors, patinas and effects you can achieve with it. Now I often combine it with silver or even brass in some pieces. I’ve been trying for years to find a good copper solder, one that is a good color match, but with no luck. I’ll try your “recipe”! Thanks for sharing it. It never occurred to me to make my own. Live and learn!