Hi… Filigree is my specialty! I actually use a hardware,
propane/AIR torch with a hose…the kind you can attach to a 1 lb
can, with a pencil or brush flame… on filigree, you want to be
able to get a larger area of the filigree heated when melting the
solder(I use chip solder, some use powdered-I find paste and wire
solder doesn’t work well as you often end up moving wires apart
trying to apply it, or get too much solder(wire)).
Unfortunately, with the popularity of hand held butane torches,
these propane/air with hose torches are getting hard to find…so
alternatively, try some of the larger butane torches…they will
work. You need to make sure you heat the whole filigree area by
moving the flame in circles around the solder joints…
otherwise, the wire works as a heat sink and draws heat away from
the joint itself. Same thing when you are soldering filigree to a
larger setting…you must heat the setting and filigree
sufficiently to get solder to properly flow. Liquid flux, like
batterns or rio ready flux is good, but mix it out with up to 1/3
denatured alcohol and use a flux bottle(the kind with a metal tube
for precision.) Once you flux your pieces on the board, light the
flux and let it burn off…only takes a couple of seconds but keep
your distance when you light it. The reason for this is that
standard flux, without the alcohol, has a tendency to boil and
push the small filigree pieces apart if they are not tightly
contained in a framework. The alcohol burns off the liquid
quickly, leaving a coating of dry flux without displacing any
wires.
I also often use a soldering pick.. I have a demo of this up on
my youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbywQI_mUrY&t=106s
if the link is removed, look for username Jeanniusdesigns on
youtube and filigree demo-higher quality.
the type of base you work on can also be important... charcoal
block, the white solderite pads, or fire brick will work, but the
charcoal tends to degrade faster and once it starts to get uneven,
needs to be replaced or somehow shaved down. DO NOT USE magnesia
soldering blocks! they have a tendency to bubble up and become
uneven quickly.
Hope this helps, feel free to find me on facebook (there are two
profiles, one with a cat…don’t use this one…it’s a backup one
that I rarely check) if you want to get in touch with me directly.
I did have a published book (Silver Threads), but it, along with
all other higher level jewelry books, was discontinued by Kalmbach
in print form. it can be found on ebay or used or in nookbook
e-book format. I’m planning to redo it with updated info and video
etc… eventually. I also have a filigree group on FB where people
can share info and pictures etc… contact me for link
as to blow pipes...that is what I learned on, in Norway, but I
prefer the propane air torches