A long time lurker here. I have been enjoying the wide range of
subjects discussed and the replies to questions/comments.
I have a job that requires arranging three rings in as many ways as
possible. The rings are a man’s wedding band and a woman’s
engagement ring and wedding band. I have made sterling rings in
several arrangements so the customer can select what they like best.
The selected arrangement will be made up as a brooch. Some of the
combinations I want to do have proved impossible to hold in the
required position for soldering using the usual procedures.
Soldering investment would seem to be a solution. However, the
suppliers I buy from do not list soldering investment. I would
rather not try to use regular casting investment. McCreight (page
78. 3rd edition), with reference to soldering investment, alludes to
a “a similar product that does not harden and can be reused”. Any
on a supplier of traditional soldering investment, or
the name and source for the equivalent product that does not harden
and can be reused, would be very much appreciated.
Captain Blood
"Marlinespike Seamanship in Precious Metals" @Alden_Glenda_Blood
Any on a supplier of traditional soldering investment,
or the name and source for the equivalent product that does not
harden and can be reused, would be very much appreciated.
You might find garnet sand useful for your purpose. While it is
reusable, the downside is that it acts as a heat sink (as would
investment as well) and it’s a bit messy. You mix it with water, the
thicker the better in my opinion, set up your rings and then begin
heating. The heat will dry the garnet sand, though it will never
become hard like investment. It works quite well as long as the
parts aren’t tiny, like prong settings for instance; for parts like
those, investment is preferable. I purchased it from Rio Grande a
while back, though I’m sure other suppliers carry it.
Hi Captain, Frei & Borel (1-800-772-3456) has soldering investment
and Thermo fix Soldering Clay. The clay is reusable. I have
investment but haven’t tried the clay, sounds like a neat product,
is there anyone out there who can report? Marta in Sacramento
Soldering investment would seem to be a solution. However, the
suppliers I buy from do not list soldering investment
Dear Captain Blood, I hope this is not a duplication of a response I
just made but I was disconnected from my server when I clicked on
send. I indicated that soldering investment is readily obtainable
from any dental supply company and would serve your needs. There are
other products sold by jewelry supply co. which are available. Just
look in the soldering section of any of your catalogs and you should
find these. Gesswein sells an item called “Place-It” which is used
as a soldering fixture. Rio Grande sells an item called “Rio
Water-Soluble Soldering Clay” which would also work. I have used the
dental soldering investment most of the time I needing to maintain a
relationship between parts to be soldered when wiring, etc would not
be feasible, and can recommend this method, although the other
products should be equally effective. Joe Dule
I agree wholeheartedly with Spike. My Chinese instructor taught me
to use plaster of paris nearly 30 years ago. I watched in amazement
at the time as the workers in his shop bulked things up with PoP and
did fine soldering. I don’t use it much, but when necessary, it is an
old standby.
Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
elegance IS fine jewelry! @coralnut1