You kindly replied on another video, giving me the link to your video. Apologies for the delay in watching it. This is THE BEST demonstration/tutorial I have ever seen!!!! Seriously, you broke down the steps, explained what all the different items are and how/why to use them. You have actually given me a much needed assertion that I CAN do this! It means such a lot. I shall keep this video, ready for when I want to do my first soldering. Would you mind if I also share this? I think it offers people the confidence that, for me, has been essential to moving forward. THANK YOU so much!! Caroline👏👌🌼
Thanks for your kind reply, Caroline. I'm so glad that this video helped you with your confidence level! Soldering is so much fun but it was intimidating at first for me too, so I completely understand how you feel. I'm obsessed with it now, though and I hope you come to love it, too. This video is part of an article that was written to help you set up your soldering station and become familiar with the torch.. You may find the entire article beneficial, as well. www.instructables.com/id/Beginning-Soldering-Safely-Solder-Jewelry-at-Home/ Good luck! Erica
This video is sweet and the teacher is kind. But, there are several very glaring errors that can be a concern for safety. Good luck with your work. I recommend any book by Tim McCreight. Also, there are many more accurate videos that are as inspiring - and actually accurate in their info. Check out Nancy L.T. Hamilton as a start. There are many. I love Halstead but this video is in error, in several issues. Take care!
We value safety in the jewelry studio above all else. We strive to be as accurate as possible in our tutorials, though we may occasionally make a mistake (hair should be pulled back) or have a different method from other instructors.
I'm having difficulty to find the materials to solder in my country. All I find soft solder and that is no working for the tensor rings. Would you please share the specific names of the solder and type of fire /gas you are using? Ty
Hi! Erica used either hard or medium solder with a butane torch. We'd probably recommend hard solder for a tensor ring. These items are currently available through www.halsteadbead.com
Hi Jennifer! There are a few different ways to attach things depending on the material. Is this a shell from the beach or a charm made from another material?
If you're wanting to protect a silver charm, you'll want to use a 3rd hand. Place the jump ring in the 3rd hand with the shell hanging below it. The steel from the 3rd hand will protect the jump ring and shell from the heat, but still allow the sterling silver on the bangle to get to soldering temperature. If it’s very fragile you can also use the 3rd hand as stated above and place the shell in water. That will give it an extra layer of protection, but the water bowl must be able to withstand the torch heat.
I would use half-hard for this, so that it stays nice and sturdy once brought around. If you'd like to texture your bangle, use soft, as that will work harden it.
Hi! For the bangle you'll need 12-18 gauge wire, flush cutters, a file to flatten the cut, and a mandrel and hammer for shaping. Check out our blog 5 Steps to Start Silver Soldering for a complete list of soldering supplies: www.halsteadbead.com/articles/five-steps-to-start-silver-soldering