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Soldering gold objects together, or repairing gold through soldering, requires a slightly different approach than working with lead.Even if you have good experience welding with other metals, you should still read the tutorial to know what materials and tools you will need and learn which filler material, which torch and which flux is best to use for this job.This is high-temperature welding, which is technically called "brazing", and is not easy to do.For all these reasons you should start with less precious metals and items that don't have sentimental value.
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Use any type of firebrick. This holder is designed to prevent heat loss and resists high temperatures.The bricks used to build ovens, blocks of magnesia or coal are among the most used.
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Purchase gold filler material. Any metal alloy designed to melt and join other metals together is called "solder" or filler material.However, most alloys are not effective with gold.You can purchase a special solder that is sold in wire, sheet or 1mm pellets.It is worth cutting large pieces of filler material into small pellets to do a precise job, and at the same time control the amount of material applied.
- A filler material with a high gold content is stronger and requires a lot of heat to melt.This is especially recommended for joining two pieces.Use a "lead" alloy with a "medium" or "high" melting point, or a material of at least 14 karat.
- Solders with a low gold content melt more easily and are suitable for small repairs.Choose a product "for repairs", "low melting point" or less than 14 carats.
- Check the label before buying rose gold filler material, as it may contain cadmium (which is very toxic).
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Choose a precision soldering torch to melt the solder. A small oxy-acetylene torch is a good solution, but butane or high-temperature torches are also suitable.Electric welders Not They are recommended for working with precious metals and other projects where high temperatures are needed.
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Find the right flux. Before soldering gold, just like other materials, you need to obtain a chemical called "flux", which is applied to clean the surface of the metal and facilitate the process.Obtain a gold-safe flux from a hardware store or shop that specializes in repairing precious metals.You sometimes find it under the name "brazing flux," which indicates that it is suitable for high temperatures.This product is available in liquid form, as a paste or in powder form to be mixed with water to create a dough.
- Although brazing is technically a different procedure than soldering, jewelers also use the term "solder gold" rather than "braze."A flux labeled "solder flux" may be fine, but check the label to make sure it is suitable for gold.
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Ensure good air circulation in the work area. Use a fan or open the window to create a light breeze in the room where you plan to weld – this will keep any toxic fumes away from your body.If the airflow is too strong, it may interfere with welding and make it more difficult, as it cools the materials.
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Buy some copper tongs and all the tools to hold the gold piece in place. Copper does not react with the acid pickling solution which will be described later, unlike steel.You will also need a tool that holds the piece to be welded in place, such as tweezers.You can also use clamps or a table vise, but do not tighten them too tightly to avoid denting the gold.
- The pliers or clamps do not necessarily have to be made of copper.
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Follow the safety instructions. Safety glasses are a vital device to prevent splashes of molten material from getting into your eyes.A large welding apron is also recommended so as not to burn your clothing.Roll up your long sleeves and tie your hair in a ponytail as an extra precaution.
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Prepare a bowl with some water and one with the pickling solution. The first will serve you to cool and rinse the gold;the "pickling" solution is used to clean the oxidation residues from the metal:buy it and prepare it following the instructions on the package.Generally it is a powdered product that must be dissolved in small quantities in water and heated.
- Never put this acidic solution in steel containers or in contact with utensils made of this material.
- Never heat the solution in the microwave or in a container that you will later use for cooking.The acid leaves an unpleasant odor and toxic residue.
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Clean the metal thoroughly. The surfaces that are to be joined must be clean and degreased, so that they bond chemically.Immerse the gold in the pickling solution for a few moments to remove any contaminants, then rinse it in water to remove the acid.Scrub the surface with detergent or soap for a deeper clean.
- Some people neutralize the acid by putting baking soda in the rinse water, but this is not a required step unless the pickling solution is very strong.
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Secure the gold in place. Place it on the block of refractory material and hold it still with tweezers or a vice.The surfaces that need to be joined must be as close together as possible, as this process cannot fill very large gaps.
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Apply a small amount of flux to the areas to be soldered. This product removes residual impurities and prevents the gold from becoming stained.Apply it only where the soldering will take place to prevent the solder from invading the wrong surfaces.However, some prefer to spread the flux over the entire piece of gold to minimize the risk of stains.
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Warm the flux slightly. Use the torch to heat it slightly where you applied it, wait for the water to evaporate and leave only a solid protective residue on the material.This residue avoids the formation of copper oxide.If you have spread flux all over the gold item, heat it completely before adding the filler material.
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Apply some solder and heat. Place a solder pellet on one of the ends that need to be joined and heat the surrounding area.If you are using a torch set at the right temperature, you should heat the metal enough to see the filler material melt without the entire object becoming hot.Move the flame back and forth slowly as you apply heat, so that the entire solder area is heated.The filler material should fuse along the gap that separates the two surfaces, bringing them together.
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Treat the solder joint with water and pickling solution. When the solder has penetrated the crack and the two surfaces have been soldered, turn off the torch and wait for the gold to cool.After a couple of minutes, temper it in water.With copper tools, dip the gold slowly into the acid solution and wait for most of the stains and marks created by the fire to disappear.
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Make final changes if necessary. Remove the gold from the acid solution and rinse it with water, then check it.It may be necessary to polish or file off excess filler material and flame marks to achieve the look you desire.The two gold pieces are now perfectly joined by a resistant solder.Advertising
Advice
- Welding torches that produce a large, dense flame are more effective than those that produce a small, cone-shaped hissing flame.
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Warnings
- If you accidentally splash pickling solution on yourself, immediately wash the area with cold running water for several minutes.Most of these liquids are not strong enough to immediately create a hole in clothing, but they will eventually do so if not removed.
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