Copper coloured solder

[Ruedeleglise]

Hi being very new to jewellery making I am experimenting and practising using copper before launching out seriously into silver and beyond. I have made a number of copper rings and pendants and am very happy with the results. But, however close the joint there is always that thin line of silver and I would like to avoid that if possible. Is there a lead free, jewellery grade copper or copper coloured solder available? If so, where can I get some. I have looked on Cooksons site but found none. Any brass coloured solder as I am about it?!
David.

[Goldsmith]

I have never seen a copper coloured solder David, most copper jewellery is either coloured or plated after completion, I think the only way to avoid solder lines on copper jewellery is to weld the joints rather than solder them.
Get into using silver as soon as possible is my advice.

James

[Dennis]

There is copper coloured solder here, which I am about to order, for a temporary non precious project. Perhaps whoever tries it first can report on the forum.
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/227726235/copper-solder-12-12-gauge-square-felder?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_d-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=95c6cf57-ed44-4a59-9be8-85c9d503258c&gclid=CNP7k-uZqcsCFS8z0wodUssKNQ

The U-Tube Demonstration I find hilarious. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DkMSDl8RUmZw&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=rwzcVoj5BYveU9TXk_AE.
Dennis.

[ps_bond]

I've got some similar phos-copper brazing rod; it's still not a terribly good colour match but that doesn't mean this one is the same.
I know of no truly copper-coloured alloys that'll work; if you want a copper joint then TIG welding is the way to go, per James' comment.

[Ruedeleglise]

Thanks for your replies. I like the idea of playing about with copper before launching into silver in all but the smallest way, as it obviously gives me the chance to practice basic skills and also experiment without the fear of wrecking good silver!

[mizgeorge]

I have copper wire solder, which isn't a great colour match at all and can be tricky to use without ending up with great big blobs in the wrong places, but have recently been using this - http://www.alchemyandice.com/copper-solder_paste-soft-x1.html (which comes in a 30g tube not the little 10g shown in the picture) and is actually not bad at all in terms of both colour and ease of use. It's certainly a little more silvery, but files back pretty well and is very easy to use, especially for smaller components. It's also a lot cheaper than using silver solder for non-precious projects.

[Ruedeleglise]

Thanks George....have ordered a tube and will enjoy experimenting.

[Goldsmith]

David, as you are working in copper, have you tried hammering copper shapes in a lead block, if you check out this old posting;http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4802 In my time I have made a quite a few flowers and I always experiment when making my designs and flower constructions using copper before committing to precious metals. I mention this because the flower heads are usually held together using threads and nuts, I thread the flowers stems and make the central flowers stamens into nuts. Something a horologist would understand.

I have posted this before but can't find the link.

8755

James

[china]

Have look at this I have used this method http://www.onlinejewelryacademy.com/copper-plating-video.html

[Ruedeleglise]

Thanks. That is amazing. I will try that once I have some spent pickle solution!

[Ruedeleglise]

Well James. Err....yes! What wonderful pieces. My wife has put an order in already.....she may have to wait quite a few years I think!

[Nick martin]

Actually.. I think you'll find that branching out into silver is far more affordable than you think, and of course any failure pieces can always be recycled!

Nick