Soldering a small brooch

[frankydean]

HI all
I have been asked to make a small silver brooch, and I thought I would use one of Cooksons brooch backs, a bit worried about annealing the spring pin on the finding when I solder the silver ornament on, has anyone used one of these, any tips,
Frank

[enigma]

To be honest Frank they aren't very good IMO.
Silver is too soft for a brooch pin and a couple of my customers had problems with them.
Ive since switched to using stainless steel pins following a recommendation from our lovely forum member, Dennis.
I now buy the revolver catch on its own and use a small piece of tube at the other end for the pin to fix through:
http://www.cooksongold.com/Findings/Sterling-Silver-Revolver-Safety----Catch-prcode-NVR-004&query=revolver&channel=uk

You could also make a simple catch yourself but my customers tend to prefer the revolving ones.
You do have to be careful soldering them on as the metal expands and anneals and the catch sticks if you aren't careful.
I use a small amount of cool gel on the top and easy solder.

[frankydean]

Hi
Thank's for the post, I could see problems with using it, and you have made my mind up, BTW your work is very nice,
all the best, Frank

[enigma]

You're welcome, Frank, and thanks for the compliment :)