Soldering Copper

Could anyone tell me what you solder copper with for jewellery please?

I've tried looking on Google but can't find anything.

We always used normal silver solder at college. It shows up a bit though, so I don't know if anyone has a better suggestion.

I think that is all there is - silver solder. It's the same question people have been asking the world over since artisan copper jewellery was in vogue around the 60s/70s. You might find reading the comments on this link interesting - although not all of them are relevant unless you are into welding... They do mention a copper solder - but it appears there is only one - and guess where from.....!! They also suggest various plating ideas (with blue pickle!) and patinas...but it's a good read anyway!!

http://www.artmetal.com/blog/eligius...ldering_copper

Phos copper brazing rods are a similar colour. Generally I just use silver solder anyway.

Failing that, TIG it.

Plating it with pickle is very thin and wears off - you could electroplate for a thicker coat.

Thanks guys and gals :)

Mr Dragons eyes just lit up when a TIG Welder was mentioned lol

silver or consider rivets! TIG can be used for aluminum i believe

I use silver solder and try and keep it as thin as possible and then try and work the design so that I can hide the join - attach a bail over it etc.

I've tried the plating with 'blue' pickle trick, but the solder area is so tiny and the plating layer so thin that it's not been worth bothering - the best I've ever got is a warming of the colour, not what you'd call plated. I have a couple of nice copper plated steel screws as a result though!

I've seen references to a copper coloured solder that's used in stained glass work, but I think it's only available in the US - other suggestions I've seen are to use one of the redder coloured gold solders.

Thanks for the replies... it was to actually make a bail and I'm not very good with soldering at the moment to I might see if I can find some red coloured gold solder. I just didn't fancy having a huge blob of silver solder on my lovely copper.

Guess I will have to think of something else instead... copper screws sound good as I've been looking at a tap and die set for ages and I know my OH wants one as well.

Some things to think about there... thanks people :)