Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 26

Thread: solderiing 3 posts at once

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Posts
    24

    Default solderiing 3 posts at once

    Hi everyone,

    I'm making a triangular cage and have hit a potential challenge. I'd really appreciate any tips/guidance please.

    The triangle in the photo has some medium solder in it (I know it shouldn't but it's a long story!). I want to solder the 3 posts onto each point so my questions are:

    1/ can i use easy solder on these and then extra easy when I'm fixing this triangle to the top triangle? I will also be soldering two tube set stones onto two external sides of the triangular cage which is also causing me to headscratch.
    2/ how do I prevent the posts from toppling or moving with the flux when soldering?
    3/ is there a way of soldering all 3 at the same time?

    Thanks so much
    Emmy

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	IMG_2460.jpg 
Views:	20 
Size:	100.6 KB 
ID:	12329

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,844

    Default

    1 I would use medium solder to attach the posts, they are over already soldered joints it should not be a problem. I would solder the bottom triangle, then the top, diligent use of the torch is the key, heat only where is is needed
    2 Many options if you have steady hands just hold in place with solder pick, use a small heat resistant weight placed on top top, spring loaded tweezers, forceps, anything that will hold them.
    3 Yes but it would be fiddly I would solder the triangles then fit the posts between them and solder the posts.
    Re the tube set stones, depending on the stone, the bezels will need to be soldered on to the side before the stones are set, most stones will not survive the soldering process.
    Hope this helps, if I have not explained well enough feel free to question

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,902

    Default

    I use home shaped titanium soldering clamps to hold wires etc in place when soldering, like these ones.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	24 T clamps in use, script page.jpg 
Views:	20 
Size:	41.5 KB 
ID:	12330 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	11 Example of use for T shaped clamp.jpg 
Views:	18 
Size:	81.8 KB 
ID:	12331 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	12 Example of use for T shaped clamp.jpg 
Views:	13 
Size:	65.4 KB 
ID:	12332

    Titanium strips available from Cooksons, see;https://www.cooksongold.com/Jeweller...rcode-997-3318

    James
    Last edited by Goldsmith; 01-03-2020 at 09:30 AM.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,841

    Default

    I would certainly not be in a hurry to use low melting solder for this. There' a lot of construction still to come, which can easily be done using the same solder at lest twice before changing down.

    To ensure the posts stay in place, I would lay a small piece of fluxed copper sheet on top. That will steady them and only draw of a little of the heat.

    I would also avoid borax and use Auflux/Auroflux, which does not froth and expand when heated. Dennis.
    Last edited by Dennis; 01-03-2020 at 02:30 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    West Berkshire
    Posts
    660

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Goldsmith View Post
    I use home shaped titanium soldering clamps to hold wires etc in place when soldering, like these ones.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	24 T clamps in use, script page.jpg 
Views:	20 
Size:	41.5 KB 
ID:	12330 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	11 Example of use for T shaped clamp.jpg 
Views:	18 
Size:	81.8 KB 
ID:	12331 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	12 Example of use for T shaped clamp.jpg 
Views:	13 
Size:	65.4 KB 
ID:	12332

    Titanium strips available from Cooksons, see;https://www.cooksongold.com/Jeweller...rcode-997-3318

    James
    I'm so impressed by the shape of your clamps Jim. Perfection

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,841

    Default

    I can vouch for their effectiveness, but the pain is that they come as blank strips and you have to make them up yourself. Even if you buy a pack of strips from Cookson, it is will most likely add to the backlog of your to do list.
    They would go like hot cakes as an assortment ready made. Dennis.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Scotland
    Posts
    3,392

    Default

    [QUOTE=Dennis;107025]I can vouch for their effectiveness, but the pain is that they come as blank strips and you have to make them up yourself. Even if you buy a pack of strips from Cookson, it is will most likely add to the backlog of your to do list.
    They would go like hot cakes as an assortment ready made. Dennis.[/QUOT
    I agree Dennis. I’ve had mine a couple of years now unopened. I was having a problem sweat soldering the other night and binding wire wasn’t doing it so I opened the packet but could not work out how best to shape them to something like those so they went back in the packet

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,844

    Default

    While it would be a great idea to buy them ready made, most would not want to pay the extra cost, new concepts have a photo of suggested configurations also a welders third hand, made in a appropriate size is very handy

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,902

    Default

    I thought that we were all metalworkers, shaping these clamps only takes a few minutes using round nose and flat pliers. I have posted photo sheets before showing how I make them but here is some of my photos that may be of use, please ask if you want more info.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	33 T shaped clamp example sheet.jpg 
Views:	18 
Size:	53.3 KB 
ID:	12335 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	43 Making and using a standard shape clamp.jpg 
Views:	14 
Size:	54.5 KB 
ID:	12336 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	75 A selection of shapes.jpg 
Views:	14 
Size:	45.4 KB 
ID:	12337 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	76 Ideas of shapes sheet.jpg 
Views:	13 
Size:	76.3 KB 
ID:	12338


    James

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,844

    Default

    I second that James, myself I have no problems making them, I have a few blanks as spare to use if I need something different. I made my "welders " third hand from stuff I had laying around, long before it became popular for Jewellers to use them
    Last edited by china; 03-03-2020 at 09:41 AM.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •