HELP! I'm having problems soldering a bangle

**MuranoSilver** · 24-12-2009, 01:50 PM

to the forum.

The little butane torches are unlikely to heat up a really solid bangle..
You could try putting it on a charcoal block so the will focus back onto the metal.
If you're going to be doing bigger jobs then I'd recommend a Nimrod PT500 torch (which is easily man enough for the job)
Nic xx

**Polly** · 24-12-2009, 02:58 PM

Hi!

This sounds so familiar! The last thing I made was a fairly thick bangle and I had the same problem. I just couldn't heat the bangle enough with my small cooksons torch for the solder to run effectively, so in the end I upgraded to a builders merchant type blow torch and it worked like a dream. Welcome to the forum and have a great Christmas!

**ben b** · 27-12-2009, 06:43 PM

For large, solid silver items, you need a propane torch similar to this

Sievert Torch Kit - Cooksongold.com

and you will need to adjust your technique in that you are heating the 'base' item, and this heat will transfer to a ready placed, soldered, silver wire...because if you heat the joint area, which in this case is a thin peg of silver wire, you'll just melt it with one of these torches.

**Emerald** · 27-12-2009, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by mizgeorge

Hi clwheat, and welcome!

I wonder if you're getting the bangle itself hot enough? It's the heat from the metal, not the torch, that will make the solder flow, and a bangle can be quite a heavy piece to get really hot. Keep heating the main body of the bangle, and only bring the heat over to the peg right at the end. If the solder itself gets too hot too early it will be spent before it gets a chance to do its job.

deffinatley what i would do and if you dont have a larger torch which can be expensive one of the blow torches from the diy places are perfect for larger items of jewellery x

**Sunnybank** · 28-12-2009, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by MuranoSilver

:If you're going to be doing bigger jobs then I'd recommend a Nimrod PT500 torch (which is easily man enough for the job)
Nic xx

Hi Nic,

Does the PT500 run on normal lighter fuel?

**Di Sandland** · 28-12-2009, 05:56 PM

Yes, Jane, it does. Here it is. I have seen the next model up in the range the T75 at George's and I think that is the one I would go for (in fact it's next on my shopping list) mainly because it weighs less and you get a lot more time for the same amount of gas. It is around 50 degrees lower in temp tho.

I'd be interested to see what the others think