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Thread: Removing silver solder from copper sheet

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
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    Default Removing silver solder from copper sheet

    Hello and happy new year to everyone!

    I've been trying to solder some sterling silver wire to copper sheet, on one of my pieces I've used too much solder and it has overflowed onto the surface of the copper. Pretty please could someone give me some advice as to the best way to remove it, sandpaper doesn't seem to do much but I'm not sure about filing either? I'm worried about mucking up the surface of the copper as the solder is quite a thin layer that has spread a long way!

    Thank you

  2. #2
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    Its not possible to do a professional job with that now, Claire. Filing away with the tip of a half round, or barrette needle file, will remove unwanted solder, but leave a groove.

    I would start again really, but to stop the solder running over, try to spread solder onto the wire first, helped with a soldering pick.

    Then lay it onto the copper and re-heat preferably from underneath so that the copper gets to soldering temperature. This is sweat soldering and should confine the visible solder to the wire, where it will blend in.

    Practice with scrap first. Dennis.

  3. #3
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    Thanks for the advice Dennis, I had a feeling it was going to be a case of starting again. Annoying as it's the second one I've done, the first one I managed to completely melt the silver wire as I got it too hot! I will try sweat soldering, have had success with silver on silver sweat soldering, not sure why I didn't think of that to begin with.

  4. #4
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    I actually find solder paste easier if its thin wire ( 0.5- 0.8mm ), I put a thing coating all the way along.
    Im sure you can also do a great job with solder pillions but I haven't yet figured out how much to use!

  5. #5
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    Hmm I hadn't thought of solder paste. I'd heard that it 'goes off' if you don't use it up quickly enough so have resisted buying some so far! Might have to ge some and try it.

  6. #6
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    If it's a thin layer you might be able to remove it by wrapping your sandpaper around a wide file so that you don't create a ridge and you can move the file around. The file gives you more leverage and allows you to work more evenly than just using paper by hand or the file on its own

  7. #7
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    Hi Claire, I've heard of using spent pickle to copper-plate items when you want to hide silver solder lines. Not sure if this would be applicable (since I cant see the picture) and I wouldn't think it would hold up to a lot of wear and tear/polishing. But if you wanted to try it you take some old pickle (the bluer the better), add your silver piece, and introduce some iron to the pot. Voila, copper plated. As I type this I realize you probably don't want <b>everything<\b> to be copper (again can't see the photo, but you mentioned silver wire) so this probably won't help. I'm post it anyway incase it helps someone else. Good luck

    Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk
    - Emily

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    If you really need to try and salvage the copper, I would be tempted to try some solder braid or solder mop as it is sometimes called. It is designed for desoldering electronic components and is like a braid of thin copper wire impregnated with flux. It is usually used with a soldering iron, but may work for you.

  9. #9
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    Jun 2014
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    Leicestershire
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    Weird that my picture doesn't show, hopefully this one will.

    I've got a roll sander although it's just what came with my demel and I think it's a bit coarse. Out of interest, how do you get the tippex off once it's dried?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
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    Now I see you photo Claire, buy yourself some rubber abrasive wheels like these; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...prcode-970-450
    and a mandrel; http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...prcode-999-AET

    and you can clean up the solder easily with your dremel.

    I actually use Cratex rubber wheels in all grits for cleaning up my leaves when I make them.


    James
    Last edited by Goldsmith; 09-01-2015 at 07:05 PM.

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