I was looking for the perfect solder for copper and finally found it. This is a solid copper-phosphorus solder Felder 94, no silver content.
I conducted an experiment and to solder a few rings, using different types of solder.
I conducted an experiment and to solder a few rings, using different types of solder.
1 - Copper-phosphorus solder paste. On the one ring I put more paste to another less.
2 - Solid copper-phosphorus brazing with silver content.
3 - Solid copper-phosphorus solder Felder no silver content.
And here's the result: solid solder does not leave silver trace. Especially if you use the optimal amount.
This is a video where I took the whole process of using solid solder. Copper-phosphorus solder very hard. Use very large wire cutters to chop solder into small pieces. If you get a big piece of 3-4 mm it can be cut in half.
It is important to choose the best size for each solder joint. Place the solder near the seam. Because the phosphorus content in the solder, we can work without flux. Use a butane torch to heat the copper. Solder is melted by hot metal and will flow into the place with the highest temperature. This way you can control it. If too much solder can distribute it on the surface of a metal with a flame. After heating the copper became dark - use citric acid to clean it up.
Use solder-paste is more convenient (it's easy to apply and it melts more quickly) - but it always leaves a dark mark. It is very upsetting to me. Another advantage of solid solder - it does not have a pungent smell like solder-pasta. I have been working under the air hood, but still lack of smell - is of great importance to me. And solid solder convenient to store, it does not deteriorate with time and is not toxic.
Thank-you!!! You made it look sooo SIMPLE! I guess it is & I've been reading too much into it, & letting myself feel intimidated........
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! We must have the courage to try. It only seems complicated. Good Luck! :)
DeleteThank you for taking the time to make this video! I am going to be brave and give it a try.
ReplyDeleteYoy are welcome! Good luck for you! :)
DeleteIt is so quick and so simple. Thanks for sharing. I will try this on my copper wires.
ReplyDeleteCopper Wires by Ganpati Engineering
Good luck for you! :)
DeleteThanks for going through so many solders for copper. I've just started experimenting with making copper jewelry and have been having a hard time with the solder. Like you've said, the copper never turns right when I use a paste. Still, because it's so easy that's what I've been using. I think I'll try copper-phosphorous solder for my next copper jewelry project. I just really want my copper jewelry to turn out well.
ReplyDeleteBrandi Bradley @ Rotax Metals
I hope you enjoy it too. I'm using as a paste when making a sculpture.
DeleteThank you so much for this post and the video, Oksana!
ReplyDeleteI tried soldering for the very first time today, just a jump ring to see if I could do it, and it worked. I'm officially excited about this! :-D
Thanks so much! I'm happy to hear that! :)
DeleteI also linked to your post in my own blog post about it, maybe one or the other friend will make it here as well and learn from it.
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ReplyDeleteWhere did you source the copper solder?
ReplyDeleteShe has that mentioned as Etsy, and included every little detail for looking somewhere else as well.
ReplyDelete