I've been having some problems using the Argentium® solders. I tried just about everything I could think of. I made sure the surfaces matched well. I made sure my silver was clean and scrubbed it down with steel wool. I tried several types of flux. My easy and medium solders worked just fine. It's taken me a couple of weeks to figure it out. I simply needed to clean the solder itself. I started with soap and water and then I scrubbed it with steel wool. Works great now.
3 comments:
Hi Marty,
I have had to repair pieces that have been scrubbed with steel wool only to find they turn pink in the pickle - tiny particles of steel left in the surface.
3M synthetic steel wool works well.
Love AS!
Judie
Yup, ditch the steel wool. Adding iron to your soldering process is not a good idea. When I need something nice and clean I use a craper. May seem slower but it does it right the first time and no surprises.
Another thing that may surprise you is the flux you use. At one point I was having a hell of a time with some delicate soldering setups so in frustration I went out and bought several different kinds of flux and ran test on them. You'd be amazed at the difference between them! I have my standards now, a home-brew for sterling and brass and Thessco F for Argentium, but I keep the others on hand in case I get into a jam and need to try some other options.
FWIW I almost never have to clean my solder. A good flux for a given job generally does that for you. Needless to say your mileage may vary.
"When I need something nice and clean I use a craper."
Whoops! :) That should say "I use a scraper".
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