Soldering is a fundamental metalsmithing skill, but arguably one of the hardest to master. Nothing is more frustrating than having a joint fail or worse – melting a piece you have spent hours on. Don’t let your designs be limited by intimidation! Through this intensive course, students will learn what is needed to achieve consistently strong, seamless joints and gain confidence to tackle their toughest projects!

Each session comprises a combination of lecture, demo, and Q&A, with opportunities for students to share their trials and triumphs. Color handouts will be provided, but notetaking is highly encouraged throughout this information-packed course.

Part 2 Topics:
Session 1 - Solder + Joints

• Solder Alloys (silver, karat gold, gold repair, platinum, palladium, brass/bronze/copper)

• Solder Forms (wire, sheet, paste, powder)

• Solder Grades & Order of Operations

• Melting -vs- Flow Point

• Solder Delivery Methods (pellet/pallion, pick, stick or sweat)

• Preparing a Joint for Soldering

• Basic Joint Types (Butt, Lap and “T”)

  • Demos:

    • Side-by-side Solder Melt & Flow Tests

    • Soldering a Butt Joint

    • Soldering a Lap Joint

    • Soldering a “T” Joint

Session 2 - Soldering Special Cases

• What situations require special consideration when soldering?

  • Demos:

    • Binding & Soldering Hollow Forms

    • Soldering Hinge Knuckles

    • Foolproof Ring Butt Joints

    • Soldering with Stones in Place

    • Soldering a piece to be enameled

Session 3 - Soldering Special Cases, Continued...

• Diagnosing (and/or recovering from) Failures

• Show & Tell (students bring their soldered joints for evaluation)

• Soldering Special Cases, Continued:

  • Demos:

    • Soldering Mild & Stainless SteelProduction Soldering Shortcuts

    • Earring Posts

    • Jump Rings

    • Custom Jigs

• If time allows, Kristin will take specific requests for additional demos.

To learn more and register, click HERE.