soldering with lead requires a different approach than repairing a gold object.If you have experience soldering other metals, you may want to look through the section on gathering materials to learn about the types of solder, torches, and flux that are appropriate for this job.The high temperature soldering process can be difficult, so you may want to practice on less expensive precious metals or non-sentimental objects.
Step 1: Use any type of soldering brick.
These are designed to protect against heat loss.Some of the options are kiln bricks, magnesia blocks, and charcoal bricks.
Step 2: Purchase solder gold.
Most solders will not work to join gold because they are not designed to melt and join metal together.You can buy gold solder in sheets, wire, or 1mm chips.It is recommended to cut larger pieces of solder into chips to make it easier to control how much solder is applied.It takes more heat to melt a solder with a higher gold content.It is a good idea to join two pieces together."Plumb solder," "medium" or "hard" solder is used.A lower gold content solder is better for small repairs.Use "repair solder," "easy solder" or solder below 14 Karat.It's a good idea to check the label before buying pink or rose gold solder.
Step 3: A torch is needed to melt the solder.
A small oxy-acetylene gas torch is a good choice, but butane or other high-temperature torches will work as well.It is not recommended to use soldering irons for high-temperature soldering tasks.
Step 4: An appropriate flux can be found.
Before soldering gold, or most other metals, a chemical product called "flux" should be applied to clean the metal's surface and help the soldering process go smoothly.If you want to use a flux on precious metals, look for one at a hardware or jewelry store.The term "brazing flux" is used for this high-temperature joining process.A paste or powder is created when mixed with water.Even jewelers call this process "soldering", since it is a different process than soldering.Check the packaging to see if it's appropriate for gold.
Step 5: There is a work area.
The light breeze created by fans or open windows will move fumes away from you.The cooling effect may make the soldering process more difficult.
Step 6: The gold needs to be held in place with tongs and tools.
Unlike steel, copper will not oxidize in the acidic solution.You will need a tool that can hold gold objects in place.If you want to avoid bending the gold, tighten the vise lightly.The other tools are not made from copper.
Step 7: Follow safety precautions.
It's important to protect your eyes from molten droplets.It is recommended that you wear a thick canvas apron.It's a good idea to tie back long hair and roll up long sleeves.
Step 8: One water bath and one pickle bath should be set up.
The gold can be cooled and washed with a container of water.Purchase a "pickle" solution for cleaning oxidization off metal, and prepare it according to the instructions on the packaging.Most pickle manufacturers sell it as a powder, which can be prepared in small amounts by dissolving with water and heating.Don't put the solution in a container or in contact with a utensil.Don't cook pickle in a microwave or container if you intend to use it for cooking.The smell of the pickle can be unpleasant.
Step 9: It's necessary to clean gold thoroughly.
The gold surfaces need to be clean of dirt and grease for the solder to bond them together.To remove acid from the surface, soak them in the pickle solution for a short time.Use detergent or soap to clean the surfaces.If your pickle is strong, adding baking soda to the rinse water is not necessary.
Step 10: Put the gold in place.
Place the gold objects on a soldering block and hold them in place.This process can't fill large gaps, so the areas to be joined should fit together as closely as possible.
Step 11: The parts being soldered together need a small amount of flux applied to them.
Additional impurities will be removed and the surface will not be discolored.The amount of solder that flows to the wrong area may be reduced by applying the flux only where the pieces will be joined.
Step 12: It's a good idea to slightly heat the flux.
If you want to prevent the formation of copper oxides, use the torch to briefly heat the flux wherever you apply it.Before you solder the object, be sure to perform this step thoroughly.
Step 13: Use a small amount of solder and heat.
Place a chip of solder on one end of the seam and heat the surrounding gold objects.If you use a high-temperature torch, you should be able to melt the solder without having to heat the whole object.To apply the heat across the length of the seam, move your flame back and forth slowly.The solder should flow across the seam and join the two sides.
Step 14: The piece should be treated with water and pickle.
Once the solder has flowed along the joint, and the metal surfaces have been heated sufficiently to join together, turn off the torch and let the gold cool.The water bath is where you should quench it after a couple minutes.Wait a few minutes for most of the fire-scale on the surface to be removed, and use copper tools to lower the gold slowly into the pickle bath.
Step 15: If needed, make final adjustments.
The gold should be removed from the pickle and washed in the water bath.To get the appearance you want, you may need to file off excess solder or fire scale.A strong bond should be formed between the two gold objects.