May - 2019 | Crucibles, Torches & Soldering

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Soldering simple or stressful?

For some the thought of an open flame is very scary and daunting, only because it is perhaps new and unknown. This month we try to simplify and breakdown the varieties to give you a better understanding of what is used where with what and why.
With a variety of gases like butane, LPG, oxygen and acetylene. Regulators, flashback arrestors and pipes to suit your torch set up, you have no need to shop anywhere else, keep a look out for our blog post next week that shows which torch to pair with the necessary fittings. Below we break down the accessories to help with soldering. Don't forget safety first!

Used to convert scrap metal into suitable shapes for rolling through a mill. The metal is melted in a crucible and then poured into the mould. Types of Ingots include: H and ingots with handle for different sizes or including upright for wire only, the upright plate style reversible which is for plate or wire and very adjustable or residue cups for large bars. TIP: Keep your ingot rust free by sanding with 1200 grit sandpaper & oiling very few months. This keeps your surfaces smooth.

The ArTorch® Pinpoint Flame Tool is a true professional mini-flame instrument designed for a variety of precision flame applications. The ArTorch® is a precision tool that not only handles easily but welds, brazes and solders most metals. Up to 3100 °C with a precision thread thin flame comes with 5 sapphire tips. Uses all LPG or acetylene and oxygen. Other varieties of dual gas systems & LPG only options are on our website. With various fittings, replaceable tips & more. TIP: Keep your nozzles clean from carbon, dust, solder & dirt with nozzles cleaners, these are fine little needle files perfect to get into the small front of the nozzle.

Sparex is an easy to use, longer lasting, safe replacement for dangerous sulfuric acid in effective cleaning and pickling metals. Use Sparex for removing surface oxidation, scale and pickling gold, silver and copper based alloys. Non-flammable and non-explosive. See the video on our website for more info. TIP: Use copper tweezers for handling items in your pickle.

Made of fused silica with a clay bond, very durable. Can take heat of up to 1375 °C. Large variety for casting machines, flat bottom or cup shape for fitting into handles. Also available in different capacities. Most crucibles need to be prepared with Borax. See our how to video and other info for help. TIP: Use green tinted glasses when soldering & melting platinum as the bright orange glare is harmful to your eyes. You need a special crucible for platinum to handle the high temperature. Don't add borax to platinum as it will contaminate your metal.

Soldering Charcoal Blocks withstand high temperatures. Items can be pinned easily onto the surface for precision work. Jewellers charcoal blocks are used as a surface on which to solder or melt precious metals simple shapes can be carved out of the charcoal and small pieces of metal melted into them. TIP: Use titanium solder picks which last longer.

Skamolex protects your work bench from high heat, ideal for soldering silver, brass copper and gold. Withstands extreme heat (1100 °C). Lightweight and rigid, though soft enough to permit the insertion of pins and other thin items. Eliminates fumes and reflects heat back to your work effectively. It doesn't rub off on your fingers or your work space. Contains no ceramic fibers, therefore dustless, non-irritating and odorless. Has high mechanical strength, yet easy to cut and shape.
TIP: Wear a durable leather apron protecting you from hot molten drops.

The honeycomb pattern is versatile to place pins to hold pieces for soldering. They are heat reflective, maximizing temperatures even if the piece is not in contact with the board. Also good for annealing larger pieces, preferably not small pieces which may fall between the holes! TIP: Wear clear safety glasses when soldering hollow or domed items - pressure builds up inside the domes & if you do not have a small hole to release the pressure it will explode.

This eliminates the need to remove stones such as topaz, sapphire and citrine which are typically prone to heat damage. It is also useful when soldering near multiple joints, where the heat from soldering might affect an earlier join. TEMPGUARD is a truly world class, patented heat resistant and heat dissipating paste product. It prevents heat damage from intense heat sources – skin, paintwork, electrical insulation, wood, glass, precious stones or practically any surface/material.
A ready to use and non toxic, easy to apply fire retardant paste dissipates intense heat – up to 3000ºC! Does not contain asbestos. No objectionable fumes or odours. Water soluble and environmentally friendly!

Iron binding wire holds parts to be soldered or cemented together. It can also be used for stringing parts to be lacquered or cleaned.
Use this profoundly soft wire for easily binding delicate projects or intricate soldering jobs. Tie pieces together ready for soldering and wrapping on charcoal soldering blocks to prevent cracking. Binding wire will not stick to your solder or jewellery while under heat. TIP: Need more hands? Use a third hand to help hold items whilst soldering or the ceramic finger to maintain shape of work pieces under construction.

Ideal for soldering on PC boards, fine electronics or even basic wax carving, sculpting and tree sprueing. Works well with plastic, perspex, wood and low melting point metals like tin, aluminium and pewter. A heating element made of advanced technology and heat-resistant material. With temperature control settings of 200°C ~ 380°C that are stable and accurate.