Deep Dive: Pickle and Soldering | Jewelry 101

If you solder, you have to pickle. The two go hand in hand. In this week's episode, Susan explains why every time you solder, you have to pickle. Plus, makes a love bangle bracelet! Get the tools and supplies like the ones Susan used in this video here:
Basic Soldering Supply Kit: www.jtv.com/product/soldering...
Safety Glasses: www.jtv.com/product/clear-saf...
Pickle Pot with Citric Acid: www.jtv.com/product/pickle-po...
Stay tuned for new episodes on jewelry making every Wednesday, here on Jewel School!
Website: www.jtv.com/
Facebook: / jewelschool
Instagram: / jtv_jewelchool
#jtv #jewelschool #jtvjewelschool #soldering #makingjewelry

[@breesky17]

Please do a gold filled wire soldering video. Your videos are so helpful

[@TheProfessor936]

Though, you sound so adorable when you say oxidization, but it's oxidation. 😉

[@ehaynesdesigns]

Please don't hold your torch near the piece while you are spraying it with flux! Flux is VERY flammable. It can even cause a flash fire when used on a hot surface. Also, when using the brass brush always wet the brush and add a drop of detergent. This keeps the bristles from adding fine scratches to your metal.

[@doracarrington9219]

that is a good tip to include re the brass brush! Thkx

[@TrashTube-rt9jw]

Seems like this professional knows what she’s doing 🫠

[@lilual7778]

I like how you give a very detailed explanation of everything. I think you are an excellent teacher! Thanks for making these videos!

[@breesky17]

Can you do a gold filled wire soldering video

[@nathyr2282]

Love your tutorial ❤ very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@netcreativedesigns]

Love the videos you do. They are extremely informative and it’s great how excited you are to teach!

[@scholtesilver7564]

Your space is so organized very easy to view!

[@cavelleardiel]

I love your shirt!! Thanks so much for doing this video. I want to do more serious jewelry work.

[@champstheone65]

Excellent tutorial. Very informative. Great instructor. Thank you.

[@XENOJewelry]

This was very helpful and exactly what I needed, great explanation. You earned my sub 👍🏼

[@janicevisger497]

Thanks so very much for teaching us this!! I've been wanting to learn about something for a very long time. I want to get into some serious jewelry making and crafting. This will really help!!

[@PinkSacGirl]

You are a very inspiring teacher. And very good explaining. Thank you.

[@billfoster6809]

Thanks. Very detailed . But, how many times can you say oxidation wrong? Oxid-iz-ation?

[@larryrichards3668]

Very good video and explanations. I always learn something new with each video I watch. Thank you.

[@rodneylynn1354]

Thank you so much!!! An awesome and very informative video!!! With an exceptionally beautiful instructor!!!

[@lorraine8368]

Love it, you are very thorough! Thank you

[@katcabrera8272]

"Oxidation" not. "Oxidadation" my bad I can't help it lol. Great video thanks for sharing your skills.

[@lisabailiff645]

FANTASTIC video!!! I learned so much and you are a wonderful teacher who really breaks it down. Thank You!

[@jjsmama401]

Excellent video! I feel like I just took a class! Thank you! 🙏

[@NatTayHill]

You are a FANTASTIC teacher! I now understand things SO much better! You rock, sister. THANK YOUUUUUUU

[@m.kchambers6065]

Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@liatomlinson]

Thank you, I love your videos!

[@kristibbradshaw]

You are a great teacher. Thank you.

[@lindahamlik6023]

I love your videos. Could you do a video to make the stone ring you are wearing?

[@cherub32169]

EXCELLENT tutorial! I had questions and they were answered really well. I’m a “solder-dork” and never get a smooth joint whether it’s jewelry or a circuit board. You made it a lot easier. Thx

[@sabrinatart85]

Thanks so much just what I needed !

[@RobbyMatthias]

Thanks' for posting!Very informative!🥂

[@amberm2777]

I tried the aquaflux and I do enjoy working with a spray on flux it makes application so quick and easy

[@fungirl809]

Love your ring.

[@mlgrout3261]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Awesome instruction!!!! Thank you -

[@mariay.279]

Thx Susan. Watching lots of soldering videos. Seen many helpful ones. Believe this is the easiest more detailed explanation I've seen. Grrrr8t help. U r always rite on.

[@chelseywilson5767]

Such a helpful video thankyou

[@tbilly6201]

Great tutorial, thanks ✌️♥️

[@NiraTocco]

Best teaching video ever!!!!

[@MsJones-mc9gq]

I found this!! I'm good now! Thanks 😊

[@LLDG]

I’m so glad you have made such detailed videos of how to use these tools of the trade. You have thought of everything important and showed us in very good detail of what to look for and what to do and why. I am collecting the materials and I look forward to trying out these basic techniques. You make it look easy, but I’m sure it isn’t. Will a miniature crock pot work as a pickle pot?

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Mrs. Green! Yes, Susan said a small crock pot will work!

[@amyhansen3597]

This is like best video ever to follow. Got all the things you said but can't get my solder to flow lol. Too worried I will end up with metal burn perhaps. Hoping practice makes perfect. So frustrating. Thank you for all you great videos, you have a talent for explaining things.

[@JewelSchool]

Thanks Amy! Keep practicing and you'll get it! We hope to do more soldering videos in the future.

[@debbiemanning2656]

I very new to jewelry making loving all your videos! Should I only use soft wire to start with?

[@racheldida]

Is there a way to batch finish pieces that come out of the pickle? Instead of brass brushing each piece, can they be tumbled to remove the "pickle white"?

[@robertgreen3170]

I’ve been an electronic technician for over 40 years and have taught electronics for many of those years and I’d like to comment on your explanation of flux. Solder WILL flow without flux, but you better be absolutely sure your metal is free of any oxide contamination (or any contamination for that matter). Flux cleans the surfaces of the metal when heated which allows the pure molecules of the metal being soldered to alloy with the solder being deposited. The alloy process actually allows the molecules of the solder to penetrate and combine with the matrix of the metal’s molecular structure. Remember…the flux is a cleaning agent to prep the metal for the alloying process.

[@ronald1751]

You can neutralize the acid with baking soda. Then dispose of into the sink.

[@klondyguerra]

Thank you - I also think sometime maybe you can explain how to clean your copper tongs as well as your Soldering plate (I just wet it and rub it against the cement on my balcony till its clean from the fluxes)

[@TheSensationalMr.Science]

naofumi and anime brought me here. Hope you have a great day & Safe Travels!

[@kellykneaper2224]

What brand of soldering paste do you use?

[@Elites-asthetic]

Great video Does that blow torch work for solder gold

[@lillyflower7501]

Thank you. Can you teach cold soldering for those of us who use mixed media components (resin, fabric, paper, wood)? Using a torch to close a jump ring or pickles wont work in those instances.

[@arjumandalam9698]

Would love that

[@doracarrington9219]

Thanks for your excellent tutorial on soldering. I have just one question about oxidation of metals, especially copper. Is it okay to drop finished wirewrapped jewellery into the pickle solution to remove the natual oxidation of the metal? In doing this, will it automatically 'clean' the metal? Thanks in advance.

[@lchome1]

Can you please make a video of finishing the bracelets

[@nicknapier8209]

Since this is an older video. I’m not sure you’ll see it. First of course I really like your videos! As one who’s just getting started (74 years old). You’ve been very helpful. Clear and easy to follow instructions. The ring you’re wearing in this video, is there a video on how its made? If not could you make one? Thanks again for all the amazing videos.

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Nick! We're glad you are loving the videos and your never too old (or young in your case) to start something new! To answer your question, yes there is a video about how to make the ring Susan is wearing. It comes out tomorrow at Noon EST. It's called Advanced Soldering: Huggie Rings. So, set your alarm!

[@skycaplays4878]

How do you dispose of old pickle safely?

[@laylashelleman5491]

can you use solder on any wire color or will it not always match??

[@user-vx5bd1ii3y]

I really appreciate your detailed insights. One question that I may have missed: why does the pickle pot have a heating component? Is there a substantial difference when using heated pickle vs. Room temp?

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! The pickle solution does not need to be heated, however, heating it does make it work faster. Just remember if you have it cold, you may want to let your jewelry sit in the solution much longer. Just take it out and checking it every 10 minutes or so and that will give you a clue as to how long it will need to stay in the cold solution. 10 minutes is a good gauge for pickle that's heated. Hope this helps!

[@sarahcannon3243]

Can I keep the cold pickle in a glass or plastic jar? Where do I dispose of the pickle

[@dowens195092]

I love your video. I have a question; can an electric potpourri pot be used as a pickle pot?

[@JewelSchool]

I am not sure we would recommend it. You can try it, but since the pickle is an acid compound, we are not sure it won't harm the potpourri pot or you! If anything, you can just get a mini crock pot and set it to low. Safety first!

[@lizpotter8123]

Would you say what torch you use? Every one I see is for kitchen or crème Brûlée.thanks

[@texasmarshalls]

After you heat and solder would you then hammer then pickle?

[@ashleighhuza]

Thanks for the video! A question; you said we shouldn’t put the pickle down the drain, so where/how should we dispose the pickle?

[@JewelSchool]

Great question! You'll need to check with your local recycling center to see if they will take and dispose of the pickle in their facility and they can tell you exactly what to write on it. Chance are they do and they will. This will save you a lot of hassle with trying to figure out how to dispose of it in another, maybe not so safe way. Here is the safety and data sheet for Sparex straight from Eurotool, the makers of this product: eurotool-com.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/Sparex.pdf Section 13 deals specifically with disposal. We will ask Susan to explain more about disposal in her next soldering video. Hope this helps!

[@nicknapier8209]

Another question, do you leave the pickle pot on all the time or off at night? Also I thought I heard somewhere that plated wire can’t be silver soldered like sterling? Is the jooltool worth the investment? Thanks

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Nick! You should probably turn the pickle pot off at night unless you have something that needs to sit in it overnight. Mostly you want to be safe with it. It shouldn't take it long to heat back up when you're ready to use it again! As far as soldering with plated wire, you should stick to pure metals like sterling silver, gold and copper. The plating burns off during soldering, so that's the reason why. And YES! The JoolTool is totally worth it! It cuts down on your filing and polishing and in the end, makes your pieces look much more professional. Here is a link for purchase: jooltool.com/collections/all/products/master-jewelers-kit-1 Good Luck!

[@Mystarlite]

So i can plate sterling silver pink by adding steel to the pickle? Also, is the self pickling flux plumbing safe? Can i put drops of pickle on jump rings or should i just put the entire piece with all the soldered jump rings into the pickle? Those are the few questions that came to mind. Thankies for the explanatory video!

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Howard! Susan says, "I have certainly seen that reaction! Also, you should always pickle the whole piece." As far as it being plumbing safe, we have to say no. Just call your local waste center and ask them how to dispose of it properly. Hope this helps!!

[@trovebyvictoria]

I have this same solder but it has dried up... can i still use it or is it done for?

[@catherinemartina6469]

are the home made pickles as effective?

[@alejandragcjewelry]

Is there a video tutorial for the stone ring you are wearing?

[@JewelSchool]

There is not, but thanks for the suggestion! Maybe we can talk Susan into demonstrating it in a future video!

[@matthewcheung2062]

Thank you for the tutorial. The pickle solution need to be heated up?

[@JewelSchool]

Hello Matthew! Yes, the pickle works best when heated. Susan is using a pickle pot or basically a tiny crock pot to keep it heated.

[@matthewcheung2062]

Jewel School thank you for the info

[@kevinpaz1055]

What’s the difference in LR Quantrex Q140 Ultrasonic cleanser and this pickle cleanser

[@katcabrera8272]

Pickle was a term used because vinegar was what was used to remove fire scale. Just an FYI on that.

[@valeriekoochin3569]

Hi! So if you have contaminated your pickle, and a sterling silver chain comes out with some pink on it, can you clean that off somehow? Not that I did that…well maybe I did…or asking for a friend? 🤪 Also, can you share the type/brand of solder paste you use?

[@kemiagbato7402]

Thank you for the tutorial. I love your earrings. Do you have a tutorial?

[@JewelSchool]

Not yet! But we can ask!

[@novaclassified]

Can you use brass or bronze to show what the results are in general? did you get the solder kit from kingsley north?

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! we sell all of our own material. Check us out. JTV: www.jtv.com

[@shahar4019]

Thanks ! So if you use the paste solder you don't need to use silver solder sheet?

[@JewelSchool]

Correct! 😀

[@kevinpaz1055]

Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the metal after I have put it in the pickle pit or I can only use water ? Can you explain to me the process and when I would need to use the ultrasonic ?

[@JewelSchool]

The pickle should clean it thoroughly after torching (annealing), but you can hit it with some steel wool or a brass brush as well. As far as an ultrasonic, you may want to do that before polishing it and/or adding any stones. Think metal only! Once your stone is added, ultrasonic cleaners can harm your gemstones depending on what it is. Organics like pearls, amber and corals, should never go in an ultrasonic cleaner or be subjected to heat. Also delicate stones like fluorite, which is super soft and sensitive to abrupt temperature changes, or porous stones like turquoise and lapis should not be placed in there either. Good Luck!

[@poetryjax1946]

I hope you misspoke . For eons Silversmiths have used vinegar to clean their silver. Therefore the name PICKLE.

[@Bloody_RedQueen]

That's way easier. Acetic acid content matter?

[@srobinson1515]

What kind of solder do you use for sterling, copper or craft store jewelry metals?

[@JewelSchool]

There is a sterling silver soft solder paste you can use. They also make it in copper. If by jewelry store craft metals, you mean a plated wire, then you should not solder it because it will melt. You need to use .925 sterling, karat gold or bare copper only for soldering. Hope this helps!

[@indigodenim]

Do you need ventilation to do this? I want to solder and pickle in my apartment

[@kaylanbaban177]

I've wondered about this, too. Please speak a little more about health risks and how to avoid them!

[@snowschaefer6654]

When is Jewel School going to offer Pickle Pot soldering kits again?

[@JewelSchool]

Good question! We have one available right now. Supplies are limited so here is the link: www.jtv.com/product/pre-owned-annealing-supply-kit-incl-soldering-board-torch-head-pickle-pot-copper-tongs-more/PPP9500?mcid=XSOjsyt It's hard in our current climate to source materials, but we promise we are working on it! Thanks for watching!

[@TheJewelleryWorkshop]

Hi there, after soldering 925 silver. If I don’t use pickle, will the ring make a finger go green? I’ve had a customer say her finger turned green after buying a ring I had made smaller. Regards

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! Pickle cleans the fire scale off the piece after soldering. It can't hurt to do it. Usually if someone's finger is turning green, it means that they are having a chemical reaction to the copper included in the wire, especially those that are plated. You can coat your jewelry with an acrylic sealer that will help. Krylon makes a great one. Remember, that jewelry when worn over time, does need to be cleaned and than can help prevent tarnishing.

[@TheJewelleryWorkshop]

@@JewelSchool thanks so much

[@SnifflesMcDarkspots]

So if steel tools can contaminate the pickle, does that mean that I wouldn’t be able to solder gold plated stainless steel earring posts to my brass hoops, for example? Can you even solder different types of metals together?

[@trucygramarye8491]

Hi, Ariane! I had the same question and I found this, hope this helps you! Don’t put steel into the pickle pot unless it is stainless steel. Stainless is safe in pickle. Remove all binding wire before pickling - unless you are using copper or stainless steel wire. Regular steel binding wire, cross-locks, tweezers, some soldering picks, etc. when dropped into pickle, that has free-floating copper molecules in it, will create an electrical current that plates all surrounding metal with copper called copper flashing. Link nancylthamilton.com/techniques/soldering/on-pickle-crock-pots-and-baking-soda/#:~:text=Stainless%20is%20safe%20in%20pickle,copper%20or%20stainless%20steel%20wire.

[@akongas]

Should I use the pickle first to clean off the copper or is it ok to solder then use the pickle?

[@JewelSchool]

It would be safe to pickle the piece beforehand, so it's good and clean before soldering. It's really up to you!

[@blizzardsky3518]

Where can I buy the solder paste? Does the solder paste work on brass too?

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! A quick internet search should get you what you need as far as soldering paste. As for the question about brass, the short answer is yes. The best solder paste to use is probably going to be a silver soldering paste, which contains flux, but you should get flux spray in addition to this. If you're concerned about the metal not matching in color, don't worry. As long as your joint is small, you can polish it down enough so that it won't be very noticeable OR you can simply oxidize or plate it! Good luck!

[@VRUAN]

Regarding the nature of medals(21:02)...it is the opposite, when medal is heated and cooled down, it becomes harder instead of softer.

[@jimmyhoffa5658]

Negative, ghost rider… the Annealing process is exactly a she explained… with some exceptions. However, she was not discussing those particular metals.

[@LaserGadgets]

Some people solder brass and after pickling, it looks licked clean! Is that also citric acid?

[@JewelSchool]

This is not, but you can use it! In this video we used sparex number 2.

[@LaserGadgets]

@@JewelSchool Could be hard to get it in germany ^^

[@ShannonShenanigans79]

I'm looking for the paste on Amazon, I see some that say silver paste etc. Do you have to use a specific type for jewelry

[@JewelSchool]

Look for a #65 soft sterling silver solder paste.We use the paste made by Eurotool specifically. We are all sold out of our soldering products at the moment with hopes to get more back in soon. There are some reputable online jewelry sites that come up when you do an internet search for solder paste. Keep checking back for links to products and thanks for watching!

[@ShannonShenanigans79]

@@JewelSchool thank you! I watch these videos over and over again. Got a torch coming today! Super excited... Might even make some cream brulee 🤣

[@richarddeslonde4402]

Will the pickle affect any silver toning or desirable tarnish or aging on the silver?

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Richard! Yes. Susan says, "pickle is a powerful cleaner and can remove plating."

[@richarddeslonde4402]

Thank you!

[@stirlingshade]

I don't have a brass brush on hand. However I do have like ten different types of sandpaper because I'm a woodworker. I also have wire brushes for my drills for house cleanin', but I assume that would be overkill. I mean i guess I could use the wire brushes like yer brass brush but who in heavens knows what they've touched.

[@AmeliaSmall]

When you solder gold filled metal, does it need the pickle?

[@JewelSchool]

Yes it does! 😉

[@elaina5099]

Where to buy these jewelry tools

[@lwillms9900]

once you took it out of the pickle you kind of formed the wire with your hands...... how do you make it so that the wire is hardened and you cant bend it???

[@roset7278]

Can solid gold be suttered and what do I use to clean it?

[@JewelSchool]

Yes it can. Just be sure to use a gold solder paste of the same karat. You can use the pickle solution she uses in this video to clean it.

[@MrB337yla]

Can I use chopsticks (wood or plastic) in the pickle juice?

[@JewelSchool]

Hello! We have actually never tried it!🤔 It's is our position here at Jewel School that you only use copper tongs to avoid contaminating your pickle. Pickle is a toxic acid compound. We don't know what, if anything, it might do to those particular materials (plastic or wood) or to your jewelry. Good luck!

[@MrB337yla]

@@JewelSchool awesome thanks for the info

[@fuelban]

The term ( pickle ) is thought to come from Dutch/ or Northern Germanic, historical reference to preserve food, and in a broad manner to speak you are acting to preserve the metal , silver in this case... Still what do I know ... But it works. For me... LoL... Thom in Scotland.

[@ccbl23]

What do you use if you’re soldering stainless steel?

[@JewelSchool]

we have never soldered with stainless steel and are not prepared to answer this question. however, there are plenty of soldering websites that addresses this very thing. You may also reach out to your local Facebook friends our search out silversmith communities in your area!

[@minnermin]

I've been burnt by those torches too it sucks

[@DreidMusicalX]

So,.... what do you do with the pickle when it becomes contaminated?

[@JewelSchool]

You'll have to discard it an start over. Depending on what type of pickle you have, you'll need to consult the manufacturers directions on how to properly dispose of it.

[@sarahcannon3243]

Can i out a piece of jewelry with gemstones on it in the pickle

[@jasmineyang806]

is that little brown container just water?

[@JewelSchool]

Hi Jamine! Yes, the small brown terracotta pot contains room temperature water and is used to rinse off your piece after you've cleaned it in the pickle.

[@NOAMKARAKO]

Do you have online Course for how to Solder? :) the link to the dvd is not working :(

[@JewelSchool]

Hi! No, not currently, but we plan to have more soldering videos coming out this year for sure!

[@NOAMKARAKO]

@@JewelSchool Thank you :)

[@Gitanagurl]

👑

[@chriswilly5225]

Hi from Morocco. Houcine

[@tricia3159]

What kind of paste do you use?

[@JewelSchool]

Hey Tricia! This is a solder paste that also contains flux in the mix. If you get this kind, you don't need to have the spray flux. Thanks!

[@tricia3159]

@@JewelSchool thank you, what is the brand that you use??

[@sivanliana]

@@JewelSchool yes, I am wondering what brand to get too! I cant it on the linked website :(.

[@haydeesansingsonorio1271]

❤