SILVER SOLDERING HIDDEN DETAILS

Discover some of the "Behind the Scenes" subtle details of Silver Soldering that are often skipped over and never mentioned or discussed.
Designer Craftsman Jeweler Greg Greenwood, demonstrates some of these hidden details of silver soldering. Cleaning solder, cutting solder, choosing and maintaining borax flux, avoiding contamination of flux, different methods of solder placement, and do's and don'ts of pickling acid, all these will help you solder faster, easier, and with less stress!!

[@skepsib4490]

Dear Greg - you are clear and systematic and relaxed and I wish I’d discovered you earlier. It would have saved me from not knowing where I go wrong. Teachers who do teach ‘how to’ also do it by hit and miss and don’t cover the underlying principles. Thank you so much - Skepsie.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Skepsi, Thank you very much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@irisbrouillard9728]

So happy to see you back. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, very useful information. Stay healthy!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Good Morning Iris, It is very exciting to be back. I am on the up side of healing! Feeling better everyday. You are very welcome, I am happy to share what I know about jewelry making. Stay safe and thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@dislubik4770]

Hello Greg, I just discovered your tutorials a week ago. I’ve been binge watching ever since! 🤗 I thoroughly enjoy your teaching technique. Your an absolute natural. 💕 Also looking forward to your upcoming tutorial on protecting silver from fire scale. 😤 It’s always disappointing when that happens. I’ve noticed in most of your videos you use the borax flux to help flow the solder but I often wondered what you use to prevent fire scale. You don’t cover the entire piece. In assuming the pieces are all fine silver. I can’t wait to learn your tips and tricks. 😉 Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. Stay safe and healthy. Happy Presidents Day from one of your admirer across the border. 🇨🇦

[@greggreenwood4628]

Good Morning Di, Glad that you have found my channel!! Thank you for your nice comments. I appreciate it. You are correct about fire scale being disappointing. Demo videos are sometimes hard to keep simple and focused. You are right about not covering the entire surface with borax flux. In the demos, I like to have the viewer concentrate on the task at hand and not have to worry about the "Dreaded Fire Scale". LOL I am working on the fire scale video as we speak. Should be fun. Thanks again, and you stay safe also.! Greg Greenwood.

[@RobinEliseGardner]

Di, SAME! I adore this man! I’m so happy he exists.

[@KILL_MEEE]

God bless you sir, big thanks for the patience you are giving in explaining all the details. I bet your content helps tons of people around the globe. Thank you!!!!!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello KM. Thank you for your kind comments. I am hoping to help all who are interested. You are welcome. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@judithwalker9694]

I feel like a medieval smithing student learning in the studio of his teacher. Thank you for passing along the tradition!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Judith, You are more than welcome. Glad you are learning!! Greg Greenwood

[@lorensvetvilas6615]

Thank you so much for your lessons! I’ve been trying my best and learning from my mistakes 😊 Appreciate your attention to detail, and explaining everything so well.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Loren, Thank you for your kind comments. Glad you are learning from your mistakes. I have been learning from my mistakes for 50 years and am learning new things everyday. Keep it up and have fun. (Love your channel) Greg Greenwood

[@lauriedi1]

God bless you for all these awesome life saving tips. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@lindatonelli946]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone. From watching your videos I learned every mistake I have been making. All that darn frustration I have been experiencing is history now. Funny how the little things can make a huge difference. Thank you so much.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Linda, Fantastic!! I am so happy to help you. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. I am here to help. Thank you. Greg Greenwood

[@bibsweet]

I just found you today, Greg, & I’d like to personally thank you for sharing your knowledge & wisdom in such a relaxed & thorough way. I have very limited space for my self-taught jewelry ventures, & am starting my silver soldering off 19:07 with making my own SS closed jump rings to save myself some money. I applaud you & KZbin for teaching me what I have learned. I especially like you for your relaxed & friendly manner. Thank you so much. 😊 ~Nancy

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Nancy, I'm very glad that you found me! I appreciate your kind comments. Thanks for sharing. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@jdfriar]

Thank you Sir! You helped me immensely today!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello J Friar, You are more than welcome. I am very happy to help you. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@milansulc6871]

Greg, ano, přesné a velmi důležité informace pro všechny, kteří se chtějí naučit pájet stříbro, ale i zlato. Skvělé video a já za vše moc děkuji ! 👍👏

[@greggreenwood4628]

Milan, Děkuji mnohokrát. Jsem rád, že moje videa pomáhají. Nepřestávej sledovat! To nejlepší pro vás. Greg

[@DianneCulbertsonJacques]

I've watched many of your videos and your energy is so positive, it always makes me smile and gives me more confidence. ❤

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Dianne, Thank you for your kind comments. I just left you a reply on your twig question. Greg Greenwood

[@elisazulueta9535]

Thank you for great tips for soldering, I will definitely try this next time on my next project ❤

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Elisa, You’re welcome 😊 Greg Greenwood

[@justynea7171]

As a self taught/student of youtube hobbyist your videos are so so appreciated! Keep up the great work greg!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Justyne, Thank you for your kind comments. The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@lynngeer5714]

Lovely video and tips.Thank you

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Lynn, Thank you for your kind comments. Keep watching! Greg Greenwood

[@dorisdorisdotter933]

Welcome back Greg! Great video, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next video regarding fire scale. Take care of yourself and stay healthy!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thanks Doris, I am very happy to be back and working on videos. You take care too! Greg Greenwood

[@mawi1172]

You're a good teacher! Great smile! 💋

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Ma Wi, Thank you! 😃. Enjoy your pickles!!! LOL Greg Greenwood

[@cathyellington7599]

I am really enjoying your videos. I have been getting really depressed about my progress in soldering. Not been having a lot of success. Since watching your video my confidence has improved. You are excellent at teaching. You really explain things well. I love learning to make jewelry. Thank you

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Cathy, Very nice to hear from you. I understand about getting depressed when a process is not going well. Don't Worry! It will get better with practice. I am not sure how many of my videos you have watched, but I would recommend that you start with "5 Secrets to Perfect Silver Soldering " then try the Sweat Soldering Series. I have a play list of soldering videos. You can pick and choose. Cathy, I am glad that I can help you build more confidence when soldering. Your confidence and soldering ability will grow very fast with more soldering under your belt. We all have a learning curve no matter what the challenge. Hang in there, I guarantee you will improve and you will be soldering with renewed confidence soon. Thank you for your kind comments. Greg Greenwood

[@vartanpanossian7331]

I am a student in jewellery making and your tips about the flux have been a major help! You are pleasant to watch and charming at that. I am subscribing and I hope you keep making such excellent content

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Vartan, I am very happy that I have helped you! Thank you for your very kind comments. I appreciate it. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@kassemkarim7579]

Fantastic tutorials. Thank you so much

[@greggreenwood4628]

You're very welcome! Greg Greenwood

[@fosterluu]

Definately the most informative series on jewelry making I've found

[@greggreenwood4628]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate your comment. Keep watching. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@mtnerb]

Hello Greg! Thank you for all the information. Those are priceless experiences.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello mtnerb, You are very welcome. I am happy to share. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@annabellesitarek838]

Thanks for helping and inspiring me once again Greg!! 👏

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Annabelle, Absolutely My pleasure! Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@cristinacassidy604]

I really appreciate your videos. I’m teaching myself this art and the way you explain things is so clear, super helpful for us beginners.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Cristina, Awesome, thank you! I am very happy to help. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@larryrichards3668]

Welcome back and thanks for another great video.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you Larry, it is great to be back. Feeling better everyday. It is so good to be producing the videos. Looking forward to many more. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@thms6405]

Wonderful instructional videos, full of great tips and advice! I love your enthusiasm to share your knowledge with others!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello THMS, Thank you so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. Keep watching. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@clairestrickland5140]

Great video, you are a brilliant teacher!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Claire, Thank you, I appreciate it. Keep watching! Greg Greenwood

[@kristibbradshaw]

Thank you so much for all the help.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Kristi, You're very welcome! Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@E-Kat]

I wonder if you're going to talk about the safety aspect of soldering and recommend the best face masks and discuss the suitability of the soldering mask for the purpose of preventing silver dust inhalation during sanding. Didn't see anything mentioned in the description. I wish you could cover this. Thank you.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Ekaterina, Thank you for your suggestions about safety. I will do a video on just safety for jewelry processes. It is on the list. Thanks again, I appreciate your comments. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Zakuznapper]

Thank you for these videos! Your last on the 5 secrets helped me solder two thin pieces of a spring together for a battery compartment and they’re holding up well!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Helge, Glad I was able to help you. Keep on watching. Greg Greenwood

[@alecanson9957]

Sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@roycelouie3786]

@Alec Anson instablaster ;)

[@alecanson9957]

@Royce Louie i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@alecanson9957]

@Royce Louie HOLY **** IT REALLY WORKED! I literally got access to my IG account after roughly 45 mins of using the site. I had to pay 15$ but for sure worth the price :) Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@victoryfirst2878]

Job well done Greg. The simple things that make the big things happen.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Victory, Thank you for your comments. I appreciate it. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@greggreenwood4628 I most certainly will keep watching your channel Sir.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Victory, Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@adelsalem8519]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing information.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Adel, Thank you for your kind comments. You are more than welcome. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@barry7608]

Thanks well explained. I've been silver soldering since a teenager, I'm now 72, and I was taught by my father. His words "cleanliness is next to godliness" when carrying out this work and I've proved that many times. He was an aero engineer and had much experience. Temperature is also an experience required as Ive watched people boil! the silver and also sparrow poo blobs and both can be really ugly. I have not entered the realm of 'jewellery grade quality' but very keen to make my first piece for a grand daughter, and I can see and will use some of your great tips, take care

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Barry, Thank you for your comments, I appreciate it. Take a look at my video "5 Secrets to Perfect Silver Soldering". It will give you the "Basics" of silver soldering. I think you will enjoy and learn from it. Keep in touch. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@rwhughes47]

Excellent video !!!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you very much! Ron, Glad you liked it! Greg Greenwood

[@donobototron]

learned lots on this one. we'll mark our solder from now on :) Great video Greg

[@greggreenwood4628]

It will surely help you. I guarantee it. Greg Greenwood

[@neogovernment]

Good clear teaching. Thank you and have a lovely day

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you! You too! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it. Greg Greenwood

[@natmickan]

An alternative to scribing the solder to label it that I like is colour-coding them with sharpie. Sharpie burns away @ soldering temps, and you can colour the whole thing in, you can grab it at a glance. What I really like about it is that even if you cut it and drop a small pallion of it on the floor (e.g.), you still know exactly what it is :)

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Nat, Yes, that is a great way to make the solder. Thank you for sharing. Greg Greenwood

[@frantiseklaluch6605]

Alternative to scribing at solder or color coding is to bend it at the mark and cut from the ends, so the part with mark will be the last to cut...

[@natmickan]

@@frantiseklaluch6605 my only issue with that is if you drop a pallion, you have no way of telling what it is. I wish I was less clumsy so it wouldn’t matter, but colour coding has saved me so much time and money

[@canisamator7937]

You are a GREAT Teacher!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Canis, Wow, thank you! I appreciated it. Greg Greenwood

[@teperikaetr]

I just found your videos and I subscribe. I like to learn from other people and I love your enthusiasm when teaching us. Thank you.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Erika, Thanks again for your polishing story and thank you for subscribing. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let my know. I am happy to help. Greg Greenwood

[@redeyestones3738]

You're awesome, Greg. Thanks. Had to reorder my silver plating, due to a shipping error. It's gonna be here in a week In the mean time, I'll just soak up all this info you've been generous enough to share with the world. Mahalo nui loa

[@greggreenwood4628]

"A" ole palikir. I am glad you are watching!! Are you on island? Greg Greenwood

[@redeyestones3738]

@@greggreenwood4628 I'm not. Grew up on Maui, had to go to the mainland for medical treatment

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hope all works well for you. Greg Greenwood

[@mikeparish93]

I always learn great tips from your videos because of the small but important details.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Mike, Glad to hear it! Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks. Greg Greenwood

[@debcutler491]

Thank you!!! So much useful information!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Deb, You are so welcome! Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@stevenlarsen1691]

Thank you very much for sharing.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Steven, My pleasure! Greg Greenwood

[@Nick-ye5kk]

Another excellent video, thanks for sharing these tips.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Nick, Thank you very much. Nice to hear from you. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@cyclonicsilver2773]

Wonderful Information!! I sandcast silver and my wife just started her soldering journey for her jewelry making so I will be watching to see if these is more information that I can use as well

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Cyclonic, That is awesome! Make sure she watches all the videos on the Soldering Playlist. They will give her some good tips. Good Luck to you also. Keep watching. If you have any questions, in the future, please feel free to let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@mosfet500]

Thanks for the video, I learned somethings. One thing, I have welding rods with the label in only one place. I cut up to the label from both sides so the last part of the rod I use is where the label is.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello mosfet500, Thanks for sharing. It is terrible when we forget and cut off a marking by mistake!! Take care. Greg Greenwood

[@beautybeyond5037]

Just found you !! Subscribed and am about to binge 🤩

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Beauty, Thank you for subscribing! I appreciate it. Enjoy your binge!!! Greg Greenwood

[@bitcoinwhisperer1754]

Thanks Greg your vids are very helpful indeed amazing content. I noticed you have taken the time to reply to all the questions in comments. I tip my hat to you Sir

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello C.R. Thank you for your kind comments. That means a lot to me. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Shukarr]

Thanks for the tips! I have never heard of using baking soda to neutralize the pickling acid.I’m going to try your suggestion for sweat soldering the ball embellishments ! Thank you for responding!

[@greggreenwood4628]

You are so welcome! Let me know how it goes. Greg Greenwood

[@maggiealena]

I use tall plastic medicine bottles to store my solder in. Solder is labeled. I don't engrave my solder to prevent oxidation. I do write one letter on one end what it is. I use acid brush for my flux. It separates visually because I have small paint brushes laying around that I use for my watercolor and acrylic paint.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Missed A Stitch, Thanks for watching!! I appreciate your comments. Thank you for sharing. The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@mariocarranza881]

Great video, well and patiently explained.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Mario, Thank you kindly! I appreciate your comments. If you have any questions in the future, please feel free to let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@meowsaidthecat5338]

You can also use alum in water as a pickle,which is safer when you have no ventilation, and alsoo doesn't destroy your clothes. . Take 1 tbs of alum and add 15 tbs of water, use it in a heat resistant glass or ceramic container. I have a smalk ceramic cooking pot on a teawarmer( with a small candle)

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Meow, Thank you for sharing! I appreciate it. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Shukarr]

Could you please make a video on how to fill accidental gaps in seams and how to fill holes in previously soldered work? I know solder won’t fill gaps but if you’ve had to solder many pieces and a part gets too hot and opens up, how do you fill that area? I’ve tried filling it with solder but it will only go to one side or the other. Thank you for your videos and for sharing your knowledge with us 🙏

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Vestacha, Thank you for your comments and questions. You are correct that solder will not fill in gaps. But, you might try to use a lower temperature solder and flow into that area. Ex. If you used Medium solder and it is opening up then try putting Easy solder in that area and flow it. If the gap is not too large, that should help you. Good Luck and thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@rondaleblanc2374]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello ronda, You are so welcome! Thanks for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@williamogilvie6909]

I have been doing Silver smithing and jewelry making for over 50 years. I use the bright Silver method when I Silver solder or anneal Silver. When you use small dabs of borax flux, it is impossible to remove the firescale. I also never use steel wool. I stopped using tiny squares of Silver solder a long, long time ago.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello William, Thank you for sharing. Could you describe your bright Silver method and also, what type of silver solder do you use? It is always interesting and educational to hear different methods. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. Greg Greenwood .. Oh yes, I have stopped using steel wool. Thanks again.

[@williamogilvie6909]

@@greggreenwood4628 A lot of jewelers use this method. You need a glass jar big enough to dunk your work in. Fill it half full with denatured alcohol (ethanol), and dump an excess of borax powder into it. Before doing any soldering, stir up the mixture and dip the work in it, using tweezers. After the alcohol has evaporated, heat the work to a dull red, or until all the borax has fused; but don't overheat. Repeat this another 3 times. The Silver is now completely coated in flux. Solder will seek the thinnest gap. After soldering, pickle in dilute Sulphuric acid, warmed on a hot plate. Every solder step is done this way and solder strips are similarly coated with borax. I use strips of solder, held in tweezers. When the Silver is the right color, I brush the strip against the joints I want to solder. It takes practice. Fire scale, which is surface Copper oxide, is dissolved in the borax and removed. I always cover the ethanol borax mixture before soldering, for safety reasons. Other pickling mixtures can be used instead of Sulphuric acid. Silver solder flows much easier and does what you want when everything has a good coat of borax flux. Silver made this way is always bright and shiny, requiring a minimum of polishing. Note: Many years ago I used wood alcohol with borax powder. However someone told me that borax is more soluble in ethanol and I don't see a big difference; but wood alcohol is more toxic. I haven't tried a water mixture. It would take longer to evaporate. In any event most of the borax that coats the Silver is suspended anyway. Getting a good, unfired coating of flux on all the Silver and the solder before each soldering step makes a big difference. It is also important everytime the Silver is annealed, if you do a lot of hammering.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello William, Thank you for your quick response. I appreciate you taking your valuable time. I had thought that your bright silver method was the use of borax and denatured alcohol, but many times people call the same methods by different names. I am glad we are both on the same page. I too use this method with slight differences. It is a real life saver against fire scale. In my video "Fire Scale, What is It?" (Understanding Fire Scale.) I demonstrate the method. I use a combination of solder placement techniques. It all depends on the type of solder joint and the design of the jewelry piece. I use pallions with tweezers, balled solder with picks, and stick feeding (as you do). You are correct about taking practice with the stick feeding. Thank you again for your time. It is a pleasure to talk to you and to get your feedback is always welcome. The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@williamogilvie6909]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thanks for the kind words, Greg. Jewellers, and Silversmiths are all in a fraternity of trust and mutual support. I sometimes use individual squares of solder for filigree work. I tried using it when I dabbled in plique au jour enamel, but discovered solder creates gas bubbles in enamel; so I am learning how to fuse Fine Silver instead. The benefit of fusing is mistakes can be recycled, since there are no impurities. I will continue viewing your videos. It is great that you are helping people learn how to work with Silver. I have thought about creating some videos, but just don't have the time.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello William, The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@shirineromankurth1633]

Wonderfully helpful ! Thank you so much.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Shirine, You are more than welcome. I am very glad I could help you. Keep watching! Greg Greenwood

[@CannonCornelia]

Hi Greg, Love your videos thank you for putting out so much GREAT information. I would love to see more on medium and advanced soldering techniques. Is it possible to sweat solder a half round wire to go around a bezel? What is the best technique to solder decoration around a bezel or on the base plate? Thank you again

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Connie, Thank you for your kind comments. Yes, you can sweat solder half round for a bezel. Check out my video "19 Tips for Outside the Box Jewelry Bezel Settings". This will give you some ideas for bezel settings and more. Also, check out my soldering playlist. There are some more soldering tips for you. If you have any questions after viewing the videos, please feel free to let me know. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@gerardveenboer5703]

Hai Greg, welcome back. 👍

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hi Gerard, It is great to be back. I am feeling better every day. Looking forward to many more videos. Thank You. Greg Greenwood

[@cindyturner7240]

If you use the citric acid and vinegar pickle, what amount of each? Thank you for your wonderful videos. I’m learning so much.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Cindy, You can use 100% vinegar and use about one cup of citric acid to a quart of water. If the citric acid does not seem to be strong enough, you can increase the citric. It will work best warm. Thanks for your question. Greg Greenwood

[@CrimsonPrisoner]

Amazing video as always!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you Crimson. I appreciate your kind comment. Stay safe. Greg Greenwood

[@texasgigi3684]

Greg, you are an excellent teacher! I just subscribed and can’t wait to learn more from you. I’ll be setting up my bench tomorrow. I wasn’t even thinking about not using the same file on stainless steel, vs sterling silver! Yikes. I’ve been practicing on stainless steel, so I guess I have to buy a new diamond file for only sterling silver?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello, Thanks for subscribing. Very exciting about you setting up your bench. Have Fun. Let me know how it goes. Greg Greenwood

[@texasgigi3684]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank you, Greg! Do I have to have different files for each type of metal that I work with?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Texas, No, only the steel file should be kept separate. You can clean your files between use with non-ferrous metals. Check out my video "Alternatives to the file card". This will give you some pointers. Hope this helps. Greg Greenwood

[@texasgigi3684]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank You, Greg!! Hugs from Texas!

[@catherinemartina6469]

Hi Greg, thank you for all the information you provide. It's excellent. Can you tell me if when we solder, we are suppose to wear special glasses. Not safety, but a type of "Sunglasses" but for soldering. For example with a small hand torch?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Catherine, It is not necessary to wear sunglasses when doing general soldering with a hand torch. If you are soldering with a Smith Little Torch which has oxygen as the second gas, then you might be a little bothered by the brighter light at the torch tip. If you are more comfortable wearing sunglasses when you are soldering, be all means, go ahead and wear them. You need to enjoy the soldering process. Thanks for asking. Greg Greenwood

[@anujagrawal9057]

Hello Greg, Awesome video as always. Please, make the video for the correct composition of each type of silver solder.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Anuj, Thank you for your comment. Here are the percentages of metals that make the silver solders. Easy: 60% silver 25% copper15% zinc....Medium: 70% silver 20% copper 10% zinc... Hard: 76% silver 22% copper 3% zinc... IT: 80% silver 16% copper 4% zinc...You can also check out my video " What the Heck is Sterling Silver and Silver Solder " I hope this helps you. Greg Greenwood

[@bobbieervin6375]

Love your videos, appreciate the time and knowledge you put into them for us. I'm rather new at jewelry making. And I am still having some issues with soldering. I follow the steps you have shown but for some reason my solder doesn't flow. I am using a small butane torch that is supposed to be fine to use, but could it be the issue I'm having with the solder not flowing? I follow your steps for a perfect solder joint but 9 times out of 10 the solder wont flow. I am very frustrated and am determined to figure out what I am doing wrong. So, I needed to ask the question is it something I'm doing or not doing, or could it be my torch? Thank you for your time to answer questions. Again thank you for the videos that teach us so much. I wouldn't be making jewelry if it weren't for folks like you willing to share their knowledge. You make learning so much easier. Thanks again.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Bobbie, Your frustration days are over! You need to use a hotter torch. Most small butane torches cannot get the projects hot enough to melt the solder correctly. Use the small butanes on very small pieces only. If you cannot afford a more expensive torch, you can try a propane single tank torch with different size tips. You can purchase them at most hardware stores. If you can afford a more expensive torch, check with your jewelry tool suppliers and they will have a variety of torches for you to choose from. Good Luck and let me know how it goes. Thanks for the question. Greg Greenwood

[@sacredsounds4234]

In our studio we color code the solder.Easy-blue,medium-black,hard red with a permanent marker.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Tipping, Thank you for sharing. Other studios use different colors too. The main thing is to MARK THEM before the original stamp is lost. Thanks again.

[@guidelineuk4876]

Thanks Greg TOP teaching :-)

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello guideline, Thank you very much. Greg Greenwood

[@CB-68-westcreations]

Sharpie dosent mess up the working properties of the solder. So. Red=hard, blue= medium Green=easy, problem solved with a line down each piece . Use distilled water to rehydrate your flux. Or you can use isopropyl alcohol.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello CB. Thanks for sharing. Sharpies are a great way to mark solder. I also use distilled water to rehydrate. Check out my video Silver Solder Series #3 Avoiding Soldering Mistakes. Some good tips there also. Thanks for watching and sharing. Greg Greenwood

[@juegoart4414]

Welcome back!!! 👍

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Juego, I am so happy to be back!! I have a way to go to be 100% , but it feels great to be on the mend. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it. The best to you. Greg Greenwood

[@rommelpangilinan829]

i want to try soldering already,thanks

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Rommel, Go for it! Enjoy, If you have any questions, let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@SheranSimo]

Could you pickle small pieces of solder to clean them if you’ve previously cut them? Thanks so much for your videos!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Sheran, Yes you can! Make sure that you put them into a small container in the pickle or you will never find them in the bottom of your pickle pot!! Thank you for watching. I appreciate it. Take care. Greg Greenwood

[@Susanarylander]

Love your video!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Susana, Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your comment. Greg Greenwood

[@ericklassen742]

Hello Greg, Is there a short-cut to gettting borax flux but not in increments of 1-2 lb bags? I'm just starting out and I don't want a big $$$ outlay at the beginnning.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Eric, I can understand keeping the budget under control !! You should just order "Handy Flux" which is already prepared and ready for you to solder. You can purchase small jars of it. Check out Rio Grande Jewelry Supply. I only use Handy Flux. It just is not worth my time to make from scratch. I hope this helps you. Greg Greenwood

[@ericklassen742]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank you

[@ericklassen742]

PS... I'm really enjoying the content on your channel

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Eric, Thank you very much. Greg Greenwood

[@ingoeckstein8618]

I wanna solder silver. So what kind of solder do I use to solder silver? Certainly not silver solder since it does not contain any silver and I believe it will not solder silver. Or does it? Maybe I use wood solder?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Ingo, Thank you for your question. Please check out my playlist on Soldering and watch these 2 videos: "5 Secrets to Perfect Silver Soldering" and "What the Heck is Sterling Silver and Silver Solder". These will answer many of your questions. To purchase silver solder, you can go to Rio Grande Jewelry Supply. They have all of the tools and solders for silver soldering. Watch all of the Soldering playlist for more soldering tips. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@AmericangypC]

very helpful!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello American, I am glad I can help. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@janicesharpe7159]

I have a question about soldering jump rings on either side of a metal wire. I have made multiple attempts, but what happens is one side will attach and the other appears to join, but falls off after I quench. What could be wrong?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Janice, Thanks for your question. I am going to assume that you are soldering both jump rings on at the same time. If so, then your problem is uneven heat. Heat the wire first and then heat both jump rings and the wire evenly. If you need to solder the two jump rings on at different times, then solder the first ring with Hard solder, pickle and clean up, then solder the second ring with either medium or easy solder. You can also paint yellow ochre on the first solder joint when you solder the second, so the first will not re-melt. I hope that this helps you. If you are still having trouble, let me know. Good Luck and I am sure it will work for you. Greg Greenwood

[@marynollaig4124]

Great explanation. 1) Does the crock pot have a heat source to keep it warm? 2) Sulfuric acid will react with copper, what is the way round that? 3) There is stuff in Europe called Brasso for shining door knobs, would it be a good product to remove oxides from the work before soldering?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Mary, The crock pot is electrically heated. I would avoid sulfuric acid. It can be very dangerous in the studio. The Brasso will clean off oxides but it will leave a "film" on the surface that will contaminate the surface and make it hard to solder. Pickling is best to remove the oxides prior to soldering. If you cannot get "Sparex" then use citric acid in your pickle. I hope this helps you. Ask any questions, anytime. Thank you. Greg Greenwood

[@sumnimaentertainment5766]

Does this work with gold items too can you manke one video for gold soldering really helpful thank you

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Sumnima, Yes, I will probably do a video in the future. Thank You Greg Greenwood

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Glen, You're welcome! Thanks for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Thinker7221]

Brilliant as ever 👍

[@greggreenwood4628]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Greg Greenwood

[@geraldbergeron]

I just discovered your channel. GREAT !! I love the way you teach your way of doeing. I would like to know if in your experience, we can silver solder steel to steel, steel to aluminium, aluminium to aluminium ? Thank you ! I am subscribed !!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Gerald, I have not tried it. I don't believe you can solder aluminum with silver solder. Thanks a million for subscribing. Greg Greenwood

[@geraldbergeron]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thank you for your attention !

[@greggreenwood4628]

You are welcome. Greg Greenwood

[@donnajones6577]

You can clean silver quickly using a magic eraser (damp, not soaking wet)

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Donna, Thanks for the tip! I'll have to try it. Greg Greenwood

[@lorimichels4515]

Hi, thank you once again for such an informative video. It's really great to watch your videos! They are filled with lots of information, and really great demonstration! Where do you purchase your metals from? Also, where do you find a hook for your torch handle? Can you believe it, I cannot find any hooks to attach the side of my workbench to hook the handle! Can't find any on the Internet. If you know of any place that has a simple little metal hook that can be screwed into the side of a workbench to hold the torch handle, I'd love to know.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Lori, Thank you again for your kind comments. I get my metals from Rio Grande Jewelry Supply. On line. I don't know what kind of torch you have, but Rio Grande has a simple torch holder set of 2 for around $8. #500036. Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@stankrieger3598]

Great behind the sean that just no one ever post. Were do you buy your sheet soulder? And this type Flux?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Stan, Thank you for your kind comment. I get my supplies from Rio Grande Jewelry Supply. They have everything you need for jewelry making. Thanks for asking. Keep watching. Greg Greenwood

[@usernamemykel]

Awesome!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello usernamemykel, Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@bettyleigh5269]

Can I use a craft kit iron to makea craft like abike thank you ine redone this before but love to try it thanks

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Betty, Silver soldering is done at high temperatures. The craft kit iron is using low temperature solder. Yes, you can make a craft bike with the low temp solder and iron. Check out how to use a soldering iron on KZbin. There will be many videos on the subject. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@bettyleigh5269]

@@greggreenwood4628 thank you.like I said I never done this before you helped me understand this a lot better.thank you so much .I will be following your videos on KZbin from here on in thank you so much

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Betty, You are more than welcome. Thank you for watching. If you have any questions, let me know. Greg Greenwood

[@dottywotson505]

I am here because I cannot get Google to answer me on one question.... is nail polish remover with denatonium benzoate ok to use as acetone to clean my silver before soldering .... ??? I really appreciate your videos

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Dotty, I have not used nail polish remover as a cleaner, but I don't see that it would hurt to use it. It will definitely clean the silver. Also, make sure that you have any oxides removed before soldering. You can pickle the silver in warm pickle to remove the oxides and then you will be ready to solder. Check out my video " 5 Secretes to Perfect Silver Soldering Everytime" . This will give you the basics for good soldering. Thanks for your question. Greg Greenwood

[@dottywotson505]

@@greggreenwood4628 that video was watched very closely. I appreciate that info very much. Was just concerned about the bitterness taste they add to it so kids dont drink it. I guess its water soluble so I have been using it then distilled water rinse then pickle. Just thought maybe there was a no no reason that a vet might have seen. Thank you so much for the feedback please keep making more. Helps us younger generations keep it alive.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Dotty, Thanks for the update. Thanks again, and it is my pleasure to help when I can. Good Luck Greg Greenwood

[@adcock3]

Nice tips! Love the solder brush holder. I use a spoon rest for sauce why not a rest for brush?! Lol

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello adcock3, Thank you for your nice comments. Glad I can help. Check out my channel for more tips! Have Fun! Greg Greenwood

[@flyingcheff]

Hi there, great video, I am referring it to my students. I have a question for you. It is my understanding that the chemical reaction (electrical reaction?) of steel in pickle is completely stopped once the steel tongs are out of the pickle. Therefore, pickle is not "contaminated" after momentary contact with steel tongs. The copper plating on a piece of jewery only occurs during steel contact in pickle and ceases immediately upon removal of the steel. Of course, the resultant plating of copper on the jewelry piece still needs to be cleaned of its plating. Procedure: super pickle (half hot pickle and half hydrogen peroxide) til clean. Is this something that you concur with? Thanks, Greg!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Flying Chef, Thank you for watching my video and referring it to your students. You are correct about the "Catalytic Reaction" will stop when the steel or catalyst is removed. I refer to the pickle as "contaminated" because students will hopefully remember not to use steel. Also, if steel wool has been used on the jewelry piece, there could be some steel wool left over on the piece and possibly be left behind in the pickle. Thus being contaminated. You will notice that I have used some steel wool in the video. I am always careful not to introduce the steel wool into the soldering process. But not everyone will do this. Soooo, I have stopped using steel wool in any of my videos and have only use emery paper or scotch brite. As for the super pickle, I have not used it. Sounds like a good solution. I hope this has answered your questions. Thanks again. Greg Greenwood

[@narendrakhona1168]

NICE INFORMATION FOR EVERY ONE DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO EXPLAINING HOW TO MAKE SOLDER FOR SILVER & GOLD. THANKS

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Narendra, I do not have a video about making solder. I purchase all of my solders pre-made. Check out my video "What the Heck is Sterling Silver and Silver Solder?" I talk about the alloys in silver and solder. I hope this will help you. Greg Greenwood

[@narendrakhona1168]

@@greggreenwood4628 APPRECIATE THE QUICK REPLY.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Happy to help. Greg Greenwood

[@narendrakhona1168]

@@greggreenwood4628 SIR, HAVE A QUESTION, DO YOU WORK ON GOLD, JUST LIKE SILVER ❓ THANKS

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Narendra, I work primarily in silver. Working in gold is similar to silver, but it does not oxidize like silver. Use the same "rules" of metalsmithing and you will do just fine with gold. Greg Greenwood

[@andrewsmall7243]

Hello, wish I had seen your videos years ago. So many basics I should have learnt! I am just considering a difficult job soldering a pierced cast silver mount (12g) broken in 3 places. my plan is to solder a small silver plate to the back to bridge each well fitting joint. I have some copper wire to bend into pincer/clips to hold the thing together and maybe some tiny silver rivets to hold the 2 pieces and plates in position. Should I heat the whole object (the 2 halves) and solder the 3 breaks simultaneously or heat 3 times, doing one break at a time using easy, med, hard solders? I could make a mock up piece to practice on.. I would greatly appreciate some moral/ confidence building support, thanks.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello andrewsmall, Please email me several photos and include the size of the piece. [e-mail] Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@paulboberg5512]

I build models of trains ships out of red metals like brass and copper and steel or iron alloys. However I have found the jewelry making School of silver solder quite valuable. Nothing is more frustrating than soldering a mechanical part to a model and getting it just perfect then when you solder the next piece on the perfect piece falls off. Of course the jewelry making School of silver solder (unlike the refrigeration or industrial version of silver solder). Has a brilliant solution to this problem hard medium and soft.. Seeking to employ this ingenious School of creation is why I watch videos like those you make. Now I have successfully silver soldered the above mentioned materials. Also in that I'm reproducing a model of say a ship that will be painted battleship Gray the actual patina really doesn't matter to me. So I would be interested in and I suppose there are others as well how to employ the jewelry making School of silver soldering to firmly join these other materials such as copper and iron alloys. I mentioned this because you specifically talk about how iron can discolor your projects, but then I don't care about a little discoloration what I'm looking for is strength and durability. I don't know if you have any experience with this but it is something that I would be most interested in.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Paul, Your building of models sounds interesting. Glad you have discovered the different grades of solder. It is a life saver!! ALSO, try using Yellow Ochre powder. Mix the powder with water and paint on your previous solder joint and this will protect it from melting. Then just wash off after you are done soldering. You can get Y O at Rio Grande Jewelry Supply or an art supply store. When you solder on other materials, as in any soldering job, you need to follow my "5 Secrets to Perfect Soldering" video and you will achieve good strength and durability. The discoloring that I talk about is when you put iron and silver into a pickling pot to remove the oxides. There is a chemical reaction that will deposit copper ions onto the silver. Thanks you so much for your questions and comments. Let me know how it all goes. I hope I have helped you. Greg Greenwood

[@Aikidobear129]

I had on heck of a time soldering a hinge joint a while back- what kind of metal is not compatible with silver solder? And how much solder is too much and or too little?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Aikidobear129, Thanks for your question. Most metals will solder with silver solder. Sorry, I'm not sure what happened with your hinge joint. If you haven't watched my video " 5 Secrets to Perfect Silver Soldering", please do. It will give you some good tips for soldering and maybe give you a clue as to what happened with the hinge joint. As for your question "how much solder"? Too much solder is usually the problem 99% of the time. Many of us think that more is better. In silver soldering, less is better. Start with the smallest piece of solder that you can cut. Put the one piece on your solder joint and solder. You will be surprised to see that it will be plenty of solder. Too much solder means that you have to clean up extra solder in the area where you placed your pieces. It is hard to tell you exactly how much is correct, because each solder job is different. Just use the rule of thumb. "Less is better". The more you solder, you will be able to tell how much is enough. I hope this helps you. Let me know how you are doing. Greg Greenwood

[@Aikidobear129]

@@greggreenwood4628 Thanks- I'm not sure where I went wrong as I followed all of the steps- that said I must have messed up at some point. It may have been the tube I was attempting to solder didn't have enough surface area contact to the plate I was soldering it to. It was a hinge for the face of a mantle clock and I'm sure the plate was brass and the tube was copper. Thanks for the reply and my next project I will take pictures and show you my problem areas if you don't mind. I'm relatively new to silver solder so I do run into many demoralizing problems. I'm a die hard though and am convinced that one day I will succeed :)

[@hannahedstrom2753]

See you next time, Greg!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Looking forward to it! Greg Greenwood

[@luciusirving5926]

Workpiece and filler material should definitely be clean indeed. Just like in TIG welding.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Agreed! Greg Greenwood

[@HugoJansons]

Can you use titanium tweezers instead of copper tweezers?

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Hugo, I have not had any trouble with titanium tweezers copper plating silver in a pickle solution. I hope that answers your question. Thank you for watching. Greg Greenwood

[@Colin-Fenix]

When you are demonstrating surface tension, to the right you "dab" the water on spots and it forms a drop but on the left you brushed the water rather aggressively. Maybe this wasn't intentional but it appears as if you are exaggerating the affect.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Colin, Good observation. No, I was not trying to exaggerate it. Just spreading the water. Thanks Greg Greenwood

[@deeoneal1267]

Do you have a facebook page ? looked but couldn’t find. thanks. Great videos. love your positive attitude

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Dee, No, sorry I don't have a facebook page. Thank you for your kind comments. Greg Greenwood

[@rewalston]

@Greg Greenwood, this blasted silver soldering is driving me up the wall. I can solder electrics with no issue, silver is a different animal!! I was working on a ring shank ( other silver and gold elements added afterwards). I've tried 4 or 5 times to get this blasted base (1mm thickx5mm wide) I have the flux and the silver solder wire and the flux burns off before I even get to the solder melting point. I have two different torches which will go waaaay hotter than the silver so heat wise no issies. But no matter what I try I can't get the solder to do it's job. My torches sometimes blow the bit of solder off the ring shank. This is a new hobby so I might be making beginner errors, but I'm at the point where I want to give up and stick with building plastic models

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Rusty, It's OK. Let's get you off the wall. I have a few questions for you: 1. What kind of flux are you using? 2. What kind of silver solder are you using, Hard, Medium, Easy? 3. Have you watched any of my soldering videos? "5 Secrets to Perfect Silver Soldering", "Pick Silver Soldering", "Sweat Soldering / Parts 1 and 2" , "30 +Silver Soldering Set Ups". Please let me know about the flux and Solder. You have the basics for soldering because you can solder electronics. It is the same theory. You heat the metal until it gets hot enough to melt the solder, the solder is not heated. I feel your problem is your flux and heat distribution. Again, please get back to me and we can get to the bottom and solve your problem so you don't have to make plastic models! My email: [e-mail]. Thanks and talk to you soon. Greg Greenwood

[@bigbasil1908]

Oh interesting that the flux is moistened borax. I know for forging, the borax has to be pretty much anhydrous because you don't want any moisture at forging temperatures

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Big Basil, That is correct. The moisture is just to hold it in position prior to heating. As you know, when the borax melts, it forms a oxygen shield so the metal will not oxidize. Good observation. Greg Greenwood

[@jaredschrock5270]

Thank you for this video, but I have a big question. Every time I solder 2 plates of silver together I get air bubbles/pocket trapped between the silver, which ruins my entire project. I have no idea why this keeps happening to me, and I just keep wasting silver that I cant do anything with. Any advice on what to do? For example.....every time I do an overlay, I get "bubbles" trapped between the silver. I'm 4 months into silversmithing and cant seem to get this problem fixed. Thank you for your time and have a great day.

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello Jared, Thanks for your question. Sorry you are having problems with sweat soldering sheet silver. There are several possible answers for your problem. 1. You do not have a perfect fit for the sheets. If you start with air pockets, you will end up with air pockets. So make sure the pieces fit very well. 2. You may not be covering the entire top piece with solder. When you pre melt the solder onto the top piece make sure it flows "everywhere" on the sheet. 3. Before you solder the two pieces together, make sure they are both pickled and very clean. Use Flux! Just a little bit of oxide will cause the the solder not to flow and cause air pockets. 4. Heat from below. Use a tripod or trivet to hold the metal off of the soldering pad. 5. Your pieces might be slightly bending when they are being heated. Try holding them together with cross-lock tweezers. Remember, this will take much more heat because the tweezers are heat sinks and will steal the heat from the sheet metal. Check out my video Sweat Soldering Sheet on Sheet. This will give you some pointers also. Let me know how it goes. Good Luck Greg Greenwood

[@moghrid]

I have a question regarding the quenching of soldered projects. What's the reason for that everyone is quenching in water before pickling the project? Is there a downside to quench directly in the pickle solution? Great videos!

[@greggreenwood4628]

Hello moghrid, I don't know why others quench in water prior to pickling. I pickle after I have soldered. Then I dip into a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize the pickle acid, then rinse in clear water. Thanks for your question. Keep on watching. Greg Greenwood