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Soldering Tips and Tricks

This course is currently full. Spaces do occasionally open up so if you would like to be put on the wait list please call our office at 781-891-3854 or email [email protected]

Gain more confidence in soldering! No matter the experience level, a soldering job can cause headaches now and again. This intensive one-day workshop will review classic soldering techniques as well as offer tips to ensure gorgeous successful solder seams that require little clean-up.

The day will start with how to prepare a seam, paying close attention to achieving a good fit and cleaning metal properly. Students will receive guidance on how to get hard solder to flow well and how to "read" flux better to understand the heat and oxygen exchange while soldering.

Learn about different ways to set up work so it stays in place while soldering, in addition to studying about how to control heat so small components can be attached to heavy pieces--without melting those pesky small parts. Students will have the opportunity to work with two kinds of flux for comparison. Expect to complete several quick samples in copper and brass in addition to one or two projects in silver as time allows.

The workshop is for students with soldering experience from beginner to intermediate who wish to gain more control to strengthen their soldering skills.

Meet the instructor

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I am a Rhode Island School of Design alumni and have been a custom jewelry designer for over 20 years. I have owned my jewelry business since graduating from Rhode Island School of Design in 1996. I create engagement rings, wedding bands and celebration pieces that become especially meaningful for the wearer. Each piece of jewelry contains a story from the owner’s life.

 

 

I was a Senior Critic in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department and RISD from 1998 until 2011 where I taught Jewelry Rendering. I continue to teach workshops in the North East at various locations.

 

 

 

 

Most recently, I started Chris & Andy with my husband. We give studio artists more studio time by providing the services necessary to build a strong small business.

 

 

Materials & Tools

There is a materials kit for this class. The total cost of the kit is expected to be $60 - $65, but will be based on the cost of supplies at the time they are ordered.

The materials kit includes cross locking tweezers, super fine tweezers, hard wire solder, soldering board, flux, and metal (brass and copper sheet and tubing as well as sterling silver for projects to be done in class).

Students should bring

Students Should Bring:

Metalwerx has hand tools available to share if you do not have your own. Please bring them if you have them so you do not have to share:

  • Files (half round and needle files)
  • Saw frame and saw blades
  • Scraper
  • Assortment of sandpaper or sanding sticks
  • Cross-locking tweezers with stand
  • Pieces you have soldering questions about to be discussed as time allows
 

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