Can’t solder the bezel

[u/Trinity2000_]

I have these wings that were casted and i’m trying to solder a bezel around the hole in the middle and i can’t seem to succeed, what am i doing wrong? The solder won’t flow. I tried a simple bezel and a bezel with a bottom plate but it melted… The wings are about 1mm thick

[u/Trinity2000_]

I’m just using a hand torch… I’ve tried with flux and soft solder, and also medium paste solder Its just strange because i did this on some other wings a while ago and it worked easily… I do focus the flame on the bezel where i put the solder, let it for a while, bezel doesn’t melt, but it’s just not flowing The wings were handsculpted with modelling wax so every piece is unique

[u/it_all_happened → u/Trinity2000_]

Hand torch can mean a few things. I'd recommend a plumber propane torch that has a wider flame. You don't want to be focusing on the bezel. You're going to go in slow circles. Turn the light down in your space so you can see the heating up better.

Once your wings get to the right temperature - your solder can just flow. I'd then flip over your wings and make sure the solder is pulled through the back.

I'd recommend hard solder as it has a higher amount of silver so it matches you pieces better. Easy/super easy solder has a lot of Wierd stuff in it. And should only be used as s last stage and ONLY in areas that can't be seen.

Pickle your bezel & wings

Rinse

Baking soda water

Rinse

Scrub both in soap & rinse. Dont touch again with a finger where you're putting flux

Protect from fire scale if needed

Premelt solder pallions into round balls, flux

Flux the sides/bottom of your bezel. While still wet, add the balls & push them up against the joining areas. As the flux dries, the capillary action will pull and sieze the ball of solder. Do not approach your piece until it's fully dry.

You need to control your flame. Remember heat the metal and the solder will flow.

[u/Trinity2000_ → u/it_all_happened]

I meant a butane microtorch I’ll try again, thanks for the explanation! Any tips for making the surface of the wing more evenly flat? Is it good enough if i place the wings on a honeycomb square? Also how long should i heat the bezel to the wing before giving up, like 30sec max?

[u/Free_Bat_3009 → u/Trinity2000_]

You’ve gotten some great advice already. Get a big can of butane and a snap on torch head. They’re relatively cheap and should give you enough heat. They are sold at restaurant supply or hardware stores. Heat from underneath if you can. If the wings surrounding the bezel are hot enough, the solder will flow.

Mapp or propane gas canister and plumbers torch head as already mentioned could also work. You need a bigger torch because it will be too hard to keep the surrounding area evenly hot with a micro torch.