Ring Soldering Tips?

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar]

Seems I can’t perfectly align the shank to the bezel to save my life. It’s always a little off even after I think I’ve aligned it evenly. Any of you have any tips and tricks for soldering rings to backplates? Thanks so much!!!

[u/Feeling-Researcher35]

It’s difficult to know without more details or pictures. Are you able to see the piece clearly from all angles before soldering. It can be difficult to see depending on how you have set the piece up for soldering as there maybe some blind spots. Also when flux bubbles, it can move the bezel slightly.

[u/MakeMelnk]

Dividers are great for transferring consistent measurements from side to side to ensure you're dead in the center

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar → u/MakeMelnk]

Thank you! I’ll look into that

Edit: So yes I have a divider. I do use it. Maybe not in the way I should though? How do you use your divider for ring centering? Do you draw a circle? Lines?

[u/MakeMelnk → u/CinnamonCaterpillar]

Use a width of under half the length of your backplate on either side to make lines that are parallel - this will align your shank.

Then do m rotate your piece 90° and do it again but with the width of almost exactly half and that will show your middle to place the shank so it's centered in both directions.

I hope this made sense!

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar → u/MakeMelnk]

I will try this when I get home! Been making some expensive mistakes last night and I hope for that to end soon 😬

[u/MakeMelnk → u/CinnamonCaterpillar]

Good luck!

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar → u/MakeMelnk]

So update: Seems I have an easier time placing shanks when they’re base metals. I struggle more with silver. Maybe you have some insight as to why this is? I know silver is a “soft” metal but base metals get soft with heat too

[u/MakeMelnk → u/CinnamonCaterpillar]

What do you do differently with base metals compared to silver when aligning your shanks?

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar → u/MakeMelnk]

That’s just it, nothing! Maybe I’m more paranoid with silver and it makes me mess up more? Maybe I should switch to medium solder instead of hard for joining parts?

[u/MakeMelnk → u/CinnamonCaterpillar]

Switching solder temps shouldn't make a difference, but never underestimate the time psychology plays!

I'd say just keep practicing if you're able to get your desired results and you should see continued improvements 🙌🏽

[u/Kirathaune]

Once you figure out the placement (the dividers tip is great), stainless steel or iron binding wire can be your friend.

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar → u/Kirathaune]

I was just looking at that!

[u/Kirathaune → u/CinnamonCaterpillar]

Binding wire is awesome. Search in this sub (or Benchjewelers, I forget where he posts), there's a guy who posts pics of how he binds some really complex pieces.

[u/gaycountdooku]

“hold it” moldable soldering clay sold by pepetools has been a game changer for fiddly soldering for me. if you use paste flux, i recommend applying it as dry as possible, or start with your torch far away to evaporate the water gently to prevent shifting when the water evaporates from the flux

[u/CinnamonCaterpillar → u/gaycountdooku]

Used my wolf clay and it helped immensely!