Soldering Process, Part 2

In order for solder to adhere to the perimeter of an object, it must be covered with copper foil and burnished.

Copper foil is available in different  widths to accommodate various thicknesses of objects.  The blue foil dispenser on the table below contains several rolls making it easy to dispense. 

Susan's Foiling and Burnishing Area

Copper soldering foil has adhesive on one side allowing it to stick to an object. For the most secure adhesion, clean the object with an alcohol wipe, let it dry and then add the foil.

Foil is placed on an object as if wrapping a present. You miter the corners making it as neat as possible and burnish or rub the foil until smooth to remove air pockets.

Completed copper foiled and burnished pieces

Visit my website to see the completed soldered pieces above and others.

Click to read: Soldering Process, Step 1.

Soldering Process, Part 1

Thought I'd share some of the steps involved in creating my handmade soldered china pendants on my website at http://www.susancalvert.com/solderedpendants.html.

Below is my portable cutting and grinding station.

Portable Cutting and Grinding Station

To create it, I dismantled a lamp shade and draped heavy vinyl over it.  I pull the drape over and work inside the area cutting and grinding pieces to be soldered.  It's not 100% tight but it is pretty good.  I wear a long sleeved shirt, gloves, apron, safety glasses, ear muffs and a dust mask while working.  The system is simple. Clean up is a snap.

Winking Woman

"Winking Woman", 1 x 1-3/4", $28 (includes shipping and a 30" adjustable ball chain) is available for purchase on my website at http://www.susancalvert.com/solderedpendants/ladypendants.html.