When all components are cleaned and fluxed, they can then be soldered. All the pieces need to be arranged in such a way that they will not move out of alignment as the flux boils. For most common soldering jobs this can be simply achieved by putting everything in place and relying on gravity. In other circumstances, a method of support will have to be bought or improvised. An experienced jeweller will accumulate a collection of custom made tools and props over time. It is often the simplest solution to custom make a simple jig for a particular soldering task.
When making custom jigs, use poor heat conductors such as iron or ceramic. Good heat conductors such as aluminium or copper shouldd be avoided as they will draw heat away from the joint. A custom jig should be designed with as few points of contact with the components as possible, as this will also result in heat being drawn away from the joint to be soldered.
Some methods of supporting work during soldering are as follows:
- Soft fire bricks: These are soft enough to be carved into shape to provide a custom made support. Pins or pieces of wire can also be sharpened and inserted into the brick.
- Iron binding wire: This type of wire has a higher melting point than silver and is a poor heat conductor. The wire is very easy to bend or twist into shape, making it ideal for tying components together.
- Honeycomb soldering block: These ceramic blocks are covered in tiny holes and dimples. It is easy to insert pieces of binding wire into these holes at the correct place.
- Charcoal block: This is soft enough to carve, and dimples can be created in the surface when making tiny balls of silver from scraps of silver.
- Soldering weights: These are small, heavy blocks with a protruding arm that can hold down an item to secure it. They can be easily improvised by attaching old needle files to a weight.
- Soldering wig: This is a nest of iron wire used to support components during soldering. The iron mesh can be bent to support unusual shapes and additional binding wire can be used to secure pieces in place. As iron is a poor heat conductor the articles to be soldered will retain more heat, resulting in rapid soldering.
- Cross locking tweezers: These tweezers close shut when released rather than springing apart, and usually have insulated handles.
- Third hand: This tool consists of a heavy metal base and a universal joint in which a pair of cross locking tweezers can be held.
- Split pins: These heavy wire pins are readily available at hardware shops, and can be used to weigh down lightweight components to prevent unwanted movement.
