| SM Publications |
| Silver Salon Forums - The premier site for discussing Silver. |
| SMP | Silver Salon Forums | SSF - Guidelines | SSF - FAQ | Silver Sales |
|
|
|
|
The Silver Salon Forums
Since 1993 Over 11,793 threads & 64,769 posts !! General Silver Forum
|
| REGISTER (click here) |
How to Post Photos
|
|
 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 General Silver Forum
 soldering issue?
|
 SSFFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: soldering issue? |
|
seaduck Posts: 350 |
posted 12-27-2008 02:49 PM
  
[01-2714] While polishing a Porter Blanchard sauce boat yesterday, I noticed a green discoloration on the underside of the base in two places -- where the base is joined to the bowl of the boat, and on the inside of the foot. It doesn't have the blue-green color of copper; it's more the yellow-green color of pond scum. I assume this is soldering. I've seen this sort of thing before but it's never occurred to me to ask if it's problematic and if something should be done to treat it. Does anyone know? I'm attaching a photo -- you might be able to see it at the right edge. IP: Logged |
|
argentum1 Posts: 602 |
posted 12-27-2008 07:28 PM
Flux is a medium used to allow solder to flow. Without it the heat used to make the joining surfaces hot enough to allow the solder to melt would cause oxidation of the copper/silver alloy and the solder would not stick. With acid being a component of the flux the copper in the silver sometimes reacts with the acid to form copper sulphate. Keep in mind that not all fluxes have acid in them. The primary purpose is the prevention of a layer of oxidation that would interfere with the solder sticking to the metal. I would think that this occurs if the seam was not adequately neutralized ph wise. Also some of the older polishing compounds were acidic and this could be a possible cause also. In days done gone by flux was Borax. When heat is applied the borax compound melts forming an air free zone between the borax and the silver. No acid in borax so no lime green discoloration. [This message has been edited by argentum1 (edited 12-27-2008).] IP: Logged |
|
FredZ Posts: 1070 |
posted 12-27-2008 10:08 PM
I doubt if the substance is flux residue since the piece would have been pickled in an acid bath to remove flux and oxides on the silver after soldering. I would wash it well and perhaps use a solvent on those scummy areas. Let us know how it works. Best, IP: Logged |
|
seaduck Posts: 350 |
posted 12-28-2008 01:13 PM
Thanks to you both -- I've learned something! The piece has been washed and polished with Wright's Silver Cream. Fred -- what sort of solvent would you suggest? And, being of a conservative mind when it comes to conservation (so to speak), I wonder if there's a possible downside to using a solvent. Or, to put it another way, is there a downside to leaving this as is? IP: Logged |
All times are ET | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46a
|
1. Public Silver Forums (open Free membership) - anyone with a valid e-mail address may register. Once you have received your Silver Salon Forum password, and then if you abide by the Silver Salon Forum Guidelines, you may start a thread or post a reply in the New Members' Forum. New Members who show a continued willingness to participate, to completely read and abide by the Guidelines will be allowed to post to the Member Public Forums. 2. Private Silver Salon Forums (invitational or $ donation membership) - The Private Silver Salon Forums require registration and special authorization to view, search, start a thread or to post a reply. Special authorization can be obtained in one of several ways: by Invitation; Annual $ Donation; or via Special Limited Membership. For more details click here (under development). 3. Administrative/Special Private Forums (special membership required) - These forums are reserved for special subjects or administrative discussion. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post. |
|
copyright © 1993 - 2022
SM Publications
All Rights Reserved. Legal & Privacy Notices |
