Jewelry making is one of the most challenging jobs that require knowledge of both maths and science. You need to use the right combination of tools to ensure that the jewelry is soldered correctly.
Before soldering the parts, you need to find a good solder joint first. The key to getting a good solder joint is using Flux’s cleaning agent before and during the soldering process. There are different kinds of fluxes available for you to choose from. The use of Flux prevents the formation of oxides.
It often happens that during jewelry soldering while manufactured, oxide residues are left on the pieces. Fluxes help in dissolving them and also prevent the further formation of oxides. We have come up with the best Flux for you to pick one.
You may fear that, if the oxide is formed on the metal, the solder will only stay on the top just as glue does and may also come apart. In such a scenario, Flux comes to the rescue. Flux comprises a wetting agent that enables the flow of solder even through the seams. It establishes a strong bond. Also, once the Flux is brought up to a specific temperature, it can flow smoothly.
If in a dilemma of which Flux to use for your jewelry that will assure you to provide stunning results, this article will help. Find out the best picks that will make your jewelry-making process easier. We aim to streamline your approach to buying the best Flux. Hence, we have reviewed the best contenders in the category of jewelry making Flux. Go through the list to pick the best one for you.Â
It is one of the most famous fluxes for jewelry soldering. It offers many benefits, one of which is its ability to absorb more excellent oxygen. It is a white paste flux used for the hard soldering of nickel, platinum, gold, silver, copper, and other non-ferrous metals. It comes in a 7oz jar, and a brush is attached to the lid. It is a very powerful and durable general-purpose flux that can protect your parts up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand prolonged heating without breaking down.
Handy Flux Jar with Brush is most preferred for-
Jewelry soldering calls for a lot of heat
Operations involving oxide-forming base metals such as copper and brass
Holding a chip of solder in place when in use
Features
7-ounce jar accompanied with a brush
Can be cleaned up with warm water
Begins to dissolve oxides and melt at 600 degrees° F
Protects parts up to 1600° F
An excellent temperature indicator as it turns clear at 1100° F
8oz Liquid Zinc Flux is an all-purpose and a great flux product specially formulated for stained glass use and a revolutionary flux for jewelry soldering. The 8oz Liquid Zinc Flux is non-irritating to the skin because it contains no ammonium chloride, no zinc chloride, and no hydrochloric acid. Also, it washes off as soon as the water and the acid are used together. Its main advantage over its competitors is that it is the safest Flux due to corrosive residue’s absence. It also goes on easily without being sloppy or runny.
Recommendation– Wear Eye Protection while using it. Rinse your eyes with running water for 15 minutes in case of eye contact.
Features
Can be used with copper, lead, zinc foil, and all non-ferrous metals.
A multi-purpose flux that protects your parts up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and is best suited for copper soldering (be it copper, brass joining, or copper to copper joining) is LA-CO’s Regular Soldering Flux Paste. It meets the ASTM B813 Industrial Standards and has all the NSF and UPC approvals. It is an active, lead-free, fluoride type, and water-soluble flux ideal for soldering all non-ferrous metals.
Apart from being non-toxic and non-acid, the LA-CO Soldering Regular Flux Paste contains no zinc chloride and uses all the common and lead-free solders. It has a super detergent action that can clean as it sells and is flushable for faster rinsing from pipelines.
Features
Water Soluble Flux
Begins to dissolve oxides and melt at 320 degrees Celsius
Doesn’t leave residue in water piping
The all-weather formula for use in cold and hot climates
Cleans pipe upon application
Allows solder to run more smoothly around the pipe
Pros
Reduced corrosion concerns as doesn’t contain zinc chloride
Fourth on our list is a weak and monobasic form of Lewis acid of Boron- Ecoxall Chemicals Boric Acid (Multi-purpose). It is also known as Ortho Boric Acid or Hydrogen Borate and is extremely powerful, having anhydrous properties.
It exists as a colorless crystal or a white powder that can easily dissolve in water and is an excellent flux for jewelry soldering. It comes in a one-pound bag and has industrial-grade strength.
It also functions as
Precursor for chemical compounds
Flame Resistant
Neuron absorber
Antiseptic
This chemical can move with water through the soil and dissolve in water. Also, most plants require Boron, which is a significant component of Boric Acid. Therefore, Boric Acid can be easily absorbed by the plants.
Features
Industrial Grade Strength
99.9+ percent pure
Without water (Anhydrous)
High-quality
Fine Granular Texture
Pros
This powder has medicinal values
Value for money
The only Flux with 0 negative reviews
Cons
Expensive
The company has cut the production of this product, so most of the time it’s unavailable on major E-Commerce Portals.
The next Jewelry Soldering Flux is the Prip’s Flux by Griffith. It is a liquid, more like a light-duty flux, and exhibits powerful protection ability for the metals against oxides. Its primary advantage is that you can prepare it yourself at your home as the recipes are widely available in most stores and not something abstract.
The one and the only flaw of this jewelry soldering flux is its low wetting power, due to which it becomes more challenging to develop coating than the fluxes mentioned above.
The best method to use on this Flux is:
Warm the metal first
Spray or Brush on the Flu
Warm the metal again now
Repeat this process several times to establish an air-tight shield against oxidation.
Features
It contains Trisodium Phosphate, Borax, Boric Acid, and Water
Allows you to choose to cool the piece in water instead of water, and by doing this, the flux layer remains relatively unaffected
Pros
Protects all types of metals against Oxide Formation
The sixth Flux to feature on the best flux list for soldering jewelry is the Sparex Granular Dry Acid, an easy to use and long-lasting jewelry soldering flux. Sparex is a granular dry acid compound made by Krohn Industries to remove, clean, and pickle surface incrustation, scale, and oxidation from metals. It is a safe, longer-lasting, easy-to-use replacement for dangerous sulphuric acid ineffective pickling and cleaning of metals. It produces bright, clean, smooth surfaces economically and quickly, without destroying tolerances or fine details by minimizing the risk of wire brushing, burning, pitting, and over-pickling.Â
It is a versatile flux and has many advantages over other regular fluxes. It is a safe replacement for hazardous sulphuric acid and is a worthy product. It is instrumental in pickling and cleaning metals and removes surface oxidation excellently. It can be used as a replacement for sodium bisulfate or an expensive acid, being more effective than citric acid pickle.
Features
The weight of the bag is 10 ounce
Scales and pickles copper, silver, and gold alloys
Made in the United States of America
Non-Explosive
Non-Flammable
Pros
Useful for removing surface oxidation
Can also be used for pickling metal components and jewelry
The most common Harris Products Group Flux produces the two most common Flux- Silv Black Flux and Silv White Flux. Harris Silv Brazing Flux is an all-purpose and low soldering jewelry flux used in silver brazing. It is most suitable to solder both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
It has a higher activation range (1100° F to 1800° F) than the other Flux, which allows it to be used during higher and longer temperature heat cycles, like induction brazing. Harris Silv Brazing Flux can also be used for brazing nickel and stainless steel alloys. It conforms to the AWS A5.31 Class FB3 -C. It is also available as Flux coated brazing rods and in powder form. They minimize the amount of Flux applied to the assembly.
Harris Silv Brazing Flux adheres to the heated surface for transfer to the workpiece. Flux coating the rod provides an easy method of applying Flux.
Best Combination
Harris Silver Brazing Flux + High Sterling Silver Content Solder = 99.9% guaranteed success in soldering jewelry every timeÂ
Note
It is not recommended for titanium, aluminum, and magnesium
If you observe any undesirable effects using this Flux, there is a high possibility that you aren’t using the right combination of the products.
There is no match of Harris Silv Brazing Flux in the field of Silver Brazing.
Features
The active range between 1050° F to 1600° F
The item’s packaged weight is 0.27 lb.
Dimensions of the item package- 2.38″ length — 2.38″ width — 2.25″ height
Pros
Great for joining copper to brass
Value for money product
Works for silver soldering
Great product
Cons
Dries too quickly
A few customers received damaged products
The company has cut down on production, so it is often unavailable
The category of light-duty fluxes includes the fluoride-based greenish or yellowish liquids which you have probably heard about. It is suitable for jobs like Simple wire construction Ring Sizing, and so on.
Batterns Light Duty Soldering Flux (Self Pickling) makes hard soldering as easy as soft soldering. It can be used on metals with high melting points such as platinum, gold, and silver. It is a watery liquid that permits for spraying of the workpiece with an atomizer and makes it excessively easy to apply with a brush’s help.Â
When to use:
 In circumstances where only a small amount of heat is required for a short period, this Flux will do
In situations when a pickle pot is unavailable or that call for speed, this Flux will do, or
In cases where the metal being joined has less tendency to combine with oxygen (for instance- gold or silver), this light-duty Flux will do
Caution-Â Avoid breathing the vapor, and the mist created
Features
Self Pickling, i.e., there is no need to clean them in a pickle after soldering.
Pros
Do not build up flux glass (the harsh and enamel-like residue of the borax fluxes)
The watery liquid permits for spraying of the workpiece with an atomizer and makes them excessively easy to apply with the help of a brush
This yellow-green self-pickling is one of the best in water-based fluxes and is the tried-and-true jewelry hard soldering flux. It preserves the temper and color of the metal and is made in the United States of America. Also, the adhesive properties of this liquid Flux hold the solder in its place.
It can be used on Platinum, Silver, Gold, and other metals with a high melting point. Also, while soldering, one can see the solder joint more easily due to its transparent nature. It can be well mixed for eliminating the suspension and flows better in joints than a paste because of Flux’s liquid property.
Features
Can be used on Platinum, Silver, Gold, and other metals with a high melting point
Includes one half-pint (8oz) within a spray bottle
Well mixed for the elimination of the suspension
Pros
While soldering, one can see the solder joint more clearly due to its transparency
Flux flows better in joints as compared to a paste due to the liquid property of this Flux
Finally, on the list of the best Flux for jewelry making is the Dandix Silver Solder Flux. It can be used in low-temperature brazing and as silver soldering for both non-ferrous and ferrous metals. Therefore, it comes in a smaller size and can be kept fresh and clean for the best results.
It contains no fluoride, thus producing less toxic fumes than fluxes containing fluoride. Dandix Silver Solder Flux begins to dissolve oxides at 800 degrees Fahrenheit. It is fluid active between the range of 1100 degrees Fahrenheit to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Caution– It is not for ingestion, and do read the instructions and precautions for proper safety on the back of the jar.Â
Features
Contains absolutely no fluoride
Begins to dissolve oxides at 800 degrees Fahrenheit
It is fluid active between the range of 1100 degrees Fahrenheit to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit
Includes one 16 ounces jar
Pros
Delivery available to various nations of the world
Cons
ExpensiveÂ
Best Flux For Jewelry Making USA Buying Guide
Jewelry making is an art. Flux is an indispensable part of this art. It is instrumental in soldering jewelry. Jewelers need to consider a lot of factors before buying a flux. A wrong choice can lead to improper soldering that will take away the spotlight from the jewelry. Hence, choosing the right Flux is crucial. In this guide, we have talked about the few features that you must consider before buying the best Flux for jewelry making.
The features are as follows:
Solubility
Choose a flux that is soluble in water. A few types of Flux, such as Liquid Zinc Flux, are soluble in water. Such Flux can be used on all types of ferrous metals.
Ecoxall Boric Acid
Is available as a colorless crystal or a white powder that easily dissolves in water. The flux paste must be water-soluble such that it doesn’t leave residue in the piping. Such a flux paste will keep the pipe clean when applied. As a result, the solder may run around the pipe smoothly.
Ability to absorb oxygen
The flux that absorbs oxygen quickly is efficient in absorbing several oxides that may form on the jewelry pieces when soldering them. Oxides formed on the jewelry don’t let Flux flow into the seams, preventing a strong bond. Using Flux helps in effective soldering as it allows Flux to flow smoothly in the joints.
Non-irritating
Certain types of Flux do not contain zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, or hydrochloric acid. Such types of Flux are non-irritating to the skin. They don’t contain any corrosive residue. Choose them to ensure a safe application.
Weather-resistant
Choose a flux that works efficiently in both hot and cold climates. Some flux becomes transparent when subjected to excess heat. This change of composition, according to climate, may affect the soldering.
Suitability for metal
Look out for the material on which the soldering is needed. Choose a flux suitable for that particular material. For instance, Liquid zinc flux is formulated for use in stained glass. Hardy Flux jar is suitable for base metals such as copper and brass. Props flux Griffith is suitable for gold. LA-CO flux paste is suitable for copper to brass soldering. Not all jewelry designers work with all types of metals. So, find out whether the Flux works with the metal you use.
What Are The Benefits of Best Flux For Jewelry Making USA?
Let us discuss the benefits of using Flux:
Prevents Formation of Oxide: Flux prevents oxide from forming. Also, it removes the oxide residues, if any. A layer is formed on the jewelry surface on which the solder may flow seamlessly using a flux.
Seals out Air: Flux seals out air from entering the jewelry. As a result, no further oxidation can take place, and the material does not get rusted.
Facilitates Amalgamation: Flux facilitates amalgamation. So, it becomes easier to improve the wetting of the solder.
Entering small places: Flux often forms a part of solder paste. It enters small places and is used for soldering smaller elements like jump rings and earrings.
Act as catalysts: Many chemicals are used in the formation of gold smelting flux. So, the Flux hastens the selective oxidation process by acting as a catalyst. It also fastens the procedure of separating slag from precious gold. In the absence of gold melting Flux, the flow of molten gold at the bottom is sluggish. This sluggishness makes the separation of slag more difficult.
Selective reaction: Flux reacts only with impure metals, thus forming nitrates. With its help, it becomes easy to separate nitrates from gold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Flux important?
Yes, Flux is indeed essential for the following reasons:
Flux dissolves the residues of oxide. Also, it prevents further oxide from forming. As a result, the metal stays clean.
Flux contains a wetting agent that lets the solder flow into the structure of the metal. As a result, the solder forms a strong bond.
Is there any way to choose the best Flux?
No, Something called the best Flux is Utopian. Like the maker’s personality, several factors, the type, and scale of work contribute towards choosing the best Flux.
How can silver be distinguished from solder wire?
It is challenging to distinguish silver from solder wire. A torch may be used to distinguish them. The details are as follows:
Use masking tape to put a tag on the coil of wire. Number each coil on the masking tape tag in sequence with a Sharpie or some other pen’s help. Add small pieces of the wire on a smooth soldering block, following the numbers.
Try to separate the wires as much as possible so that the torch doesn’t heat other wires. Use the timer round in which wire is being heated. Mark down the wire that has been heated.Â
Wait for a few seconds until the other wire has cooled down. The wire that melted first was made of easy solder, and the wire that melted, at last, is silver solder. Argentium solder is more fragile than fine silver when heated up. The soldier is softer than silver.
How can I distinguish between hard and soft wire?
Jewelers often face questions about the hard and soft wire. The differences between hard and soft wire are as follows:
Soft wire offers little resistance and thus becomes pliable. On the other hand, full hard wire offers too much resistance. As a result, it is brittle.
Soft wire works well for making spirals in jewelry. Hardwire is the right choice for clasps.
Why is the solder paste used along with Flux?
Flux must be used before soldering the jewelry. It removes the oxides and makes the surface smooth for the soldering process to be carried out. There are numerous pastes available in the market that do a two in one action. Apart from creating a layer of Flux on top of the jewelry surface, they also help to solder the parts together. The solder paste is one such type of product. It is used for attaching various parts of jewelry. Soldering flux is already built within the paste. So, the jewelers do not need to use soldering flux on top of soldering paste.
Conclusion
Jewelry is an integral part of the attire. Irrespective of gender, people are attracted to jewelry. However, durability is an integral part of jewelry-making. For a piece of jewelry to be durable, all its pieces need to be soldered properly. This is where Flux comes in handy. Flux is indispensable for soldering jewelry.
Using a flux before and during soldering is very important. Flux keeps out air and also prevents further oxidation. Not only does it shield the weld pool, but it also coats the weld. However, not all fluxes can render the same results. You need to choose one after considering several factors. Also, before purchasing, know the material on which you will be soldering. This will help you choose the perfect Flux for the job.
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