Ads

Collapse

PMC problems, help needed!!

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • QueenJewels
    Member
    So much more than a moderate crafter
    • May 2009
    • 56

    PMC problems, help needed!!

    I'm soldering jump rings on to my fired pmc pendants and I'm having real trouble with the surface of the pmc popping and making bubbles as I'm heating the solder. It was fine when I fired the pmc so I can't understand why it's happening now, any one got any ideas?? It takes so long to make each pendant and they're being ruined at the last stage

    Thanks!
    Emma
    QueenJewels ♥

    Contemporary Silver & Gemstone Jewellery
    Designed to be different!

    Website - http://www.emmahadleyjewellery.com
    Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pa...4149554?ref=ts
  • MuranoSilver
    Senior Member
    500+ Crafters Club
    • Jun 2008
    • 707

    #2
    Hi Emma
    Do you quench or tumble your fired PMC pieces at all (prior to soldering)?
    It might not be air at all, it might be moisture that's trapped.
    Fired metal clay that has been washed, or wet in any way, can keep humidity for a very long time inside its pores.
    This is especially true of quenching which seems to force the water into the metal.. If that's the case then the fast heat up with a torch is the problem the moisture is trying to force it's way out. Try going over your silver clay on it's own and heating it with a more gentle heat to drive out moisture then when soldering try and heat the whole area to even the heat distribution before a final quick focus on the jump ring.

    Either that or you'd need to use easy paste solder and be very very quick with a fine flame (so the Metal Clay doesn't get heated)

    Hope that helps
    Nic x

    Nic x
    **FREE to enter monthly draw on my BLOGS**
    Different prize every month
    Jewellery Creations & Shop Blog
    PMC & Silver Clay Hints and Tips Blog

    Comment

    • QueenJewels
      Member
      So much more than a moderate crafter
      • May 2009
      • 56

      #3
      I do quench after firing so that must be the problem, your a genius!

      So just to get my head around this, if I've quenched the piece I should then gently heat it for how long to get rid of any trapped moisture? and would it be best heating with a hairdryer rather than a low flame torch? or am I better off letting it cool naturally to avoid the problem? I've only got medium paste solder at the moment so I think it's hard to avoid the clay getting hot.

      Sorry for the silly questions and thanks for your help!!

      Emma x
      QueenJewels ♥

      Contemporary Silver & Gemstone Jewellery
      Designed to be different!

      Website - http://www.emmahadleyjewellery.com
      Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pa...4149554?ref=ts

      Comment

      • MuranoSilver
        Senior Member
        500+ Crafters Club
        • Jun 2008
        • 707

        #4
        Lol - hold off on the genius until we see if it solved your problem
        Maybe heat for a minute or two & I'd use a torch as a hairdryer is
        probably not hot enough.

        Try not quenching the pieces - it doesn't take long to let it air cool.
        Might be worth investing in some easy paste - good for jump rings and multiple soldering ops
        (it's very useful for staged soldering medium paste, then easy)
        Nic xx
        Last edited by MuranoSilver; 01-10-2009, 03:23 PM.
        **FREE to enter monthly draw on my BLOGS**
        Different prize every month
        Jewellery Creations & Shop Blog
        PMC & Silver Clay Hints and Tips Blog

        Comment

        • QueenJewels
          Member
          So much more than a moderate crafter
          • May 2009
          • 56

          #5
          Ok Nic, genuis status is now deserved!

          I managed to solder my fine silver with no problems,
          I'm so relieved I didn't ruin any more pieces that took hours to make!

          Thanks so much!

          Emma xx
          QueenJewels ♥

          Contemporary Silver & Gemstone Jewellery
          Designed to be different!

          Website - http://www.emmahadleyjewellery.com
          Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pa...4149554?ref=ts

          Comment

          • MuranoSilver
            Senior Member
            500+ Crafters Club
            • Jun 2008
            • 707

            #6
            Lol - you're welcome
            **FREE to enter monthly draw on my BLOGS**
            Different prize every month
            Jewellery Creations & Shop Blog
            PMC & Silver Clay Hints and Tips Blog

            Comment

            Working...
            X