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Author Topic: 45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet  (Read 1124 times)

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45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet
« on: April 17, 2020, 09:41:38 pm »
Throwing this question out there as there could be someone in the OOS brains trust who can answer it :)

I have an arthritis Copper bracelet that was my Dads, I've worn it for 40 years now and t needs some repairing.

Is it safe to use 45 (%) Silver Solder for jewelry? Is there anything in this solder that's bad to have against your skin (like lead solder would be) permanently?

I have Googled a bit and can't find out what the other 55% of the silver solder rod contains.
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Jim

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Re: 45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2020, 10:22:30 pm »
Most jewelry silver solders are made of silver, copper and zinc. Some of the lower temp solders may also have a small amount of tin. I am not aware of any "jewelry" silver solders that have lead or any toxic metal in them. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings all come in contact with skin, and the silver solder that jewelers use is safe to contact skin.

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Re: 45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2020, 11:24:29 pm »
Most jewelry silver solders are made of silver, copper and zinc. Some of the lower temp solders may also have a small amount of tin. I am not aware of any "jewelry" silver solders that have lead or any toxic metal in them. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings all come in contact with skin, and the silver solder that jewelers use is safe to contact skin.

Hi Catman and thanks for the reply. The 45% silver solder I have I use for steam engine repairs etc.

Here's the data sheet -

https://dynaweld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SDS_Bossweld-45-Silver-Brazing-Alloys_V1.0_121219.pdf

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Jim

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Re: 45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2020, 02:54:17 am »
Bonjour Jim,
The more silver you have, the less you need to heat. For my little copper or brass ipies, I use 0,5 mm 60 % silver solder (link in the comment) :
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Re: 45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2020, 03:25:00 am »
Hi Jim,

I should think your solder should be OK to use on something you wear.  When gainfully employed sticking bits of jewellery back together four different solders were available with different melting points their silver contents went from about 55% lowest to 75% highest.  Also silver solder used on jewellery has to be white or the joint will show.

Take care stay safe.

Tony.

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Re: 45 (%) Silver Solder to repair Copper bracelet
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2020, 08:30:46 pm »
Appreciate the replies all, thanks you!
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Jim

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