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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 10, 2020 14:53:22 GMT -5
Is it better to etch sterling before or after soldering or does it matter? Like, if I wanted to etch the back of a piece, should I do it before or after assembly? Seems like I should know this.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Oct 10, 2020 19:19:58 GMT -5
No clue what the correct answer is, but my gut says before. Not sure if putting solder in an acid would weaken it or not.
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Post by lpl on Oct 12, 2020 12:01:14 GMT -5
Is it possible that in the fabrication of the piece the solder would or could flow and cover where you etched? I'm thinking after you are finished heating the piece, but that is purely a guess...I haven't ever done it!
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 12, 2020 12:10:33 GMT -5
Is it possible that in the fabrication of the piece the solder would or could flow and cover where you etched? I'm thinking after you are finished heating the piece, but that is purely a guess...I haven't ever done it!
I see what you are saying.
What I am doing is a smallish memorial piece. (cabochon/bezel cup) I want to put a person's name on the back, but there isn't a lot of room to cut it in. I thought if I etched it and stayed away from any soldering areas, then it would work. Should work, but I have never done it.
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Post by lpl on Oct 12, 2020 12:32:03 GMT -5
Should work for you I think. I struggle with backs of pieces a lot. Solder will flow into my makers stamp, or I'll forget to use barrier flux and get fire stain and have to sand that out. I think if you do a lot of pre planning, you'd be ok.
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thecrystalisle
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 142
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Post by thecrystalisle on Oct 17, 2020 20:21:45 GMT -5
I'm no expert but my experience has always been before, that way when the etching is finished you can make sure it's perfect for your piece. If you do it at the end and something goes awry you have to start over from the beginning. Plus some porous stones may not like being in the solution.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 18, 2020 10:57:49 GMT -5
I'm no expert but my experience has always been before, that way when the etching is finished you can make sure it's perfect for your piece. If you do it at the end and something goes awry you have to start over from the beginning. Plus some porous stones may not like being in the solution. Thanks. I was planning to do it before I set the stone. Prolly best to do it before I solder, though.
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