Jewellery: soldering workshop

What is the course about?

This course enables you to practise and improve your current soldering skills. Learn which grades of solders to use, how to prepare them and understand different soldering methods. Improve your technique through a series of guided exercises and learn how to pick the most beneficial techniques based on your designs.

What will we cover?

- the different grades of solder
- when to use them and how to prepare them
- the different soldering methods
- chip / pallion, probe / pick, stick feed, sweat and paste
- how to use them and which one to use for a particular join
- different types of joins and how to prepare a join for successful soldering
- using just the right amount of solder to minimise cleaning up afterwards
- multiple joins on the same piece including hollow shapes
- troubleshooting and solving common soldering problems.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- understand the different types of solder, how to prepare them and when to use them
- understand the different types of soldering methods and when to use them
- prepare a variety of different types of joins for successful soldering
- use just the right amount of solder to minimise cleaning up afterwards
- make a hollow shape
- make multiple joins on one piece
- solder confidently with improved soldering skills and knowledge
- build up a series of examples of different types of joins using a variety of different soldering methods.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for beginners with some basic experience as well as intermediate levels - enabling those with some previous experience to extend their skills. You should be able to cut metal using a piercing saw as well as file. If you have attended a jewellery making class this course will help you to learn without the pressure of
completing a finished piece of work.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through practical demonstrations, discussions and handouts. You will be taught as a group and there will be plenty of 1:1 help. It will not be necessary to do any work outside the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Tools and equipment: City Lit provides almost all the basic tools and equipment you will need.

Materials: City Lit will also provide basic materials in reasonable quantities, such as silver solder and base
metals (copper) as well as other materials such as saw blades and chemicals (pickle, borax, etc.,). You may
bring your own metal to use if you wish to and if you want to work in precious metal you will need to supply your
own.

You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in studio 308. For health and safety reasons, no sandals, open shoes & small pumps can be worn – even in hot weather. Please bring your own apron and safety glasses to each session.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.

Suitable follow-on courses may include:

VV862 - Develop your jewellery design and making
VV863 - Jewellery: design lab
VV973 - Appraising jewellery and gemstones

Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.