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Re: silver soldering question

Author: clarnibass
Date: 2018-08-27 10:58

There are (very generally) two types of silver solder and their names vary and can be confusing.

When instrument repairers say silver solder they usually refer to 'silver brazing' material, which is usually around 25% to 45% silver and very important - the rest of it is mostly copper. In other industries (machining, welding, etc.) this is usually called 'silver braze'.

A different material, usually called 'silver solder' in other industries, but often called 'soft silver solder' by instrument repairers, or 'silver bearing solder', is a silver solder with mostly tin in it.

The former is what is used for instruments to solder/braze key parts to hinges, etc. This is the main type jewelers use, often a few different types with varying melting temps, to do several joints close to each other without any falling apart (starting with the highest melting point solder).

The latter type is a stronger and somewhat "healthier" alternative to lead solder, with some disadvantages (requiring higher temp, but nowhere near silver braze). This is used pretty much only where soft solder is used, so many places on saxophones and flutes but very rarely on clarinets.

Unless the store or manufacturer can tell you the alloy of the solder, check the melting and floating temperatures. Silver solder/braze that is used for key parts is much higher than soft silver solder.

Very rough guide: Soft solder is around 180C. Soft silver solder around 220C. Both types can have a significantly higher floating temp compared with melting temp. Silver braze around 650C.

Post Edited (2018-08-28 09:12)

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