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Assuming 14 = 14K. “No K is a no know”. Karat laws do not govern items marked without a “K” (14YS vs. 14KYS). So if a solder is not stamped with a “K” the number is no indication of the true gold content.
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Thinking lower karat = lower temperature. Lower karat does not equate to lower temperature. If a lower temperature solder is needed compare the flow points.
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Not stress relieving platinum. When soldering gold to platinum the platinum must be stress relieved first. Stress in the platinum could crack the solder joint when cooling.
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Using cadmium solder on platinum. When using gold solder on platinum make sure it is cadmium free. Cadmium can make platinum brittle.
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Using a word, not a flow point. Soft, medium, and hard are ambiguous terms and differ greatly from solder to solder and supplier to supplier. So compare temperatures not terms.
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Overheating the solder. Excessive heating can cause porosity. Solder will not flow onto a piece until the temperature of the piece reaches its flow point. Use direct heat on the solder joint not the solder.
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Using paste solder for sizing. Paste solders are best for soldering small pinpoint joints and seams but will not fill a gap. Size with sheet solder for better results.
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Using the wrong solder on dissimilar metals. When soldering two dissimilar metals together, use the lower temperature metal for soldering. For example, when soldering silver to gold, use silver solder.
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Using soft or repair solder when sizing. Use a hard solder when sizing to prevent porosity and avoid seems.
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Buying only based on price. Quality is like karma.Poor quality will come back to you. When choosing a solder provider, look for one with a wide selection, product knowledge, published temperatures and gold content.
Written and produced by Krohn Industries
