Borax

Borax:

Borax is used as a base in flux when soldering jewellery metals such as gold or silver. It allows the molten solder to flow evenly over the joints. Borax is also a good flux for “pre-tinning” tungsten with zinc – for soft soldering to tungsten. Also used for forge welding flux, brazing flux and a constituent of arc welding flux. 7oz sold in 1kg.

Another great use for borax is preparing the crucible for melting by creating a glaze in it. This is how its done:

• Fill your brand new crucible halfway with Methylated spirits, allow it to soak into your crucible.
• Heat up your crucible ( be careful as the flame will be larger than usual due to the spirits) , then pour in around 2-4 heaped tablespoons of borax powder ( there might be some fluffy bits of borax flying around – this is normal)
• Concentrate your flame onto the powder until it starts becoming see-through glass gel.
• Swirl this glass around the crucible until it coats the whole inside & glazes the surface.
• Then its ready to use!

Always be careful when working with open flames, gas and metal- Safety First!!

 ( See our blog post with this link : https://www.capewatch.co.za/how-to-prepare-a-crucible/)

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