Soldering a Dome to a Backplate

by Judy Larson

During the process of making a pair of silver and gold earrings inspired by organic Israeli designs, I needed to solder a hammered gold dome to a flat sheet of silver.

For safety, there must be a way for the air under the dome to escape. If both pieces fit flush together, the rapidly expanding heated air under the dome could cause the domed disc to pop off at a high velocity. It could strike you or those around you causing burns, hit something and break it, or land on a highly flammable surface and heaven forbid, start a fire.

Note: Whatever method used to solder two pieces together where there would be air that needs to escape, for your protection at the very least wear non-flammable clothing and face and eye protection. Better safe than sorry!

The easiest way to make sure the air can escape is to drill or punch a small hole in the back plate, or in an inconspicuous place on the domed disc.

For these earrings, since I challenged myself to make them a "design as you go" project with leftover materials from other projects, I decided against that. You may want to try one of these two options.

Instructions

Option 1: Heavily Textured Dome and Smooth Backplate: The uneven lower edge of the dome provides an avenue for the air to escape.

Heavily hammered discs often have uneven edges. After doming them, lightly sand a few spots on the bottom edge don't sand all the way around.

Leaving some areas unsanded allows air to escape during use. If you're still concerned about air flow, use a round file to remove a small section of metal in one spot on the dome's bottom edge.

Judy Larson's Soldering a Dome to a Backplate - Option 1: Heavily Textured Dome and Smooth Backplate: The uneven lower edge of the dome provides an avenue for the air to escape., Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Soldering a dome to a back plate

Place small amounts of paste solder around the inside bottom edge of each dome. Use about half the amount shown on the lower dome in the photo, applying it only to the flat, sanded areas inside the dome.

This prevents solder from filling gaps that allow air to escape.

Set the piece on a flattened back and heat until the solder flows.

Judy Larson's Soldering a Dome to a Backplate - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Soldering a dome to a back plate

The lower edge of the hammered dome is visibly uneven. It was hidden with the coiled silver rings soldered around the edge.

Option 2: Smooth Dome and Heavily Textured Backplate: The low areas on the surface of the backplate provide an avenue for air to escape.

Sand the bottom edge of the dome flat.

Judy Larson's Soldering a Dome to a Backplate - Option 2: Smooth Dome and Heavily Textured Backplate: The low areas on the surface of the backplate provide an avenue for air to escape., Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Soldering a dome to a back plate

As in the photo in Step 2, here way too much solder was placed inside the lower edge of the dome.

Use half that, and leave one area with no solder at all. Heat until the solder flows.

Because the bottom edge of the domed disc was sanded flat, it visibly looks like it is soldered fully around to the backing, even though it is not.

There is no need to hide the edge of the dome.

Materials

22 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-22SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $104.76
Gold Club Price: $78.57

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WET/DRY PAPER 9 X 11 ASST- 20PC- 2EA GRIT 180-3000

ABR-500.90

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Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $24.95
Gold Club Price: $18.71

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Sterling Silver Wire in a variety of gauges

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Tools

Basic Soldering Kit

G15-4

G15-4
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Price: $58.95
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Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, White

TRCH-8012

TRCH-8012
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Price: $40.00
Gold Club Price: $30.00

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Bench Blocks - 130 X 130 X 20

DUR-1187

DUR-1187
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Price: $66.67
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1 1/2 Inch Steel Dapping Block

G17-3

G17-3
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Price: $16.57
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12 Piece Dapping Punch Set 3.6mm to 14mm

G17-4

G17-4
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Price: $12.97
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6PC File Set

FIL-912.10

FIL-912.10
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Price: $39.97
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Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.

SOL-822.15

SOL-822.15
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Price: $18.95
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Wubbers Artisan's Mark 4 Pc Texture Hammer Set

HAM-6100

HAM-6100
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Price: $99.95
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12x12 Inch Rubber Mat

MAT-500.00

MAT-500.00
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Category: Metalwork
Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques

Reviews

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Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!