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Checking Solder Seams With a Flashlight

How to check a soldered seam after pickling with magnification, your phone camera or a flashlight so bezels and elements do not fall off.

Posted almost 2 years ago • 1,512 likes • 51 comments
Ever had a bezel or decorative element fall off after soldering? Here’s a quick tip to help you avoid that. After pickling your piece, always check the entire seam to ensure it’s continuous—both inside and out. You can use magnifiers, your phone’s camera (take a close-up video for magnification), or even just your naked eye. A flashlight works wonders too—shine it inside the piece, and if there’s a gap in your solder seam, a little peek of light will reveal it. 
 
This tip originally came from two awesome members of the Metalsmith Society community back in 2019. While their accounts are no longer active, credit to them for sharing such a great trick. They know who they are! 
 
Decorative bezel is @jeffkleinjewelry
 
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