Want to learn to silver solder, but can't get to a class?

I have just put the finishing touches on a new kit that is just for you. I'm very proud of it. It is listed in a post below-- the Lively Loopy Ring. Here's the thing, though. I've written it in minute detail, intended for someone who has never soldered at all. The kit includes powder to mix up flux and powder to mix up pickle-- and text that explains what to do with those things. There are 17 close-up color photographs.

There is a fair amount of "stuff" involved in metalsmithing.Here is the first page of the instructions, telling you what you get and what else you need. The kit is $50.

Lively Loopy Ring
By Noël Yovovich Noelyovo@yahoo.com
Copyright 2008 Noël Yovovich: Do not copy or reproduce without permission

Kit contains:
1’ copper practice wire
1’ sterling silver wire
*1” "easy" grade wire solder
*boric acid powder to mix with denatured alcohol as flux
*citric acid powder to mix with water for pickle
detailed instructions and photographs
ring blank sizing chart furnished by Contenti Jewelry Making Supplies

You will also need:
Steel ring mandrel
Wire cutters
Chain nose pliers
File, preferably a 6”-8” half-round #2 cut
Torch (can be butane hand-held)
Soldering pad or other fireproof surface
Solder pick
*Bowl of water for quenching hot metal or tools
Mallet (leather, nylon or wood) or a 10” length of lumber
Hammer with rounded, polished face (steel)
Steel block (not strictly necessary)
*Tumbler, polishing lathe, rotary tool with buffing wheel, or polishing cloth

* If you are receiving this kit as supplied in a class, these items will be available in the classroom

SAFETY CONCERNS
This project involves the use of a torch with open flame and high heat. It is essential to work on a flameproof surface, away from all flammable materials, including on the floor of the work area. Hair should be tied back. Natural fabrics should be worn. No loose, dangling hair, clothing or other objects should be worn or nearby while working with heat or power tools such as polishing equipment. Use tweezers or other tools to handle potentially hot metal. It is also important to work in an area with very good ventilation, as soldering and pickling produce fumes that are not good to breathe. These warnings cannot, of course, be comprehensive, so if you are in any doubt, seek professional instruction.

• For best results, read all the instructions before you begin.