Soldering mini silver or gold barbell beads

I'm definitely going to go buy a hotter torch. I really appreciate all
the thoughtful/helpful advice. So... Why use flux and sterling wire
over "fine silver" wire? Or rather is there some reason not to use
"fine silver" wire for this particular task? Does fine silver oxidize
with the hotter torches? With the low temp butane torch the fine
silver wire balls up beautifully, no pits no oxidation.

Peter W.. Rowe, wrote:
On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 21:56:07 -0700, in rec.crafts.jewelry "m10b"
wrote:

Given my novice status it would really help to see
it done. I guess there are some disadvantages to the virtual community.
I'm going to try it again, with my beginner butane torch. I think I
wasn't leaving enough wire or letting the ball get big enough. If I
can't make it work I'll invest in a better torch, and perhaps some
lessons.

Butane torch? Given that most of them on the market are of the small little
versions similar to those also sold in kitchen supply stores for fancy cooks
wishing to singe their Creme Brule or the like, I suspect that we've found at
least one essential componant of her problem. Those torches just aren't hot
enough and precise enough to have a good chance of doing this sort of thing.

A better torch, and some lessons, sounds like a fine plan to me. :-)

Peter