Microtorch Soldering for Sterling Silver: Troubleshooting Meltdown Issues

Question
I like to make my own chain and have for a while. I recently purchased a microtorch so that I could do it at home because I no longer have access to a full size torch. My problem is that the sterling silver rings are melting before the easy solder. I am using a charcoal block and lenox paste flux. Is there something different between using a microtorch and full size torch?

Answer
Yes the heat is focused differently. It also may depend on the type of gas you are using.
I remember the time we tried out the water torch.... the tips were hypodermic needles without points but the flame was 1/10th the size and still the point of the flame the area in front of the blue point was much hotter and required many a globed jump ring before mastering.depending on the gas you use you might want to develop a technique of sinking the jump ring with tweezers and using a paste flame and balling it up on a pick and using the flame pointing away from the ring until you actually paint it on with the torch . It is a difficult technique to master but I have soldered the hair sized chains together and they still work it is just a matter of practice. and knowing your solder  and jump ring melting points that can vary with thickness quite a bit and require a delicate approach ... It is an art and takes lots of time and practice. to master. When we were doing several hundred chains a day we went mostly to the liquid paste solder and proper placement in most cases but timing was the most essential factor and even today I would be so out of practice that it wouldn't be pretty for a few attempts.
Another thought is that the flux might be too heavy, I don't know what you are applying it with and we didn't use the Lenox but the Batterns and in small areas instead of a brush we used a toothpick to be more accurate.If you have any more questions please let me know I hope these techniques will come in handy. The disappearing jump ring is not a fun trick to do but somehow when you have finally mastered it you will stop doing it.... if i can be so bold as to claim.
I also might mention try to go slow and don't be in a hurry to heat up the piece. Each Size wire is different and the matched size bit of solder can also make all the difference when it flows. sometimes placement is also very important.and actually contacting all the pieces can help flow the heat. Laying then down is ok but remember it makes it harder to control the spread and focus of the heat. There is also a learning curve to soldering chain locked in a pair of tweezers and aiming the torch as not to melt the piece. It is amazing how little heat you need compared to working on the pad....
I hope this helps.
Chris