I\'m not a master, but have done a bunch of silver soldering, so here\'s my opinion (and this is USA-based, they do/get things differently other places)... The torch depends a little on the size of the parts. Normally I use a Bernzomatic \"turbo\" torch and propane, but switch to a little Creme-Brulee torch for small stuff. The key is not putting the flame directly onto the flux/solder while you\'re heating. Sometimes you have to get creative there. A firebrick \'hearth\' is very useful to keep heat in for larger parts. Get a couple of the soft firebricks minimum.
I\'ve used both Sparex (pool acid-- probably sulfuric) and Citric acid. Both work ok, the Sparex works faster, but is more obnoxious fume-wise.
For starting out with wire, I\'d get some .031\" BAg-1 wire from SRA Solder (
http://sra-solder.com/product.php/6153/89). It\'s got Cadmium in it and flows well at the lowest temperature. They have the right flux as well. I\'ve not tried some of the black fluxes some people prefer now, but the white does ok if you don\'t burn it with the flame. The small wire is great for making pre-formed rings and pallions to pre-place before heating so you aren\'t trying to wave a torch around with one hand and wrestle wire with the other. It saves on solder too, which is good at today\'s $30-$40/oz. You only need a tiny bit for most joints.
I\'ve also used the silver solder pastes with flux and everything included in a syringe. Very handy for small parts or where traditional pre-forms don\'t work, especially joining plates flat-to-flat-- you can put a dab of paste on between the parts and then clamp and heat. Sort of expensive, but very easy.
