Soldering Frustrations Galore

by Molly
(Tucson, AZ)

Hello
First of all, thank you for your great information. I read over the steps you gave for soldering lead came. It is very helpful - thank you!
However, no matter how many articles I've read, the classes I've taken, or times I've spent practicing soldering, I just can't seem to get the hang of it!
This is a very frustrating situation for me. Every other step of stained glass construction I'm able to do very well, then it comes down to the last step and I feel like it has been a complete waste of time because my solder joints are atrocious! I seem to end up with globby joints or, the worst, melted through came. It seems my soldering iron is too hot or too cold and rarely just right.
So, my question is, I think, how long and/or how many projects should it reallistically take to master the art of soldering? I have several projects waiting to be soldered but I can't stand the thought of ruining them.
Thank you for any suggesitons and for lending an ear, so to speak.

Answer

Hi Molly,

I'm so sorry you're having problems with soldering lead came. I understand your frustration. I wish you lived closer to me so I could show you what to do. It would be so much easier than writing about it: however...here are a few things that might help:

1. Use paste flux instead of liquid.

2. If you're using a rheostat, have it set a little hotter

3. Hold the iron down on the solder to the count of 2, then gently lift the iron straight up (in other words, don't yank the iron up).

4. Hold just enough solder on the lead to cover the area you are soldering (don't have it hanging over the edges of the lead).

5. Flux all of the joints you are going to solder before you start soldering.

6. Get a rhythm going as you solder...keep moving along. If you stop and think about each joint, your iron has a chance to get hotter, thus burning the lead. (this might be the most important hint).

7. Don't press down so hard.

8. Make sure you use plenty of flux. The flux helps to keep the soldering iron at a consistent temperature as long as you keep up that rhythm.

9. Don't put your soldering iron in the stand while you're doing something else, then pick it up and keep soldering. It will have gotten hotter and you will certainly burn your lead. A rheostat will not keep a soldering iron at a constant temperature when the iron sits for a long time.

10. Practice on some scrap glass and lead. Be sure you put glass in the lead, as lead on its own will melt much quicker than it will with glass in the channel.

11. Last but not least, go to a stained glass studio and ask if someone there would watch you solder and critique your technique.

That's all I can think of Molly. Try the ones, that you think might pertain to your problem, and see if you have a better soldering experience. Let us know how you make out.

Sue