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Idea Center | Soldering

Hints to Keep the Iron Tip Silver

• Do not leave the iron plugged in when not in use.
• Do not use the iron at a higher temperature than is necessary to melt solder.
• Clean the tip of the iron on a damp synthetic sponge as soon as it starts to change from silver.
• Even when heating up or cooling down your iron, check that the tip doesn't discolor. If it does, wipe it on a damp synthetic sponge.

• First dig a small hole in the block of Sal Ammoniac and stir it up into a powder.
• Mix the powder with some solder in the hole in the block of sal ammoniac. You can do this by transferring a small amount of solder on the tip of the hot iron or by cutting a small chunk of solder off the roll and then putting it into the hole in the block. You'll need 1/4" or so.
• Stir the contents of the hole with the tip of the hot soldering iron. Remember, this is toxic. Do not breathe the fumes!
• Wipe the iron on a damp synthetic sponge.
• Use the tip of the iron to push the solder/sal ammoniac into the sides of the hole (I think of it as the same motion as creaming sugar and butter together).
• Repeat until the tip is completely re-tinned and silver. Now, never ever let the tip be any color other than silver again!
• As with all soldering products, it is highly recommended that you use this product in a well ventilated area. We sell a charcoal activated smoke absorber for your safety.
  

Christine Cox 11/05
Fused Glass Dish
It isn't beautiful but it was my first-ever fused glass project. The centerpiece is a piece of copper, embossed with my library embosser and then fused between a piece of black glass and a piece of clear. I slumped it and now it's a paperclip holder.

Click images to enlarge.

My friend Helen Wilkinson finished the magnolia panel for me. It turned out beautifully and now hangs in my studio. ~6/05 12" X 12"

This elaborate version of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' was made from a single sheet of extraordinary stained glass. I made a frame from a 6" X 4" piece of 20 gauge Copper Sheet. I cut a hole from the frame so that light could pass through the glass when the book is open. We sell 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and other Books in Sheets.

We also sell all the Soldering Equipment you need for this project.

The gold Leafing Pen really warmed
up this charm

We have detailed instructions on how to make these charms in our free online zine The Muse

Tammie McLatchie 11/04
Tammie and Kimmie Sue
Made in Christine's Soldered Photo Charms class

Deb Bowen

Christine Cox 2003