Soldering Problems and Tips 1

When you start soldering you will see things happen that makes you think mmhhuu??????? 
Is it supposed be like this?

To answer that here are some pointers and actions to take to improve your soldering technique. As usual practice makes perfect (most of the time).

Beading of seams is too flat.
Not enough solder.  

Beading is lumpy or peaks instead of flowing.
Iron is too cold. 

Can't seam to get beading smooth.
Did you flux? Iron too cold or too hot. Too much or not enough solder. 

Solder won't stick to copper foil or lead.
Did you flux? Copper foil may be oxidized.

Solder splatters into little balls all over the glass.
Iron too hot: purchase rheostat for your iron. This will control the current to your iron and control the heat output.

Solder falls through seams to other side when soldering copper foiled pieces.
Soldering iron is too hot or you are holding the iron in one area too long.


Try to solder in a well ventilated space, or even better, do it outdoors if you have space and the weather is on your side. It's not very beneficial to breate in the fumes from the soldering process.


Hope this helps.
Fred

Coming soon: The different types of solder and lead-free solder.