Soldering irons are popularly used in all kinds of crafts! While these tools are primarily used for industrial applications, creative minds have found a few ways to blend it into the arts.
The science behind soldering is to combine two metals to make the joint solid and sturdy. Then, it’s up to you how you wish to use this metal combo in your own unique art projects!
There are lots of amazing ideas you can try when you learn how to use a soldering iron for crafts – you just need to know a few things before getting started.
Warning: Please take precautions before using a soldering iron by wearing heavy-duty gloves and even protective goggles! If you are new to using one, it’s best to get a helping hand from someone experienced to help. Better to be safe.
Step 1: Tinning Your Iron Before First Use
Tinning the tip of your soldering iron is essentially covering it with a thin solder layer. It is good to prevent the tip from oxidization by creating a protective layer between iron and air. Without this step, oxidization would prevent heat transmission over the tip – and render your soldering iron pretty useless!
Here’s the steps for tinning your soldering iron:
- Dampen a soldering sponge and wipe the tip.
- If you think the tip is very dirty, use a cleaning paste to wipe it clean. You can dip the tip into it for the purpose.
- When the tip is clean, let it reach its operating temperature depending on the type of the soldering wire in use.
- Now, apply a small solder bead to a copper portion of the tip.
- Wipe away all of the extra solders using a damp sponge.
- Note that a small amount should exist over the tip to give it a shiny appeal.
- Then the tip should now tinned be and ready for your craft use.
Step 2: Arrange Your Tools To Hold The Craft
Gather the tools that you need to hold the craft item safely while soldering. Keeping a steady setup while you are crafting is going to be important for safety and getting the finish you’re keen to achieve!
To help with holding your craft, get your hands on these tools:
- Bent nose pliers
- Clamps
- Third-hand device
- Thin wire cutters
You need to keep a moderate grip over the craft item while using these tools. A stronger grip might result in hampering the desired structure of your craft piece.
A third-hand device or helping hand is, generally, nothing but a base with a bar that comes with crocodile clips and maneuverable alligator clamps at both ends. The purpose of these clips is to hold the item at one place, at an angle where you can easily work with it.
If you are working upon high-precision craftwork, it may be worth working with a third-hand device that comes with a magnifying glass. There are different varieties and options – just choose one that suits you best!
Step 3: Begin Crafting With Your Iron
Now that you know how to solder your material, it is time to get back to your art. If you have some stones that you want to engrave upon your soldering craft, such as for jewelry, then you can wrap them with wires and then connect them by soldering.
Over time, if you get really good with soldering crafting, you could turn your hobby into a small business and make all kinds of original items for people’s homes.
Keeping The Tip Clean Over Time
If your tip gets dirty over time with frequent soldering, you need to clean it and re-tin it before further use. If you see a brown or black coating over the tip, it is a sign of oxidization. Use a tip cleaner or damp sponge to wipe it off. Cleaning it and re-tinning is not that big a hassle.
Therefore, I would suggest you always keep a damp sponge to continuously wipe the tip after every 4 to 5 joints – give it continuous wipes to keep it clean during the crafting process.
When using a sponge for cleaning, make sure it is clean and damp with distilled water. You also need to avoid using any abrasive tools such as emery cloth, scotch-brite, sandpaper, or dry sponge for the cleaning process. Avoid dipping it into the flux, as it is corrosive and will result in causing holes and pits over the tip.
I suggest you avoid over-wiping the tip, as it could result in serious damage over time.
Reviving A Damaged Soldering Iron
If your solder is no longer sticking to the iron or is even melting, you might have to file down the tip with stone or fine sandpaper. Maintaining the tip is quite an important task!
Remember that this should be the last option! If the tip can be cleaned and re-tinned for use, you should always go for that. But, if not, consider this your ultimate remedy. If you are using a quality soldering iron, however, it’s likely that this step is not for you.
In summary
Using a soldering iron took me some time to adjust – but thankfully, as my fiancé is a master of soldering craftworks, he taught me how to use it and is now helping me master it! Just follow these rookie steps, and every craft fanatic who wants to start with soldering crafts can really get into the most intricate parts!
A soldering iron is just one of many tools you can use to level up your crafting and get more hands-on. You could also check out another guide I’ve written about how to cut slate for crafts!
Originally posted 2022-03-12 03:51:14.