The bigger the material to solder, the more heat you
need to make your material hot enough to allow
solder to flow.
For electronics, it is a balancing act, as too much
heat can damage your components. While for jewelry
making, that is less of an issue (except for very small
components.
I splurged (sort of) and purchased a Weller
thermostatic soldering. I use it just for electronics.
Soldering irons depend on direct contact with the material
to transfer heat.
"Silver solders" often have a higher melting point, thus
need more heat, thus bigger soldering iron.
For jewelry and plumbing (copper pipe), I tend toward
using a propane torch rather than a soldering iron.
A torch means you direct the flame toward the part you
want heated. Its perhaps less precise than a soldering
iron but works fine on larger pieces.
You can also improvise by wiring jewelry components
together (holding the parts in place), then apply small pieces
of solder near the joint
and heating the piece on a gas stove, as the piece heats, the
solder should melt and flow into the joint (via capillary action).
Most solders require a matching flux. Electronic solder
often has the flux in a hollow core of the solder, while
many other solders require a separate application of flux
(to clean the surface where the solder will flow).
Anything related to food (or drinking water) you will
probably want a lead free solder, but for electronics, it
is less of an issue.
On 11/12/13, 12:03 PM, wduke2@aol.com wrote:
>
>
> I want to get a soldering iron but am very confused. They range in
> wattage, temp etc. There are lead free solders and silver solders etc.
> I need to know if the average do it yourselfer that needs it for around
> the house and jewelry making can get a cheaper one or do you have to get
> on in hundred dollar range. I want to use lead free solder on some
> small electrical repairs and soldering jewelry but I have heard that
> some won't melt the solder enough to do jewelry. I have seen different
> ones at Ho-De, Lowes and Radio Shack but have no idea what to get. They
> range in price from a few dollars to about $20 and then around $50 to
> over $100. What is the difference? Thanks for any advise.
> Joan O
>
>
--
Dave Uebele (daveu@sptddog.com)
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