Soldering Tips

A few easy to follow fundamental procedures to assure a neat, strong, and uniform joint.

1. FITTING - The strongest joints are produced with the closest fitting members. Make sure surfaces are smooth, free from burrs, fit snugly.
2. CLEANING - Parts must be thoroughly cleaned. Remove all oxides, dirt, and grease by buffing, sanding, or pickling.
3. FLUXING - Cover all of the joint to protect the metal against oxidation, thereby aiding the flow of the solder. To reduce the amount of cleaning after soldering, it is advisable to flux the entire piece.
4. JIGGING - Secure proper alignment of parts and prevent their movement during the heating process. A jig should be made of as light a gauge material as possible and with as little contact area as possible. Use a poor heat conductor to avoid the loss of heat (DO NOT use copper or aluminum). When joining different thicknesses of metal, preheat the heavier piece first to avoid overheating the smaller one.
5. HEATING - Use a soft flame and slowly, uniformly heat the joint and surrounding metal before soldering. Continue heating until the joint shows a dull red color. Use the color of the work to judge the temperature. Concentrate the flame along the joint. Do not let the material get to a bright salmon red. Let the heat of the parts to be joined flow the solder. Do not try to flow the solder with the flame from the torch.