Soldering metals

Tools and the Workspace Soldering Health and saftey is important at all times when soldering. Make sure you are always concentrating on what you are doing especially if you are working somewhere at home, where distractions are always a threat. Wherever your studio, have a checklist before you leave at night to make sure everything is turned off. Soldering does not need to be expensive it can work within any budget.
Tools	Kilns	Enamels	Metals	Soldering	Workspace

		Gas bottles in two sizes, butane and propane mix. It is more than satisfactory to use the small canister for small metalwork and jewellery. The larger tank is generally much cheaper to run but the initial purchase can be expensive. If money is tight, try freecycle or car boot to find the empty bottle which can then be taken to a gas supplier and you swop with a full one for a modest sum.

		Soldering flux.

		Firebricks and various platforms including the contents of an old gas heater, in the background found discarded at our local tip.

		White containers for pickling can be cheap and cheerful like these, dont be tempted with brown ones as you will not be able to see your work inside. . The slow cooker on the left is perfect for sulphuric acid as it controls the temperature on the warm setting. The container on the right has a rubber seal and is used for nitric acid, it does not need a heat source. Ventilation is essential for the use of these potentially deadly chemicals. They are placed on an enamel topped table, so there are no worries about acid burn. The dishes in front contain water and a nuetraliser to wash off excess chemicals prior to washing in a sink. Small glass pebbles can be placed in the bottom of the containers to make it easier to retrieve small flat items.