Soldering for Dummies

Wednesday 9:00 - 4:30 $145  
  Thomas Mann    


Student Level: Beginner
Type of Workshop: Process
Prerequisite: Basic skills - sawing and filing

 

 

Soldering is one of the primary basic metalsmithing skills that must be mastered if one wishes to be an accomplished metalsmith and have the ability to execute jewelry design at an advanced level. This class introduces the basic ideas of soldering and challenges participants, in several basic skill focused projects.

Workshop Mission:

To give participants a overview of the many applications of the soldering technique and deliver an experiencial practice of the primary soldering operations critical to any metalsmith’s know-how.

What will be covered:

  • Equipment:
    • Gases & Tanks
    • Regulators - (how to set them, maintain them, etc)
    • Torches – types and uses
    • The Flame! – review flames sizes and type
  • Safety: THINK Safety FIRST
  • Check the Equipment
  • Check your Own Safety Gear – glasses – tweezers – soldering environment – ventilation
  • Tool Positioning – where’s the HEAT? The HEATsink Phenomenon

Solder Basics:

  • Turn that Torch on!
  • Solder…what is it?
  • Flux it!
  • Fit – Clean – Fasten – Flux – Heat - Solder
  • Metals & Temperatures
  • Techniques (Stick, Pallion, Wire Fed, Sweat & Butt)
  • Solder Engineering – The Heat Sink Phenomenon

Soldering Exercises:

  • Melt It!
  • Sweat It! – make an overlay ring
  • A Plethora of exercises

    Kit fee of $65 payable to Instructor at class time includes:

  • Silver Solders: x-easy, easy, medium and hard in wire form
  • Bronze & brass scrap
  • 1 Plethora of Exercises Kit
  • 1 Overlay Ring Kit

Optional: at additional cost for Overlay ring: 1 sheet 3 x 4 20g silver (market price)

Instructor will provide:

  • Mini-Torches
  • Soldering equipment
  • Tools and materials specific to the workshop

Students should bring:

  • Your favorite metalsmithing tools

Questions? Email Tom at
Website: thomasmann.com