Getting Started Soldering - Must Have's
There are so many tools and options out there for soldering I thought I would compile a list of the essentials for you. (I have linked to my favorite brands but encourage you to shop around for price comparisons and sales)
Materials:
16 gauge sterling silver round wire in half hard. (This is the easiest to learn on and the most forgiving).
Easy sheet solder - my favorite tip is from Metalsmith Society - sand your solder, color co-ordinate with a sharpie. I use green for easy. Then trim and cut into a small dish.
Tips for when to spend and when to save on your tools:
Always spend money on good cutters, measuring tools and metal files. You can save money on hammers, rulers, pliers, bench blocks, etc to start and start to collect more expensive tools over time.
My favorite cutters: Lindstrom Cutters
My favorite heavy duty cutters: Keiba Cutters
Pro tip: read manufacturer’s directions for max thickness/wire gauge you can cut.
My favorite shears: Soft Metal Shears
Soldering tools:
Kiln Fire Insulation Brick or here
Crock Pot (to keep pickle warm)
Silicone strainer (For your pickle as you can’t put steel in the pickle!)
Hot working pliers
Deadblow hammer or rubber mallet
Protective eye wear: Stoggles
Tumbling supplies:
Lortone Tumbler
Blue Dawn dish soap or burnishing compound
Strainer (to rinse out shot)
Finishing Tools:
Sanding Cartridges (all grits)
Silicone Polishing Wheels (all grits)
I hope this helps you feel less overwhelmed when you are getting started with your soldering station set up. Let me know what you think in the comments or if you have any experience with these tools I’d love to hear from you.
You can also read my other blogs here.
