Wire Modeling and Soldering Basics for Designers Architects hobbyists & crafters

[@vincentbezuchy6319]

That is the most original soldering iron stand I've seen in my entire life. I love it.

[@alexbauer3325]

Now I have a garage full of craft supplies and I probably shouldn't have binge-watched so many craft videos.

[@sabrinatscha2554]

I wish I could afford supplies

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Using a conch shell as a soldering iron stand. Brilliant!

[@strix501]

Fanciest soldering iron stand i've ever seen

[@sabrinatscha2554]

Most extensive video on wire frame making thank you for not being greedy with your trade “secrets”

[@007vsMagua]

This video shows Eric with a lot of practice and experience. Great video to watch for all fine craftsmen. I'm recycling a couple of old extension cords and stripping the braded copper out of them. I'm using the wires to do a four strand braided rope. I started with one project in mind and notice how pretty the braid looked and thought, bracelet. This video gave me confidence in joining the two ends.

[@Tk-ef9fv]

I have watched probably 30+ video, (Not all the way through of course) I almost gave up - kept scrolling, looking, changing "search" wording etc, and yours is the only one that finally showed what I wanted to see! Wonderful video! I just wanted to know how to solder copper wire to copper wire, what solder to use, and how to do it. I got bits and pieces of info here and there - but yours covered it all. Thanks so much for sharing - I will start all over tomorrow. :)

[@musikSkool]

I haven't seen the video yet and your comment gives me hope.

[@kingofcastlechaos]

I use both flux and flux core solder- makes a better connection and also solder flows to the heat- so I apply the heat to the backside since my connections must be airtight to keep product in the tubing. Thanks for the videos, even having done my craft for 4 decades I still learn every day.

[@FilamentFriday]

Great tips. Especially the pulling straight.

[@mario-bensaens9019]

Eric, Thank you! You are a fantastic Teacher-Designer!

[@starboard6372]

THANK YOU !! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I can move forward with an idea I've had for years now that you've cleared up so much for me. And I also LOVE your use of the shell for a sort of third-hand. I will follow suit!

[@kjamison5951]

Thank you, Eric! I have modelled a few bits and pieces from wire but I didn’t start with basic geometric shapes to practise. The results were decent but your videos should be required viewing for art and creative crafts students in order to tune their projects to the maximum.

[@TickyTack23]

Awesome video! Brass has become a very under-rated material in the shop. Side note, I noticed your iron getting a little blobby and crusty with the solder, see about getting some Hakko FS-100 solder paste. It will clean up your iron tip like new, and give you better heat conduction. Just dip your iron in for a second, let it cook in the air for about 10 seconds, wipe, and re-tin with fresh solder. Cheap item that lasts forever, and highly suggested for anyone soldering. From your friendly certified soldering tech.

[@georgettegale2519]

Thanks for this tutorial showing how to build these different shapes. I've been trying to imagine how to make a perfect wire circle for too long, it's about time I watched how it is done.

[@Rouverius]

Oh, I missed this one! Now, a few of the details of the Gator build makes much more sense. Thanks

[@r.ccustomtruckingsydneyaus4632]

love your work mate . your voice is easy to understand not in a hurry just plain easy to do job . because of you explaining it so clearly i going to start learning to solder myself i think the possibilitys is so big wat can be made . sweet show . hope u do another one like it. . love the scale stuff u teach . awsome

[@stephenwilson9905]

Nice vid' Eric. When I was taught metal working at school, they showed us how to straighten wire by twisting it, {rotating} it, when you have the wire stretched out. Do try it. IIt works a treat. Cheers Steve. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@EricStrebel]

I will. Thanks 👍

[@iftikharhussain640]

I have just started to watch your vids and my grades in architecture are much better.thanks for everything😇

[@DuFunny2]

This was great, and it is one of the best demonstrative videos I've seen thus far!

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks

[@limewoman1]

Your skills and talent have tickled my inspiration bone

[@EricStrebel]

😃👍

[@lv4tmnt90]

Super informative I Love knowing the reason for each step you make.

[@jennifercappotto3597]

This video just saved me on an architecture modeling project due next week. THANK YOU so much!!!

[@EricStrebel]

Awesome, good luck on your project. Feel free to share on social media with the world. Much appreciated

[@ignaciob5203]

@@EricStrebel I'm starting to study a bit of architecture as a recreational activity before finishing high school . And man , your videos are good to watch now that I'm considering on studying this for real .

[@michaelg4931]

Another tip. :) Try using some " La-Co Regular Soldering Flux Paste ". It pretty much eliminates the need to prep the metal before soldering. As an experiment, I've used it on heavily oxidized copper pipe without sanding or any other surface prep and it resulted in airtight joints.

[@yumi419]

I plan to use these methods to turn abandoned bandit sign wire frames to be vegetable cages for my garden. I'm no welder but pretty familiar with soldering. Thanks!

[@EricStrebel]

Best of luck with your project

[@voizek]

wow, this video quality production and direction is great. thanks

[@MrCbell57]

Hi. My first time. I’m looking to learn to make items I can sell using your techniques. I’m disabled and cannot work but I need to make income to live on. I’m hoping by watching you I can learn my way to earning. Thank you.

[@lkahgflahlfhalh]

I love your videos! Thank you so much for sharing this knowledge and the for time invested in making them!

[@EricStrebel]

Glad you like them!

[@jasmarchadez7004]

Thank you for the idea It really helps me to do my project in school I love your own designs ❤

[@PeakyBlinder]

Glad I found this guy, Very interesting.

[@ThiagoMallon]

True DIY with all the genius details. Thanks for sharing.

[@Maik1968]

Hello and greetings from Germany, this is so nice, I will try that as a gift for my husband as a sculpture set on his office desk! Thanks for this video and the time you take to teach us. 👍💪✌️🌞🍀

[@BobChaz]

Tips to make it easier and maybe better. 63/37 solder is "eutectic" and never produces a cold joint. It is ideal. The Kester #2331-zx flux pen is fantastic and solder will wet really well. The flux washes off in water. Poke your iron into a brass sponge frequently before you solder. I cut that brass tubing by rolling under an Exacto blade.

[@EricStrebel]

Great, useful information. Much appreciated

[@sjtonic]

Seconded using of flux. Either no clean flux or water clean flux. It would drastically improve solder "flow" during tinning and actual soldering.

[@fabiohaddad2531]

Just what I needed, thank you very much.

[@jasondevonshireportraits8908]

Thank you for explaining the basics. I am trying to make lampshades out of wire. It is not working, but now I have a better idea!

[@sherimonk5222]

Your a great teacher!! I’m trying to figure out how to make a lampshade frame. Going to try some of your techniques. Thanks for sharing.

[@EricStrebel]

You're welcome, good luck, get a good soldering iron and use lots of flux

[@DRB-Octane]

making that extruded hexagon as a total noob at this, is rather hard AF, i tried a pyramid , then a cube, after a few of those, i found confidence to do the hexagon u did...

[@DRB-Octane]

now im making a scale model chassis of a 1:24 urban vehicle i dream of making someday

[@teekotrain6845]

NEAT. Now I'd like to do mini terrariums

[@suecabrero3916]

Thank you! this is the answer for my question 😃 I do hand made jewelry and was wondering if you could reinforced some ends/joints by soldering and I just saw that it is possible!

[@xjulesannex]

This might be 4 years too late but Xuron makes a double flush cutter that I think would be great for this application. Leaves both ends perfectly flush. Very affordable as well, I think I paid around $15 for mine

[@userGGG702]

thank you, it's pure awesome video great instruction, and detail.

[@sheemakhan4738]

Most helpful video I have found so far...can u please guide why some ppl are using flux ..my soldering iron looks like a gun like urs..u said urs one had flux built into it...

[@EricStrebel]

My solder has rosin in it, not my soldering iron

[@jpalacios117]

I've found that the flux in the core is usually not enough. Flux is cheap, so you can take a bit of it in a stick and put it all around the joint. It works the same if not better.

[@traciemoore6445]

Thank you! Your tutorial is wonderful and just what I needed!!

[@jamesjones762]

I am glad you made this video. I have three soldering guns and am terrible at soldering. I will try again because of you!! Why tube brass instead of solid brass rods?

[@EricStrebel]

Cheaper, lighter....

[@jamesjones762]

Got it. I bought the telescoping sets off of Amazon. Better type?

[@reneetcannon]

Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks, best of luck with your project

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks, best of luck with your project

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks, best of luck with your project

[@WeaponGuy117]

I'd suggest you pickup a cheapo steel/brass dish scrubber for cleaning off solder, and stick it in a halved can. Just stab the soldering iron into it to clean it rather than smacking the iron, since that splatters molten lead solder everywhere.

[@EricStrebel]

Okay, I like that idea

[@saraspencer363]

Wanting to make a mini cabinet set for a concept, but have only ever done jewelry soldering. This will help with the ironwood look I want. Thank you!

[@Mekeweissame]

This sounds like it’s gonna look really cool! Do you share your crafts on insta?

[@EricStrebel]

Yeah, really dislike that platform but feel free to follow me there instagram.com/botzendesign on twitter as well @botzendesign

[@aarontaylor1484]

Good video well done what I needed for my project

[@fontanot]

Excellent, you just earned another subscriber

[@alyssanielson9894]

Awesome video. Very informative, thank you.

[@recurveninja]

The solution to solder spikes isn't dragging away from the joint, it's more flux. I prefer a thin liquid flux. If you use enough flux, the solder will auto-level out smooth.

[@Mncat30]

Hey Eric How does this work with galvanized wire? Thanks Kev

[@BOMBZTV]

Exactly what i am looking for. Thanks

[@PothocketsFPV]

Hi. I solder frames on a 2d plane for my jewelry making. Is there a reason you are using a small soldering iron instead of a torch? Using a small butane torch and some silver solder you would get much cleaner, stronger, solder joints using less material.

[@EricStrebel]

Don't own a torch

[@thatlovelydancerIlao]

Just subsribed. So cool. Learned some awesome tips and ideas. Thank you so much❤🎸. Rock on

[@EricStrebel]

Rock on!

[@jimmyeng663]

I need to make a frame to support a skirt for display (I guess like a crinoline), can I solder a thicker brass/copper rod for the main sections and thinner rods for the 'skeleton'?

[@EricStrebel]

Sure

[@PakiNewsNetwork]

You're a champion!

[@nazzakashieern]

Extremely nice

[@aabhafashion_by_vallaree]

i loved this video. the solder would leave silver color on the model. is there any way we can make it look like brass or copper.

[@xtonybaloneyx]

still wondering the same, i think using a brass solder could possibly work; but its been 33 dollars on amazon for a while and a little much for me to try.

[@BlakbirdTV.]

Repaint the sculpture, with same color of copper

[@llleolllolll]

Hi! Not sure if you still read this, but its really hard to find any info on my question: What type of wire should i use for soldering, if I dont want to use brass/cant get a variety of brass wire? Can i solder "steel" wire, if so what type of steel wire should I get? cheers, Felix

[@EricStrebel]

Should work, test it to find out.

[@maxpolaris99]

glue some acrylic add hinges and a very nice decorative display box or custom terrarium!

[@emilystubbs5650]

First of all THANK YOU for this video!!!! I do have a quick question - what kind of "welding rod" Did you use for making the transition for the circle you made with the brass tube? (When i look online there are too many kinds to choose from 😕

[@thirdgear75]

love this! thanks for sharing.

[@Patch978]

Where did you buy the rolling mill machine? It is not listed in the description. Thanks.

[@Patch978]

Found it. Thanks! Missed it the first time.

[@edwardlove4300]

I want to make a roll cage for a RC crawler and I'm thinking about copper tubing. Any down sides of using copper tubing?

[@EricStrebel]

Yes, it's soft. This makes it easy to work with of course but it can be easily deformed or damaged

[@rajs4741]

I want to solder a brass frame, but the end finish requires a complete brass color finish (no tin). How do I do this?

[@saultrigueros480]

Hola solidas con cautín ,???o q tipo de soldadura es???buen video!!!!!

[@Aardrijk1]

Good tips. Thank you for sharing.

[@greghetzler9266]

I would like comment as to the type of solder recommended with thin copper wire, say 1-MM, 18GA wire. I have several hoops to form around 4.5-IN dia X 12-IN tall Silo replicas (3/8-IN replicas). I plan to use twisted end loops, soldered as small couplers are not available. Silver solder was suggested for use, ?. I have crafted the wooden mortise tenon barn these were with. Your comments and time are appreciatted.

[@EricStrebel]

Silver solder would work, a bit overkill for a model, but it should work

[@greghetzler9266]

@@EricStrebel Thank you.

[@gorez2267]

Hi Eric, could you weld the brass together without using the welding rod? Also I failed to straighten my copper wire which is 1,2 mm thick, i followed your steps. What can i do? Thanks for this awesome video

[@gorez2267]

Also do you think it is possible to make triangles with nice edges using brass tubes? Thanks ☺️

[@EricStrebel]

Yes

[@aprildegele1510]

Once you get it all put together, what do you use to smooth the solder joints? Files? Sandpaper?

[@huttarl]

Thanks, this is helpful. When you say pre-"tin" (3:55), does that just mean putting a little bit of solder on the wire before assembling the joint? The term "tin" is confusing me here.

[@EricStrebel]

Correct

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

What type of wire did you use for the car shown at the very beginning of the video. It doesn't look like copper. Is it steel? Do you use rosin core solder for that?

[@EricStrebel]

Brass tubing from k&s

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

@@EricStrebel Thanks!

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

@@EricStrebel why does it look like thin wire, rather than tubing? the wheels look like the tubing to me, but part of it looks like wire?

[@emilystubbs5650]

Also Love that fret bender - such a good idea! Do you think one of those would bend a 6 or 8 gauge wire?

[@EricStrebel]

Possibly

[@darrentinman6994]

Great video. I am going to try make a model using brass

[@EricStrebel]

Fantastic post on social media with @botzendesign.

[@darrentinman6994]

@@EricStrebel i have had a little practice with some brass from old locks i had. I have been trying to source some brass square tube to try with that but at the moment i cant seem to find what i am after (i am in the uk) so i might look into using some brass rod instead and use brass plate where i need it

[@ryanmorris101]

Would this method be strong enough to make frames for stained glass?

[@EricStrebel]

Possibly

[@bertilsherman]

This is brilliant! Thank you!

[@SteveMagr]

How to make a cube (slot car roll cage) 10:13

[@pdokoonline]

Can I make lampshade frame like this? Would it be strong enough joint? Thanks

[@EricStrebel]

Theoretically yes

[@pdokoonline]

What kind of wire is best and strongest joint on this way for this purpose...

[@ITWorksSoftware]

Does the rosin solder have lead? Should you wear a mask or have some kind of ventilation?

[@mgp_art]

thank you so much for this video!

[@KronusMtlPJM]

It will be working as lamp shade? Is it strong enough?

[@tfriedmann5908]

Eric, is it possible to solder steel rod as well, or just the copper/brass rods? I assume you'd need to braze when you're using steel.

[@EricStrebel]

Just get it hot enough and you should be able to solder to it, clean it real well

[@rr7firefly]

You are soldering brass pieces, but what about a metal rod that is not brass? I'd like to work with metal pieces that are silver colored instead. Your advice?

[@EricStrebel]

Should work, with steel, not aluminum however

[@rr7firefly]

@@EricStrebel Thanks for your timely answer. I'm new to all this and I'm hoping at some point to create double-curved grids that are reminiscent of the wire chairs that Bertoia designed long ago.

[@AndrewMawdsley-ki1ev]

Would it nit be easier to solder using a small flame torch?..im a dental technician and solder certain dental appliances with mini gas flame, gr8 btw👍

[@EricStrebel]

Dunno, never tried that

[@qazzie5336]

Do you usually use dead soft or half hard copper wire?

[@EricStrebel]

Whatever I can get

[@Kevin-vw7yi]

Does anybody know how to fix a vintage 1970's Pyrex metal cradle? The "weld" point separated, and I don't know how to fix it. It's just thin metal rods that looks like it was put together like log end in a cabin.

[@shubceee]

I wanted to use iron wires but the tin isn't sticking even after sand paper and i even put the flux paste to remove oxidation but wont stick

[@meowmeowclubart1879]

QUESTION 40 WATTS SOLDERING IRON IS ENOUGH TO JOINT?

[@brucey39]

Your the man

[@michelevitarelli]

Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing. How long have you been doing this?

[@EricStrebel]

30 Plus years...wow, that's a long time

[@paulwilliamsart]

Hi Eric. Can this soldering technique be used for solid 3mm copper wire... or do I need to braze?

[@EricStrebel]

Try and see if your heat source is powerful enough

[@paulwilliamsart]

@@EricStrebel Many thanks

[@laradsmith2858]

Really useful video, thanks. I've been testing out some 2mm aluminium wire to make some models. It's very malleable and so I can easily crush the shape once I've got what I want. Do you suggest using brass instead to stop this from happening? What other wires can be soldered?

[@EricStrebel]

Cooper wire works best, good luck

[@dopapier]

Your excellent voice and the clarity of demonstration, with natural sounds would be even better without the ?music?

[@luciagarofalo9091]

why some people use the fire torch instead? (not sure this is the name) and I have also seen people putting like a paste before on the part that will be solder....

[@aprildegele1510]

I'm having a hell of a time just putting two pieces of copper together. I pre-tinned, but maybe too much? Does the shape of the tip matter? I only have a cone tip, but I can get a flat one if that would be better (it's what I saw you use). I shouldn't need flux with flux core solder, right?

[@EricStrebel]

Sanding and extra flux never hurts

[@aprildegele1510]

@@EricStrebel Sanded almost down to do-overs and fluxed again. Tried with both liquid and paste (not at the same time or in the same place). Am I possibly being too impatient not waiting until the iron is hot enough? I got a better iron and a flat tip, and the best I can do is to melt a blob of solder on the iron and then place it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I can feel when the solder melts because it sinks into the piece, and I can make one really good pass that's smooth. But then when it cools, it comes apart. Using rosin core solder doesn't help. Noting flows. It just blobs. Not getting any flow into the actual joint. DId I mention this is my first soldering try and I suck just like any newby? HELP?? Is it just a matter of practice and a good tip (because mine seems to be disintegrating).

[@EricStrebel]

Seems like not enough heat in the metal, get it good and hot, then Add the solder, you might need a torch if your metal had a lot of mass

[@aprildegele1510]

@@EricStrebel Thanks, but I think I solved my own problem. Watched the video again and ... silver. I cheaped out and used tin/lead ... chemistry counts. Geez. I knew that.

[@aprildegele1510]

@@EricStrebel It doesn't. Just 1.39mm square 99% copper.

[@shimongorodetsky7790]

thank a lot

[@MakeupMobster]

How do you make the solder match the metal?

[@EricStrebel]

You don't, unless you paint everything

[@Tameinsight]

Can we a solder wires to have the hollow tubing, hollow all the way through.

[@babumoshai6191]

Thankyou for the instructions. I was wondering how useful and effective is this method of modelling in the software age

[@EricStrebel]

It translates directly of course, and it's much more interactive than a 2D screen and instantly modifiable. If your working with a large group, everyone can see the entire platform simultaneously.

[@kjamison5951]

Babu Moshai anyone in the design industry will tell you that a physical, tangible item is worth more than photographs or 3D renders on a screen. Touch is a very powerful sense.

[@gabriellaaguirre5884]

What is flux I don’t understand

[@unidentifiedshrubz]

This might be too late but it basically cleans off the metals so the solder can stick

[@CharlotteHuUSMC]

How do you use flux?

[@unidentifiedshrubz]

@@CharlotteHuUSMC it can come in a paste or a liquid (there might be another form) and most people use liquid cause it's easier and works better, but you basically just paint it on the metal that you want the solder to stick to so it can create a clean surface for the solder (so that it will stick). You also leave the flux on while soldering and then you can wash it off after you are done (preferably look at what other people use to clean their work on Google, best way to look is stained glass artists). Flux cleans the surface instantly so you do not have to wait long before soldering on top!

[@unidentifiedshrubz]

@@CharlotteHuUSMC also preferably do NOT leave Flux on any product for more than 8hrs (idk why, I cannot remember, but that's what it says. Might wanna research that too!) which is easy if you wash it off your product after you solder! :)