soldering for crafters

[@holdmypoodle1937]

Really, really good video! Just to be clear, what I'm about to say is NOT sarcasm, it's exactly why this video is so useful. Her workspace is a mess, she gets tangled up in tape and knocks stuff over while working, has destroyed and been burned by equipment, and accidentally solders her piece to the clamp it's in. I don't want to see a pristine set with pre-made demonstration pieces and a tidy crafter reciting a script and producing a perfect item in 2 minutes flat. I want to see exactly what to do, how to do it, what to use without spending a fortune, how to fix my inevitable goofs, and whether I can possibly do this craft without clearing off my kitchen table first. I'm so pleased this video was on KZbin -- it's exactly what I needed, AND there's a Firefly reference! Awesome.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Hold My Poodle LOL! This might be my favorite comment of the day:)

[@be6709]

Hold My Poodle I agree 100%

[@anitraduke3616]

I agree! I also love your name. Lol I have 7 poddles and the two small ones think they are baby's and end up being on my hip most of the day. Lol

[@itsgoodforthesoul9749]

great comments!

[@FrancisR420]

Same. but without the part about it not being sarcasm

[@givemetheraspberry]

Finally a video that explains why I’ve been having such a hard time with these irons!

[@TheAguaverde91]

This is LITERALLY the best, most thorough and informational video on soldering I have EVER seen! Thank you so much!

[@orig.swordfishmixer]

i absolutly loved this video from you. You inspired me to do more things ! My dad use to solder and I remember helping him when I was a kid. I wanted to use soldering in my jewelry, and now Im getting ready to drive to walmart to get my supplies. Thank you sweetie!

[@SavedByLoveCreations]

Hey Lindsay. I spent a few days playing with solder, and was ready to pull my hair out trying to attach a jump ring. I have the same exact third hand you show in your video. Thanks to you, I have finished pieces, jump rings securely attached. Sweeeeet! xoxo

[@ctannhauser3856]

Oh My! I just love her! She has a great comic sense and humanity quality. I wish she was my neighbor. What a wonderful beginner lesson for sea glass jewelry. Thank you for posting!

[@mindlesskittles]

thank you so much. I've never soldered before and am trying to learn and your video was the only one that hasn't left me scratching my head :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

good luck! You will love it;) If you can't find the tape at walmart try a stained glass shop! Makes sure to buy an iron with replaceable tips and buy a few of those too but keep them sealed in the package until you need them. Have fun!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I use lead free plumbers solder (it is safe enough for your drinking water to go through so it is fine on your skin) and you can get it at the hardware store or stained glass shop. the copper tape needs to be purchased from a stained glass supplier:) You can buy it online if you don't have a local resource. Get the flux at the hardware store too!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thank you;) Most videos out there are for plumbing and electrical jobs so I tough we needed this as crafters;)

[@AlamedaArts]

Thank you. I was looking for you without knowing you. You are the instructor a learner like me needed. I appreciate all your comments and honesty.

[@charsbabushka]

You sure made this look so darn easy. I do not make jewelry at this point in time but I can use this information for other applications. Yes, I know, not electrical. HA HA. Who knows, I may want to make some jewelry one day. I do have grand daughters that might like a piece or two. At least I know what I am suppose to use my flux for and how, now. I do have a soldering gun. Thank you, Lady.

[@ithinklikeacow]

Yes please keep the soldering videos coming I think your video is the best I have come across

[@AMATEURDECORATINGLIKEAPRO]

I love this video. I did a search for how to use a soldering iron and I am so glad that this was the first video to pop up! I am allergic to metals and I want to do beading. With this video I can not start wearing beautiful jewelry that I make. Thank you! Cathryn

[@chrisk.6422]

Thank you for taking the time to not only make this video but also for taking the time to explain in detail every step. I wasn't sure how to even get started working with a soldering iron but now have confidence to do it.

[@jamesdefranco6278]

Christine Kern

[@gailb8722]

Thank yo so much Lyndsay. This is the most helpful video that I've found on learning to solder, as a beginner. It's brilliant that you are so clear about what everything is, and roughly how much it costs. Your work "space" is very much like mine, which made me feel like I could do it to in my limited space. Thank you! xx

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thank you so much, I too had looked for info and came up dry so that is why I made the video:) I'm glad it helped;)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@ez2stepon yes, you need to make a 6 sided cube out of glass. you an use picture frame glass. foil every edge and flux then solder the sides to the back peice. fill the frame with decoration ans and solder on the front peice. that is the proper way.

[@vivien4420]

Thank you for taking the time to put this video out there! Super helpful for someone who has never soldered a thing in their life!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It is simple, just wrap each piece of seaglass with copper tape, flux and tin the edges and solder a jump ring on each end, make 6 of these. then attach the soldered sea glass to each other with jump rings and add a clasp on one end:)

[@TeriHirko]

I haven't even watched it yet and I already love it. Have been trying to learn this for years! Thank you!

[@maryalicemcallister2410]

So good to see this - keeping it real. Thank you for teaching 'desoldering'

[@MyJammyb]

I just wanted to say thank you for your inspiration and enthusiasm they have excited my imagination. As I live in the United Kingdom some of the supplies are difficult to get hold of, but your tips on adapting what you've got are wonderful. So once again thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Oatey No.5 Lead Free Solder Paste, it is in a 1.7 oz red and white tin and cost $1.39 a few years ago. I bought it in the plumbing department of a hardware store. Just make sure you get a product that cleans and fluxes.

[@mftmaine]

OMG...Mardens is the best, I live in Calais and if I don' t show up to shop for a day or two they know that I am either sick or there has been a death in the family! My husband says that if we ever moved Mardens would have to lay someone off lol. You are so fun to watch. Thanks again for sharing.Melissa

[@ashleymacabrequeendunlap881]

Very helpful thank you. I am looking to by a soldering gun and saw kits for cheap but had no clue what to buy until I saw this. Thanks.

[@ooohlaa13]

Lindsay I love your easy, breezy way of presenting. And the few faux pas you made help me feel at home. As an artsy craftsperson I am always doing thinks so spontaneously that I knock things over and make messes and you make me see that its all part of the wild process of creating. The Muse wants out and can be impetuous and its all good! Many Blessings! I love your work and style.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

+BarbaraL Lowell thank you much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

that is good advise but this old tip was so far gone and ready to be tossed so it was a last ditch effort to melt solder. I got a new iron and will care for it properly:) (hence the disclaimer on my vid:) Thank you for that reminder tho:)

[@VRUAN]

Wonderful video, thank you!!! Now I learned that my iron did not melt the solder was due to oxidation. I did not realize it was so important to de-oxide the tip frequently. I though it was my iron that was not hot enough or did not have enough wattage. I am glad I learned something from this video. And the flux. I learned from your video that flux goes with solder hand-in-hand; that you don't need to burn the flux first before applying solder; that it's okay to put the solder on the iron and melt it and apply it to the work piece, that it also works not to applying solder to the work piece but to the solder directly as some other video said. There are two kind of skills for work. One is doing things rapidly, but seemingly dis-organized. The other is paying close attention to the details, and works its way to step by step slowly yet does everything precisely. The former is efficient, although it appears somewhat out of order. The latter has precision work, but seems kind of slow. You belong to the former, and I like it. You get the work done fast, and the quality of the work is no less than the latter. My wife also belongs to the former; and me, as a computer programmer, kind of pay attention to details, but slow. Great video, hope to see more of your work!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thank you so much for your thoughtful comment:) Happy soldering!

[@candicecheyenne]

WOW! I only watched this to learn how to make a repair, but I am definitely going to try doing this with the beach class I've collected over the years! I've seen this at craft shows, but never knew how they did it! I'm crafty and make all sorts of stuff, so this skill is really going to come in handy! So glad I watched this!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

candicecheyenne thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I am using lead free wire and solder. Most solder you will buy nowadays will be lead free, lumbing solder should not contain lead anymore, in the US anyway;)

[@hvnsgrl]

Thank you so very much for your wonderful and REAL presentation. Was a pleasure to view and learn.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

wow, thanks! no worries, I will keep the videos coming!

[@seascapejewelry]

wow!! this was so helpful compared to the other videos I watched. Exactly what I was looking for!! thank you so much for showing this!! You are an excellent teacher. Also help to see the mistakes or what not to do :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Hooray for you!!! I, too know the frustration of ill-soldered jump rings, welcome to the securely attached jump ring club...maybe we should have T-shirts made up (they could say "we didn't burn our hands off" on the back LOL!)

[@youcancreateit]

You were so helpful as I have been soldering all wrong in making my pendants. Thanks!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@thefrugalcrafter or you can build the cube by taping the glass, fluxing and soldering. it would be easier for a small peice

[@raeraesma]

I haven't soldered anything in years. I always thought it was fun. I did it on stained glass suncatchers as a teenager, and borrowed my Dad's soldering supplies. I don't know if I'll ever do it again, but it sure was fun to watch you play with it. Take care. :)

[@Petipulpul]

Thank you very much for posting this video, is always useful to listen to people that actually had worked with the stuff one is planing to learn.

[@heidijones580]

Good tips, I just soldered my first 2 pieces before watching your video again, you're a big help, thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

OK, I did some research and regular solder can be used on aluminum but here's the rub, you need to use a very hot iron or torch and file (scratch up to remove the layer of aluminum oxide) the surface of the aluminum then quickly flood the solder on it to tin the area, then you will be able to solder on that. Google "how to solder aluminum"" for better advise than I can give and good luck:)

[@monicaabel1989]

I've always wanted to know how to solder but watching this I think I will be brave enough. I've had mine for years since using it once in high school. Lol. Thanks for the great video and I love your humor,by the way.

[@dianecain2472]

Thanks so much for your soldering video! No wonder my husband couldn't help me...he's was a mechanic. A long way to go...I think I have already ruined one tip, we'll see. Love your videos, you are such fun!

[@kkbronson]

Thanks so much for this video. You've opened new possibilities for my crafting projects. In my day, soldering was considered a skill for males to learn (usually in electronics class). Since electives in schools are underfunded, I hope Father's (or male figures) will pass on their traditionally, male oriented knowledge to their girls. It's also a chance to strengthen the Father/Daughter bond. Strengthen this bond and and she will grow up with better self esteem.

[@phillipmarsh4886]

I mean I love to watch your videos..... but, this was THE BEST!!!! The side typed comments had me rolling!!! Thanks for everything!

[@CITA7687]

I really enjoyed that video, and learned a lot thank you! I'm glad you leave your mistakes in because it's comforting to know I'm not the only person who makes mistakes. Thank you for sharing.

[@oolong741]

Thank goodness I found your video! I am trying my best to teach myself and, I appreciate your guidance

[@DarleneYoungartist]

Thank you so much for sharing this demo. I had thought that the solder was actually silver until now. lol So I never even looked into it. Now I can see how simple it is to make jewelery with solder. I just started learning wire bending and now thanks to you I'm going to try soldering too.

[@ithinklikeacow]

This tutorial has been exceedingly helpful thankyou so much

[@TheMutheMuthe]

Very helpful video, and I love the side commentary! LOL! Thanks so much.

[@frihed]

I have no plans what so ever to start soldering at this point in my life, and yet i watched the whole video. You're a really good and honest tutorial-maker. It was very interesting and I feel now, should i ever need to solder something, I'd be ready to take it on! Also DOCTOR WHO =

[@michelleleighadams1670]

just found your videos!!! i have not learned to solder jewelry yet and glad i found your channel!!! Thanks so much!!!

[@playjax]

youre my new best friend! thanks for making it seem so much easier than i have been worrying about. i love your work area messy desks are genius brains thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I could not find a tip to fit, I did try that first but I save the old iron because I bet I can find some somewhere because they are Webber, I snagged a new iron that works great (and extra tips) on sale at Mardens (a salvage and surplus shop) and it has a point tip that works much better for jewelry. That is a great" tip" though...no pun intended:)

[@Ay0obe04]

felt as if i was watching a close friend work, thank you for this! authentic and so informative. Subscribed for sure!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

the copper tape is for wrapping around glass or stones so the solder will stick to it, solder will not stick to glass. Solder will not stick to aluminum, that tape is more for decoration. If you are using copper or steel wire and no glass you do not need the tape, the tape is for non solderable items. You can get copper tape in silver and gold color too, that might be what you have. You can try it;)

[@lindahersh2578]

This is a great tutorial! I learned so much from you and your followers. In my research, I did learn that cleaning your piece (I use alcohol) before you apply the tape will enable it to stick much better and also before applying the solder. In other words, don't touch it with your hands if possible (use tweezers). Thank you, again for sharing your expertise!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thanks:) it is a silpat silicone baking mat:) it is heatproof to 500 degrees!

[@christinehellner3502]

It's October 2019 and I just found your video! You are the best I've seen. i just love how you said you have to wear pants when you solder. I love your studio area. thank you for your advice!

[@rockgirl416]

I really appreciate all your help! I actually had looked up how to attach aluminum to aluminum & saw what you described but it sounded more complicated than just going & trying steel wire. I found that for both aluminum & some wires they were saying to scrub down with sand paper & wash but I'd think washing would add another film. I'll try the alcohol & also will take a scratch pad & see what happens. Vid still has about an hour so you'll probably be in bed but I work weekends so no worries.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

the solder is typically a silver color but you can patina it to a black or color it with a sharpie (really, you can LOL!) the tape is copper but the backside is available in copper, black, silver and also gold i think. Solder covers the copper on the front side but sometimes you can see the back side of the tape if working with clear glass.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

you can get copper take with silver or black backing (maybe gold too) so after you solder it and it is silver the inside that you can see through the glass is also silver or black;) You probably need to get it from a glass supplier on line. Venture Tape is a manufacturer of this product;)

[@fionn5305]

That was absolutely what I needed I have a very expensive 6 inch ammolite from Canada and I have been for years aching to wear it around my neck......Thank you so much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thanks for saying so:)

[@barbsigns4u]

Thanks. I bought a soldering iron and solder and tried it on my sea glass, but it didn't work for me. The solder burned up and turned to ASH. Ok, now I know I need to go buy some FLUX. Your video is very good. I'm off to buy some flux. Wish me luck. :D

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Soldering would melt it BUT you can make the shrinky-dink charms and punch a 1/4 or larger hole in them before shrinking then use the copper tape to edge them and put a jump ring through the hole for attaching them to jewelry;)

[@vanadium789]

I make chainmaille using soldering wire but have never closed my jump rings. Additionally, I've always wanted to learn some easy way to wrap rocks and stones I have sitting around. This video has been so helpful. You sound and look so much like a younger version of my aunt Laurie. Which is a good thing, you're gorgeous. Anyhow, thanks for the great content. I'll be subscribing.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@ChandreyeeJohnson]

Oh my god! Thank you. I have been struggling with figuring out how to do mixed media jewelry. I wire wrap and use other stuff like cup chain and have wanted to figure out how to solder stuff together. This was so helpful!!

[@MyJammyb]

I only discovered your videos yesterday and I am hooked, I love the variety of crafts and the amazing number of hints and tips you share with us. I have so far watched the first 68 and am planning to watch the rest a little more slowly. It would be helpful if you could list the products you use during the shows in a list at the end. Thanks so much for sharing you knowledge with us all.

[@candipill]

Thanks Lindsay - I drove all over my town looking for the copper tape - NOBODY solders glass here in the bay I think. Anyhow, I gave up and ordered the tape online - hopefully will get it tomorrow! I also ordered brass tape - wihich right now is exciting me more than the copper tape - I'm thinking I could make a cool "paper bead" type beads from the brass tape.

[@edayers315]

I looked and looked for an informative video your is the bests!! Thanks so much!!

[@skatezilla101chan2]

Your my kind of girl. My area looks just like yours 😊. I see all this videos where everyone has the perfect areas all fancy. I'm a beginner and beginning to start. When you don't have the money you do the best you can that's all I see and say. Hope people understand where we are coming from. God bless you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Love that!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thanks for subscribing!

[@TracyM132]

Thank-you for this. All I wanted was a simple soldering video and voila. I did take a couple of classes last year but when it's not at home in my art room, I tend to forget some of the teaching. Received a lovely soldering kit at Christmas, have some Kevlar material for safety ( on my wood table, over the carpet on floor and a wee bit for my lap. I gather you could also use a cookie sheet instead on your table. Or tin foil ? ). Really looking forward to making collaged glass bevel pendants !

[@thefrugalcrafter]

are their any stained glass hobby shops around, they would have it too. Have fun with your order!

[@mmmaxxx__]

Very informative video! I've just got a soldering gun for electrical components and despite of me not planning to do crafty business, this was very helpful and entertaining to watch. Thanks for making the video! :)

[@lreese03]

Lindsey, you make it look so easy. I just gave it a try and all I can say is OH MY! Now, I am getting ready for try number 2..lol

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Lucy R awesome!

[@sherrijamison338]

Firefly references, Dr. Who, and a great tutorial!?! You have yourself a new subscriber ma'am!

[@Cingirl1973]

this was a great video - thanks for taking the time! You have a great way of explaining things - lots of charm.

[@traceyparsons9989]

Best DIY video I have seen on anything. Thanks for keeping it so real and for all of the helpful tips. I am actually not completely intimidated to give this a try.

[@sissisterds]

You have helped me tremendously, ALL the helpful hints are so very important, THANK YOU😃

[@lisalofton7902]

Lindsay, you are a hoot! Informative and entertaining!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Lisa Lofton thanks:)

[@Tatis151]

tus trabajos padrisimos!!! me has enseñado con este video super explicado...felicidades!

[@EcumeDeVerre]

I just love the funny captions on this video!

[@cyberdan1000]

But keep them up long enough to read and comprehend. I had to back up and freeze frame a few times when the message filled the screen. I thought it might be important info.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

if you flux both letters it should be fine. The copper foil is for stuff like glass and stones that do not contain metal, it gives a surface for the solder to stick to. Metal to metal is fine as is as long as it is a solderable metal and you flux it:)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

aye-ya! I sure am! Wicked good stuff at Mardens LOL!

[@kathybeyer1924]

This is reality. Love it. We all gotta learn.

[@vidbox44]

You are hysterical! So are the comments added, thanks for the knowledge (and the giggle).

[@laurencefilo420]

Thank you for a very informative and to the point video. Exactly what I was looking for! Keep them coming!

[@darlenechaney6989]

I finally learned something from a video. GREAT VIDEO! , and it only took me a year to find you. 😂

[@melissabrendtro1322]

so helpful! Thank you. I picled up a bunch more sea glass on Kauai this week and a fantastic piece of printed old pottery, which motivated me to finally learn

[@RebekahAnn42]

Thanks !! Love the step by step..was waiting for you to say dont burn your fingers off... bwahhhaaa love your vids..now going to get hubbyssoldering iron and use up some of my glass!

[@horsen4me]

Lindsay, you provided exactly what I was needing. A nice neat easy to understand 101 course. Big thanks to you for your helpful tips!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

stephin va thanks for commenting, glad it was helpful:)

[@MichellesHandmadeCreations]

I considered a spacer, but never thought to use wire. Could use a thicker gauge wire depending on thickness of 3D items inside the sandwich. Now you have my mind's eye on the right track. Thanks!!!

[@MrJCNatural]

You are so cool and seem down to earth!. Really Enjoy your videos! you are definitely talented and love to learn with you!!!

[@lisawaitt7086]

Thanks for the tips on this Lindsay! I've done jewelry for quite a while, and haven't yet used my soldering gun I've had for two years now for fear that it would be hard. Gonna try it now, after I get some flux!

[@petraschultz7292]

Thank you Lindsay, you have lots of good info. I am just starting out to solder and I think it is so helpful to learn also what not to do. I love you bracelet.

[@azbellagirl]

Instead filing your solder tip to clean it...buy a block of Sal Ammoniac at Ace Hardware. To use the block, make a grove in the block. Pull a bead of solder and roll the tip in the grove of the block. I do this every few minutes or so. Your soldering tip will be clean, bright and shiny and last for years.

[@nutmeg5]

Carol Rose Rolston the tip with the bead of solder onto it? Doesn’t that mean you have to change it, get a new block frequently?

[@karenhihunter9760]

Carol Rose hi

[@sambobuffy]

You are very informative and I love the way you teach!

[@katies8080]

That's interesting you used to work for Radio Shack, I remember I had a couple of products from them as a kid. I love the funny sub-titles you put in. I'm glad I found this video it was only yesterday that I was wondering how to solder in jewelry making as I had an idea for a project. Thanks for sharing.