Users' questions

Can you use any soldering iron for stained glass?

Can you use any soldering iron for stained glass?

Being able to change the tip temperature so readily adds versatility and means that the Hakko FX-601 iron can be used for all types of stained glass projects. LIGHT. The iron is very light which gives you lots of fine control over your soldering. If you’re doing hours of soldering you won’t get tired holding it.

What temperature should my soldering iron be for stained glass?

Those who are quicker have their stained glass soldering temperature set at 410C but if you solder more slowly you need to reduce the temperature to 360C. 360C is a good temperature for starters as it gives you more time.

Is stained glass soldered?

Stained glass soldering joins all your foil-wrapped pieces of glass together by running a bead of solder along each seam. It isn’t the easiest technique to learn but it’s one of the most exciting, as it allows you pick up and see your project for the very first time.

Can you use any flux for stained glass?

Superior Flux offers a full range of soldering fluxes for stained glass: organic acid, inorganic acid, liquid, paste and alcohol based….No. 30.

Superior Flux Number No. 30
Description Liquid Flux. Organic Acid
Rec. Base Metals Copper Foil
Rec. Solders Tin/lead, tin/silver, other tin alloys

What kind of solder is best for stained glass?

The most used solders in stained glass are 60/40 (60% tin/40% lead) 50/50 and 63/37. “Lead-free” solders have no number designation and are a mix of tin and small amounts of other metals. Also look for “pure” solders–free of impurities. You will spend less but you will get scum as you solder and ruin your iron tip.

Is Stained Glass an expensive hobby?

Let’s face it, Stained Glass making can be an expensive hobby with a ton of different tools and supplies needed to get started. It can be confusing to keep track of everything you need (especially for a beginner), and make decisions about which model and brand of each to get.

Do you have to solder both sides of stained glass?

Generally, you will hold your piece on the edges near the center. Turning your piece over from the top can sometimes cause your piece to bend in the center. The second side of your piece doesn’t need to be tack soldered. Simply apply a light amount of flux to the seams and solder as you did on the first side.

Can you put solder on glass?

Solder is a tin/lead alloy with the exception of lead-free solder which is a tin-copper alloy. Solder will not stick to glass alone, so each piece of glass must be wrapped in copper foil. 3. Solder needs a flux to flow smoothly and bond to other metals (i.e., copper foil or lead came).

What surface Can I solder stained glass on?

Made from pressed fiberboard, homasote is heat resistant and ideal for cutting, soldering and assembly of stained glass. Large size is perfect for creating panels.

What is the best solder to use for stained glass?

What does flux do in glass?

Glass Dictionary A substance that lowers the melting temperature of another substance. For example, a flux is added to the batch in order to facilitate the fusing of the silica. Fluxes are also added to enamels in order to lower their fusion point to below that of the glass body to which they are to be applied.

What kind of soldering iron should I use for stained glass?

The most common stained glass soldering iron wattage will be between 65-300 watts. Low power is 65 watts, medium or all-purpose power range being around 100-150 watts. Heavy duty is 200 watts and over. ELEMENT: There are two types of elements used in soldering irons, a Nichrome wire element and a ceramic element.

How many Watts Does a stained glass iron use?

The most common stained glass soldering iron wattage will be between 65-300 watts. Low power is 65 watts, medium or all-purpose power range being around 100-150 watts. Heavy duty is 200 watts and over.

How many Watts Does a soldering iron have?

This soldering iron only has 67 watts but it pretty comparable to a 100-watt soldering iron that has a wire element instead of a ceramic element. While adjustable temperature soldering irons usually do not hold a consistent temperature, the FX601 maintains a +-10 degrees range and isn’t really an issue.

Can a Weller iron be used for stained glass?

The good thing about the Hakko FX-601 is that the wide range of temperatures it offers means that it can be used for all sorts, from electronics to stained glass repairs. Weller irons achieve temperature control via a magnet in the (replaceable) tip which switches the iron on and off at the preset temperature.