Down and Dirty: Essential Soldering Techniques

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Trouble soldering?  Overwhelmed or confused by the myriad of information, products and techniques out there?  Learn to do it efficiently, easily, and with clean, professional results.

About this Course

Do you struggle with soldering? Is it overwhelming, frustrating, or does it leave you with less than desirable results at the end of all your efforts? Are you afraid of the torch?  I remember the feeling.

But here's the thing, y'all. The ability to solder and do it well is a key skill in being able to create the kind of work you want to create. It opens up so many more design options, it promotes a sense of durability and longevity that customers appreciate when purchasing a piece of handmade jewelry. Soldering allows for detail, for stone setting, for solid construction that stands the test of time. A well soldered piece is an automatic heirloom in the sense that it will outlast its maker. How magical is that?

If you're unsure about soldering and want to learn, or if you already solder but would like to build on your skills, I hope you'll join me for this course. I'm only successful if you're successful, and it's my goal to ensure you complete this class with a newfound confidence in your technical abilities.

You can do this!  I promise.

What You'll Learn

This is a technique driven course as opposed to a project driven course.  You'll learn about the various types of solders and flux, torches and solder station tools.  We will solder a bezel closed, solder a bezel to a backplate, sweat solder sheet, and solder ball details.  What you do with the final setting is up to you!

FAQs

I'm totally new at this soldering thing. Is this the right course for me?

I do think this course is best for those who have at least some knowledge of what soldering is and who are already familiar with the more fundamental skills of jewelry fabrication (sawing, filing, etc.) That being said, this course is designed to shed light on soldering for beginners and experienced smiths alike.  You'll find a ton of information, product links, video demonstrations as well as written instructions.  No matter where you are in your soldering journey, this course has something to offer you.  

Are you available to help me along the way?

This is a self-paced, "independent study" type course that does not include community group support or additional interaction from me. If, after going through this course, you'd like to venture deeper into soldering or jewelry making in general, I'd love to have you in one of my project-based courses, which open for enrollment once or twice a year and include a community arena where I engage with students.

Do I have to watch the whole course within a certain period of time?

From the day you sign up, you've got an entire year to make your way through the course lessons. I hope that this will allow you ample opportunity to practice the skills inside this class so that you don't need further access after twelve months have come and gone.

So... I don't really like Dodo birds...

No problem!  The course contents includes plenty of templates for you to use when creating this mini project, or you can use your own design.  You do not have to incorporate a dodo bird!

What tools will I need to partake in this course?

You'll need basic soldering tools including a torch, a soldering pick, tweezers, a crock pot, flux, and solder.  All of these tools/materials are covered in the course contents and you'll be provided with shopping links to source everything necessary.  I try to provide a wide range of options for every budget and experience level.

Course Outline

Welcome!

First Things to Know & Do:
    Solder intro.mov
    • 1 min
    • 66 MB
    Notes on Safety PDF
    • 468 KB

    Before You Begin

    DISCOUNT CODES:
      Solder... Essentially.
      • 426 KB
      Essential Tools List
      • 332 KB
      Preview
      Quick Overview: My Soldering Bench
      • 6 mins
      • 483 MB
      Overview: Fluxes & Solders
      • 2 mins
      • 176 MB
      Let's Talk Torches.pdf
      • 959 KB
      Tools for Soldering- A Shopping Resource
        Raw Materials Needed.pdf
        • 1.05 MB
        Preview
        Raw Materials Needed- A Shopping Resource

          Bezel

          Applying Liquid Flux... Correctly
          • 5 mins
          • 401 MB
          Applying Liquid Flux... Correctly
          • 580 KB
          Bezel Prep
          • 4 mins
          • 314 MB
          Soldering the Bezel
          • 9 mins
          • 762 MB
          Soldering Bezel to Backplate
          • 8 mins
          • 675 MB
          Cover Page for Handouts
          • 1.69 MB
          Bezel Instructions.pdf
          • 488 KB

          Sweating

          Sweat Soldering
          • 6 mins
          • 510 MB
          Sweat Soldering- Part 2
          • 3 mins
          • 258 MB
          Sweat Soldering.pdf
          • 117 KB
          Bird Templates PDF
          • 1.14 MB
          Flame Templates PDF
          • 1.41 MB
          Ornament Templates PDF
          • 1.02 MB

          Embellishment

          Attaching a Pierced Embellisment
          • 7 mins
          • 575 MB
          Adding Smaller Details
          • 7 mins
          • 562 MB
          Pretty Little Details
          • 89.2 KB

          Finishing

          Closing and Finished Piece
          • 2 mins
          • 79.1 MB
          How I Finish my Work
            Bloopers!
            • 3 mins
            • 189 MB
            Preview
            Video Production Credits & Info:
            • 1 min
            • 79.8 MB

            POLICIES:

            1. Due to the immediate access to written instructions, video demos, templates and other resources, I do not provide refunds for online courses under any circumstances.  Please make your course selections carefully.

            2. Online courses are a privilege to teach and take.  Ethical behavior is non-negotiable.  Sharing passwords, downloads and other materials with anyone who has not paid for this course will result in your immediate removal from the course, nor will you be permitted to register for a future course of mine.

            3. I reserve the right to dismiss any student at any time from this course if the above ethical guidelines are in question or not met.  Other reasons for dismissal from this course and/or future courses include rudeness/disrespect to fellow students, to me, and teaching this course as your own.