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
Notes on Safety PDF

Before You Begin

DISCOUNT CODES:
Solder... Essentially.
Essential Tools List
Preview
Quick Overview: My Soldering Bench
Overview: Fluxes & Solders
Let's Talk Torches.pdf
Tools for Soldering- A Shopping Resource
Raw Materials Needed.pdf
Preview
Raw Materials Needed- A Shopping Resource

Bezel

Applying Liquid Flux... Correctly
Applying Liquid Flux... Correctly
Bezel Prep
Soldering the Bezel
Soldering Bezel to Backplate
Cover Page for Handouts
Bezel Instructions.pdf

Sweating

Sweat Soldering
Sweat Soldering- Part 2
Sweat Soldering.pdf
Bird Templates PDF
Flame Templates PDF
Ornament Templates PDF

Embellishment

Attaching a Pierced Embellisment
Adding Smaller Details
Pretty Little Details

Finishing

Closing and Finished Piece
How I Finish my Work
Bloopers!
Preview
Video Production Credits & Info:

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.