Posted by Gary Dodge on August 08, 2003 at 22:50:34:
In Reply to: Soldering Counsel Requested Too Please posted by Kristina on August 07, 2003 at 19:04:20:
Hi Kristina,
Hoo boy, what a question.
Soldering is fairly unique in the craft world. It is one of the only things that you can continue to tweak for a lifetime unless at some point you just decide you're done and stop!
As such, the decision on when to stop is both very personal and somewhat dictated by your level of ability.
Once you get your technique up to snuff, the first pass with the iron will look pretty good, probably better than most of the stuff you'd see at craft fairs.
I personally usually solder the panel, then make a couple of touch ups. Turn it over and repeat on the back.
Most of the time there are no melt throughs, but heck, I've been doing this for a long time.
I always tell my students that you've gotta stop and call it done at some point.
Also, you need to step back and look at the panel from the perspective of the average viewer who knows nothing about the technical aspects of stained glass and is more likely focused on the design and the colors than on your solder line.
At some point in the future, if you've gotten much better at soldering and it bothers you to look at it, you can always douse it with flux and go right back at it again! If you've already shipped it off to the relatives out of state, don't worry, they'll love it no matter what.
GaryD
: Hi,
: As I think of it, will you please elaborate on how much time you spend over-working your solder lines once you have laid them down?
: Do you spend a lot of time reworking to get them all in a smooth flowing bead? At what point are you satisfied?
: And do you end up flipping back to front several times to deal with any bubble through?
: Please advise & thank you so much.
: Kristina