How to Clean the Soldering Iron on Stained Glass

Soldering iron and solder

The soldering iron is a critical tool when making stained glass. The tip of the soldering iron must stay clean in order for it to function. If the tip of your soldering iron oxides, you will not be able to solder. Cleaning the tip from time to time as you work on your stained glass and every time you finish a project will ensure a long life for this tool.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Water
• Sal ammoniac block (optional)

Instructions

1. Wet a clean sponge with water.

2. Turn on your soldering iron.

3. Tin the tip of the soldering iron with solder. To tin the tip, touch the end of the soldering wire to the tip of the hot soldering iron and roll the soldering iron until the entire tip of the soldering iron is lightly and evenly coated with solder.

4. Wipe the tinned tip of the soldering iron on the wet sponge. Roll the tip on the surface of the sponge so the entire tip is cleaned.

Tips & Warnings

• Always clean your tip before shutting your soldering iron off and storing it for future use.

• For difficult tips that will not clean using a damp sponge, roll the tinned tip of your soldering iron on the surface of the sal ammoniac block until the entire tip is clean.

• Work on a fire safe surface when using a soldering iron.

• Work in well-ventilated space when using a soldering iron.

References

• "How to work in Stained Glass"; Anita Isenberg, Seymour Isenberg; 1983
• "Stained Glass: Step by Step"; Patricia Ann Daley; 2003
• "The Penland Book of Glass: Master Classes in Flamework Techniques"; Ray Hemachandra; 2009
• "Encyclopedia of Crafts"; Laura Torbet; 1980
• "Creative Glass Techniques: Fusing, Painting, Lampwork"; Bettina Eberle; 2005

Resources

• Volcano Arts: Clean Soldering Iron Tip
• InLandCraft: Soldering Iron & Tip Care
• You Tube: Cleaning soldering iron with sal ammoniac block
• You Tube: How to clean the soldering tip