Trouble Shooting

Problem: The solder won't adhere to the foil or came.

1. Did you apply any flux?
2. Did you apply enough flux?
3. Was your iron too cool?
4. Is the foil or lead came too oxidized for flux to activate the surface?
   1. Buff copper foil with 000 or 0000 steel wool.
   2. Clean lead came with brass brush.

Problem: Solder is melting through to the backside of my project.

1. Your iron is too hot. Depending on what type of iron you are using, either turn the temperature controller down or change to a lower temperature tip.
2. You may be soldering too long in each area. Move on and let the solder cool. Return to those spots later.
3. The gaps between your glass are too wide. Try to fill the gaps with solder and let it cool. Then go back and solder a bead on top of the filled gaps.
4. Try placing a wet paper towel under the project to provide cooling.

Problem: My solder is "stiff." I am unable to get a smooth bead.

1. Your iron is too cool. Depending on what type of iron you are using, either turn the temperature controller up or change to a higher temperature tip.
2. You may not be using enough flux.
3. Is the tip of the iron getting hot? Check to see that the tip is seated correctly down in the barrel of the iron.
4. Are you "painting" with solder, instead of running a long bead with a steady, even, one directional movement? This is one of the most common mistakes that beginners make. In order for the solder to create a bead, it has to get molten. If you are using the iron as a "paint brush", the solder is not getting hot enough to melt thoroughly.
5. You may be soldering with just a corner of the iron tip. Check for proper positioning of your iron.
6. Try a different solder with a lower melting point.

Problem: My iron seems to be hot, but the solder isn't melting as fast as normal.

1. Check your tip. Is it loose?
2. Is your tip too dirty?
   1. Clean it on a wet sponge.
   2. Clean it on a tinning block.
3. Your tip is too corroded or defective. Replace it.
4. Your rheostat may be malfunctioning.
   1. Plug the iron into the outlet you are using without the temperature controller. If the iron works, the controller is malfunctioning. If the iron doesn’t work, the problem may be with the iron itself.
   2. With some types you can check the temperature controller by plugging a lamp into it. Turn on the lamp and see if the controller dims and brightens the lamp.