Tools for Down & Dirty: Essential Soldering Techniques
A few versions of my favorite soldering tools for jewelry construction. These are my essentials!
Note: You do NOT need every item on this list, as there are many duplicates. This is to help you educate yourself on various features, suppliers, prices, and qualities. Click on each item to be taken directly to online retailers, and remember to factor in pro account pricing, bulk discounts, any available coupons, and shipping costs. I hope you find this helpful!
Happy sourcing!
PMC Supplies LLC 12" Rotating Soldering Annealing Torch Pan with Attachable Third Hand Tweezers Pumice Jewelry Making Tool
Great 12" annealing pan with lump pumice and a third hand.
Replacement Pumice
Bulk packages of fine lump pumice for replenishing and refilling your annealing pan.
SFC Tools Heavy Gauge 6 x 6 Mesh Screen
Heavy screen to use as a flat soldering surface on top of the pumice in your annealing pan.
Extra Heavy Duty Mesh Screen Heating Frame-6X6
Heavy mesh screen for use as a flat soldering surface on top of the pumice in your annealing pan.
Steel Heavy-Duty Heating Screen
Heavy mesh screen for use as a flat soldering surface on top of the pumice in your annealing pan.
Honeycomb Ceramic Soldering Board
Great for soldering pieces without fear of losing small components through a steel grate or in the pumice. I use this with my rotating annealing pan directly by placing it directly on top of the pumice, which allows me to still rotate my work as I solder.
Hard Ceramic Soldering Board
Great for soldering pieces without fear of losing small components through a steel grate or in the pumice. I use this with my rotating annealing pan directly by placing it directly on top of the pumice, which allows me to still rotate my work as I solder.
Kaiser Lee Board 1" x 6" x 6" - Pack of 2
I love this soft surface for soldering when I need to impress prongs, t-pins, or other items into the material on which I'm torching. In my opinion, this seems to hold up better than a magnesia block and is less dirty/dusty than soft charcoal. Great for projects that require precise placement of numerous parts.
Prip's Flux By Griffith 4Oz
A small bottle- great for if you just want to try it out. Free shipping too!
Griffith Soldering Flux Griffith Prip's Flux 1 Gallon
Free shipping for a gallon of Prips. Makes you glad you're a Prime member.
Hamilton Beach 33231 Programmable Slow Cooker, 3 Quart, Black
An excellent, spacious and affordable pickle pot!
Small Parts Cleaning Baskets
Stainless steel is safe to use in pickle, and these baskets are excellent for holding small components.
Silicone Strainer Set - Bright Colors
Premium silicone bags are perfect for holding small objects during pickling. Suitable for high heat and easy to clean, The various colors make staying organized a breeze!
Sterno Torch Head for Butane Canisters
Great, durable torch head for disposable butane canisters. Adjustable flame, easy pull trigger. These are great for classroom settings.
AOHEZI Professional Torch for Blazing/Soldering
Note: Butane is not included. I recently started trying these torch heads in my classrooms and find that they not only cost less than the Sterno brand, but they seem to burn with a bit more force. The result is hotter temperatures that's more than enough for most jewelry work. The only downside is that they seem to burn through butane a bit faster than the Sterno.
Sterno Butane Fuel Cartridges, 12-Pack
For using with the Sterno torch head, also listed in this kit. High heat output, burns clean, great for beginners and classroom settings.
GasOne Butane - Set of 8 Fuel Canisters
This brand of butane works great with the Sterno torch heads (or comparable torch heads) and I've yet to be able to find a better price on eight cans of fuel.
Smith® Silver Smith™ Acetylene and Air Torch Kit without Tank
My go-to rig. Your tank can be bought locally at a welding supply shop.
Miller Electric Acetylene Air Outfit
Identical to the Smith brand Silver Smith Torch, but includes extra tips and striker! This product gets great reviews. Your tank can be purchased locally at a welding supply shop.
Smith® Little Torch™ Propane and Oxygen Set for B Tanks
A smaller torch for precision work and excellent for drawing beads and pinning pieces together. B tanks can be purchased at your local welding supply company.
Smith Little Torch Setup for Disposable Tanks
Small precision torch comes with five tips, a stand, and regulators for disposable propane and oxygen tanks. Great for small studio spaces, precision work, and ease of use.
GRS Precision Single Third Hand
Super maneuverable and the tungsten jaws won't anneal and become misshapen during soldering.
Lacis UP15 T-Pins (40 Pack), 1.7"
Stainless steel pins are not plated and will not rust. Great for holding small parts in place during soldering.
Benchtop Fume Extractor
Because... safety. This helps remove particulates and fumes from the air while soldering. Replacement filters are available.
Lifetime Leather Co Genuine Leather Apron, Made in The USA (Harvest Natural)
Totally over the top, but I love this brand and I love this apron.
Rustic Town Genuine Leather Work Apron with Tool Pockets
A sturdy, handmade apron that's fire resistant. Features extra tool pockets and an adjustable fit.
Vulcan Workwear Utility Apron - Multi-Use Shop Apron with Pockets - Lightweight Denim Tool Apron
For those who prefer cotton to leather, this apron is lightweight, adjustable, and features numerous utility pockets.