While I was in London the other week with Marc we watched quite a few microscope soldering tutorials on YouTube before having a go ourselves. Crafting with microscope slides has been a thing with me for too many years now, I really think I should let go!
The first thing we did was edge our experimental glass pieces with copper foil, which the solder should adhere to, after it has been coated with flux.
The first thing we did was edge our experimental glass pieces with copper foil, which the solder should adhere to, after it has been coated with flux.
All was going well, but then we got unstuck as Marc’s soldering iron was, we think, more for proper electrical work, it had a weird end which was difficult to work out, at first, where to apply the solder, in the end we worked it out, but it was frustrating and fiddly, what we really needed was a pointed ended soldering iron.
The solder that came with it was also very thin, more suited to fine electrical work, but we persevered.
As this was pure experiment we used pegs to secure/hold the glass, but should I wish to pursue the idea I think I would need to get a Helping Hand magnifying glass stand as well.
And the results? Well, I am not sure …….. I was expecting a rougher, thicker and lumpier, handmade sort of looking end result …….
I have had a look on e-bay and if I wanted to I could invest in a soldering kit for under £10, I would then need to buy solder and flux (not sure how much) and a stand (£5). However, to be honest, if applied with care, using the silver foil I bought a month or so ago, with hindsight, would/has produced just as good an effect as the slides I have studied on Pinterest, plus I can easily change the colour of the foil using a Sharpie pen …… so I need to think carefully if, after all this playing, it’s really worth it.
It must be great fun to experiment with a crafting partner like Marc. He's knowledgeable and creative...and patient, too, I guess. You'll perfect your glass slide creations, yet, and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress along the way.
ReplyDeleteHi Helen!!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to make putting the foil on the slides easier there is a tool that is easy to use. I've done stained glass work both by the "old style" leading and by copper foil. The copper foil can be a challenge at times but here is a link to a tool you can use:
http://www.delphiglass.com/collage-art-jewelry/tools-supplies/glastar-compact-hand-foiler-use-with-7-32-foil
The size you get depends on the size of the copper foil you use. Amazon probably carries these (they carry just about everything!!). Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Hugs,
Silvia (from Kansas)