• Solder jewelry using a propane torch.jewelry 2 image by Julija Sapic from Fotolia.com
  
  Soldering is an important technique for joining metals. Soldering is an easy technique that can be difficult to learn and perfect. There are a handful of mistakes that beginners commonly make when learning to solder. Avoid these errors and you will solder with ease every time.
  
  

Clean the Metal

• Solder will not flow if the metal is not clean. If you are having difficulty soldering a joint, stop and examine the metal. Remove any dirt, grim, grease or oxidation on the metal near the joint. Use sandpaper to sand off oxidation. Use acetone to remove grease and grim.
  
  

Flux the Seam

• Flux helps reduce oxidation while soldering. Be sure to flux the entire seam before beginning to solder with a propane torch.
  
  

Good Mechanical Connection

• Check to be sure the seam is completely flush. Solder will not fill gaps. If the seam is not flush, then you will not be able to solder. Use a third hand, binding wire or other aids to hold the seam flush, if necessary.
  
  

Even Heat

• Solder will not flow until the entire metal piece is evenly heated and has reached the soldering temperature. Heat the entire piece until the solder begins to flow. Then use your torch to draw the solder where you want it to flow. Melting solder will follow the heat of the torch.
  
  

Solder

• Different types of solder melt at different temperatures. Metalsmiths often use a combination hard, medium and easy solder when soldering multiple parts. Begin with hard solder and proceed with medium and then easy for each subsequent solder. For plumbing and other household soldering applications that require only one seam to be soldered, consider using easy solder.