Soldering Iron Question

Weller W100PG I recently bought one of these (not online) for use in making stained glass. I have never used a soldering iron before, and so I don't know if this is normal or not, but within a minute or two of plugging it in the middle of the metal shaft gets red hot.

This model has a built in temperature control, which is regluated through the tip. I have an 800* tip installed. I saw at least two of these same irons used today and I did not see any parts glowing red, and I tend to notice things like that. I get home and start to use mine and I get it hot enough to tin the tip and then notice it is glowing in the middle. The tip is securely in place and the magnetic switch inside clicks as you pull the tip out, which it is apparently supposed to do if the switch is working properly.

Is it normal for soldering irons to glow red?

Are you doing Tiffany style (copper foil), or leaded channel? 800 degrees sound way too high to me, for either one. Most solder requires less than half of that.

Tiffany style. I thought is seemed high too, but the instructor is the one who suggested this setup. I can take it in next week, but not until Tuesday and I was hoping to get some practice between now and then.

The great thing about cutting and assembling stained glass is the journey. I know that sounds cliche', and I haven't done any in a few years, but I can cut glass like nobody's business. Assembly is the trick: making jigs out of wood, etc.

I always used a standard electical tip, with a wide blade, and had pretty good results. I eventually started using a gun instead of an iron, athough that's kind of tricky if you don't have a steady hand. I would replace the Weller tip with replacements made from copper wire, twisted and pounded flat with BFH to spread the heat. Flux and quality solder is part of the key. Good luck.. it's a lot of fun.

Thanks

I've never seen a soldering iron glow, but my soldering iron experience is limited to electrical applications. Weller is a top name. I'd call the Weller people and ask them.

Like NYG, I haven't done much cutting in the last few years, but solid templates are the keys to good cuts. Eight hundred degrees is way too hot for the solder you'll be using, and it'll ruin the foil. You can learn with the iron, but get a quality small soldering gun. The trick with a gun is having a light, steady touch-which women seem to possess. Find a good source for glass, and pick up a few extra bucks during the winter holidays selling sun catchers at craft shows. I did that for years, but now only do custom work.

Been using soldering irons forever, and never seen one glow red. Get it checked.

ECM, thanks for this post, now I've become obsessed with pulling out my old kit and what little good glass I have left to start a small project, like I needed another damn project on my plate!

Depending on where you live, a source of good stained glass could be much of the challenge. When I was learning I used to have to drive 80 miles to Atlanta to get a quality selection of material. A certain amount of breakage is inevitable, so always buy more than you need.

Yay, I love adding to people's project pile. Please post some pics when you get a chance! I am very fortunate to have a fantastic glass shop about 4 miles from where I live, and another halfway decent one about a mile from where I work, so I am set on glass. I have a couple little scrap pieces that I practiced cutting and foiling on, and I wanted to use this weekend to get the feel for soldering since I have never done that. I have a class that starts on Tuesday, so I will get the chance to get my iron checked and use other irons then.
Thanks everyone for the imput on the iron. Hopefully I will have something to post pictures of soon.

I don't know if your instructor has mentioned the copper sulphate method, but it's pretty cool. You can buy it at Lowes, etc.in the form of septic drain "root killer". It's a crystal material that looks like rock salt, but it's blue, and don't eat it. Take a few crystals and grind them up to a powder. Add water and mix. Once you have finished the piece, brush this mixture onto the shiny joints. It will knock the finish down, and make it look antique right away.

We have talked about patinas, but not using root killer to do it with. LOL Probably because she doesn't SELL root-killer.
Thanks for the tip!

EastCoastMojo wrote: Probably because she doesn't SELL root-killer.

They may offer copper sulphate in small bottles at a glass shop at an inflated price, but a quart sized bottle from the hardware store is the same stuff for about the same money, and basically a lifetime supply.

When you run a business that sells supplies and holds classes for hobbies, it's all about moving product. I used to teach a calligraphy course at the local Micheal's craft store, and the manager was on me all the time to make sure they bought the pens, paper, ink, etc. before they left class. It's the nature of the beast.

There's always a cheaper way.. the grassroots approach.

I know ~zip~ about stained glass etc but I ain't never seen a soldering iron glow red hot. That is not normal.