I Can Solder!!!

Years ago I tried to learn how to solder, I bought all the recommended stuff and did a lot of reading.  I knew exactly what to do, but it just didn’t work.  I couldn’t get the solder to stick to the soldering iron.  You’re supposed to tin the tip…um, yeah, I never found anywhere that really explained that well and I didn’t know if my tip was tinned or not (it was not).  I went over the solder so many times trying to get it smooth that the glass got overheated and cracked.  There was a lot of frustration and cussing involved and at one point I splattered molten hot solder onto my foot (note: it is a bad idea to wear flip flops while soldering) 
Anyway, I got pregnant and the fumes seemed like something I shouldn’t be inhaling, so the stuff got packed up and was never seen again…Until a few weeks ago when I found everything in the basement, still boxed up from two moves ago.  The price stickers were still on everything and, ahem, I had quite a bit invested in this hobby, so I decided I would try it one more time and if it didn’t work I was going to sell my supplies.
I did some more research and I decided that I needed to get some sal ammoniac… I know it doesn’t look like much, it’s a hard block that you use to clean the tip of your soldering iron and it helps speed up the tinning process.  I also ordered some paste flux, it’s easier to use than the liquid I had.It made all the difference, my tip is perfectly tinned (shiny and covered with solder) and the solder flows from the tip to the copper tape.  It looks easy because it is easy.  I still need some practice to get a more professional look, but it is so much better than it was before.  I can’t believe that one little supply made all the difference.  I’m so glad that I ordered it.
Now I need to make some fabulous designs to solder into ornaments and pendants.  I can’t wait!!!