Anyone can solder with a few basic tools. I have to admit that I like to find the method that gives me the most return for the least amount of effort. Below is a guide that will help you through the process. Please note that all materials carry some risk, please us caution.

Check list • Butane Torch (2400 F) • Soldering Board • Soldering Pick • Flux • Flux Brush (cheap art brush)	• Pickle • Copper Tongs • Pickle Pot (Crock Pot) • Solder (soft) • Quenching Bucket (water) • Tumbler (w/carbon shot)
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Prepare your work area. Your pickle (bisodium sulfate, citric acid or sulphuric acid) should be warm to work effectively. Small, inexpensive, crock pots do a wonderful job.	What we are about to do is technically brazing. Soldering is what you do with a soldering iron and tin solder at low temperatures. If you are making stain glass objects you are soldering.
Prepare your work: Metals should be cleaned prior to use. Dip them in the pickle for a moment and rinse. The pickle is a mild acid, I prefer to rinse the work after each application to reduce exposure.
Flux all parts by brushing (paste flux) or dipping (liquid flux). Flux does three things, 1) it reduces fire scale; 2) reduces the temperature that solder melts; 3) helps solder flow along the join.
Position the two pieces to be joined so that they touch. If the pieces are not touching the solder will not melt or flow. I keep my soldering pick at the ready to nudge parts close together.
Place a small piece of solder (approx. 1mm) on the join. Too much solder will make a secure join but the excess will sit on top and make the join area unattractive.
Dry the flux. Apply heat to your work from a distance. Flux is water based and will boil which will throw the little piece of solder off its mark. When the flux hits its target temperature, 1100F, it will turn clear and be stable.
Apply flame evenly and steadily. Solder likes to melt and flow toward the hottest object. By heating both sides of the join evenly, this will be prevented. Don't move your torch around. Hold it steady, approx. 1/4" from the work to the tip of the blue flame. Be patient. The solder will ball-up, become a shiny liquid, then flow.
When your piece is successfully soldered, quench (dip) it in water. This will instantly bring it to room temperature. Test your soldered joint to see if it is secure.
Place your item in the warm pickle to clean. The pickle will eat away at the fire scale and should be ready for the next solder join in a minute or two. Repeat the cycle for each solder, don't try to do too many at one time. Take your time and enjoy the process.
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