Cooksons' soldering kit........

[Gayle]

Hey

was thinking of buying the soldering kit from Cooksongold but does it have everything I need. If not any suggestions would be appreciated......

Thanks

Gayle

[springeth]

I bought the beginner's soldering kit a couple of months ago and still finding it great! The only extra thing I bought was a 'third hand' thing to hold the reverse tweezers, which I find pretty useful. The kit came with a good amount of silver solder and flux (the nice auflux stuff) too.

[Gayle]

Thanks for that. Does it include pickle. I just want to get started. I finished a fab course a couple of months ago. So its about time I put it all to some use!!

Gayle xx

[springeth]

Yes it does, a whole massive tub of the stuff! Best if you have an old slow cooker to keep the pickle warm.

Totally understand how you feel, I was exactly the same before I got my soldering kit - you can't get very far without it. Where did you do your course, out of interest?

[Gayle]

Yeah Ive been looking out for an old slow cooker but not seen any so just going to buy a small one from argos! I did my course at Craven college in Skipton, North Yorkshire about 16-18 weeks cant remember which, £200 (ish) plus exam. I really miss it. I need to get on with it though before I forget how to do it!!
Gayle xx

[springeth]

Sounds much more reasonable than London course prices! Sigh...

[Gayle]

Awwww Chick lol xxx

[Dennis]

The only thing you will need to consider is a hotter torch. Many of the agonised cries for help-with-soldering, come from beginners who simply can't raise enough heat to solder even a thin bangle, or a heavy ring with a hand held mini-torch.

A hand held DIY torch such as the Campingaz, or Go-System is the simplest solution. Dennis.

[mark]

So would you say it would be better long term to go straight for a Sievert kit like this:

www gasproducts co uk/acatalog/Sievert_Pro_86_Jewellers_Gas_Blow_Torch_Kit.html

I know that by the time you've put flux/tweezers/etc on then this will be more expensive, but would it be a better use of funds?

Seems I'm not allowed to post urls...

[Dennis]

Well, you'll always want a mini-torch for chains, jump ringsand other small items. What you buy in addition depends on how commercial you aim to get, including insurance and health and safety considerations.