If you want to get more into DIY projects and dive into the world of working with electronics, you need to learn how to solder. While you can use soldering in non-electrical activities, like jewelry making, many projects will deal with electronics.
It’s okay to be a little wary of working with a hot iron and molten metal. However, with the right knowledge and a fun project, you’ll be able to really get into molding metal.
Safety First
Before you start on any project concerning hot metal, you want to address some obvious safety concerns. First and foremost, ensure that you have a safe place to set your hot tools down. Soldering stations are useful to have as they have a place to hold your iron and are generally inexpensive.
Start Soldering
The point of soldering is to join two metals together so that they’re solid and are able to conduct electricity easily. One of the biggest mistakes a beginner can make is placing the iron directly on the solder. If you do this, it will only bead up and will make a mess.
Before placing the solder on the part you want, heat that part up. Then, you can touch the iron to it, letting it flow over the surface and into every single nook and cranny.
3 Starter Soldering Projects
There are so many projects that you can do to practice soldering. Perhaps you have electronics around the house that you feel you could fix or repurpose. Fixing your own devices is a good place to start, but the following are a few other fun projects you can do to start soldering more.
1. Color Changing Night Light. Night lights are multi-purpose. They make children (and even a few adults) feel safe in the dark. They’re also guiding points of lights for those waking up in the wee hours of the night to go to the bathroom.
Sure, you can buy one in the store, but you can also make your own. If you are looking for a night light for your kids, you could even involve them in the creation process. Taking on this project is the perfect way to educate yourself and your kids on the art of soldering. It uses basics electronics and involves colorful lights, ensuring it will be fun for the whole family.
2. Chapstick LED Flashlight. One of the greatest joys people who do DIY projects experience is turning something ordinary into something extraordinary. Well, one small but fun way you can do this is by turning an old chapstick container into a flashlight.
This project utilizes some basic circuitry principles. It will either allow you to practice these principles or help you learn the basics. This project will turn your tube of chapstick into a fully-functioning LED flashlight, complete with an on and off switch!
3. FM Radio. If you’re really ambitious, you can create your own FM radio. With a single speaker, you can build an FM radio that can change stations. These stations can range from 88 to 108 FM.
This project will present a good challenge for DIYers. You’ll learn about a range of new components, and you’ll have plenty to solder.
The End Result
Soldering is a useful skill to have. If you’re looking to get into the art, check out our advice and solder iron reviews. With the information we have at Hand Tools for Fun, you’ll be properly equipped to complete any project you set out to do.
