How to Solder Wire Sculptures

This method is not meant for electronics, plumbing, or other repairs, but is a useful technique to making mobiles, cubes, and other shapes of wire.

Steps

  1. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 1
    1
    Clean off your work area. Make sure there are no flammable materials in the path of the torch's flame. Remember that the heat of the flame reaches out much farther than the glowing area.
  2. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 2
    2
    Screw the torch head onto the propane tank. Make sure it is tightly screwed on.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 3
    3
    Cut the wire and bend it with the needle-nose pliers (most needle-nose pliers have a wire cutter built in). Make it into the shape you need.
  4. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 4
    4
    Choose two points which will be soldered together.
  5. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 5
    5
    Twist the wire ends of the two points to be soldered together into a "J" shape. Hook the "J" shapes together and close them with the pliers.
  6. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 6
    6
    Coat the connection with flux.
  7. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 7
    7
    Break off a piece of solder. Bend it into a "V" shape and stick it onto the flux.
  8. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 8
    8
    Attach the project to a vice if you have one, otherwise hold it up with the pliers.
  9. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 9
    9
    Twist open the knob on the torch head, and flick the striker next to the opening to light it.
  10. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 10
    10
    Adjust the flame carefully using the knob.
  11. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 11
    11
    Carefully hold the project in the pliers with one hand, and the torch in the other.
  12. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 12
    12
    Hold the torch flame to solder/flux. Wait until the solder has melted and filled the space, then move the flame away and blow on the solder to cool it. Dip the entire project in water if it is still hot.
  13. Image titled Solder Wire Sculptures Step 13
    13
    The point should be joined successfully with solder.
    14. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Does this work with barbed wire?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you will need flux, a gas torch and a brazing rod. All are available at a hardware store.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • This method shouldn't be used for connections meant to bear weight or for professional purposes.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Solder contains lead, and lead fumes can be dangerous if inhaled. Please use proper ventilation.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Flux can be dangerous. Read all labels for information.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Propane torches are obviously very dangerous, and there is a risk of fire. Please keep your work area clean and put away all supplies properly.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Solder
  • Propane
  • Torch head
  • Flux
  • Wire cutters/needle-nose pliers
  • Wire
  • Striker

You Might Also Like

Desolder
How to
Desolder
Solder Gold
How to
Solder Gold
Build and Tune a Wind ChimeBuilding and Tuning a Wind Chime at Home
Remove Chrome Plating
How to
Remove Chrome Plating
Cut Wire
How to
Cut Wire
Do Nickel PlatingHow to Do At Home Nickel Plating: Everything You Need to Know
How to
Make a Compass
Make Chainmail
How to
Make Chainmail
Chrome Plate
How to
Chrome Plate
Wire Wrap Stones
How to
Wire Wrap Stones
Make Knife Handles
How to
Make Knife Handles
Sharpen a Sword
How to
Sharpen a Sword
Create Chainmail from Pop Tabs
How to
Create Chainmail from Pop Tabs
Make a Steel Rose
How to
Make a Steel Rose
Advertisement

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 64,910 times.
46 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: January 17, 2022
Views: 64,910
Categories: Metalwork and Wire Projects | Soldering and Brazing
Advertisement