Monthly_Helpful

11/01/05- To keep your copper foil from unraveling, keep it in the pack or place it in a small zip lock baggie.
This will also help prevent oxidation (which makes soldering a nightmare). I have also heard of placing the roll
of foil in a cd case and modifying the case to have an 'exit slot' for the tape. Some people also use a twisty tie
to secure the foil so it won't uncoil while working with it.

10/02/05- If you want to make your own flux remover, try either of these two methods:

1 tbs. baking soda disolved into 1 cup of warm water
or
1/4 c. white vinegar to 1 cup water

You can apply these two solutions directly or spray onto your panel from a spray bottle. Use an old soft
toothbrush to gently work into the metal that has been exposed to flux. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

09/05- If your soldering isn't going smoothly, you may have oxidation build-up on your solder seams or lead
came. This is especially true if it has been sitting for a while between work sessions. Use a small copper wire
brush or #0000 steel wool pad to rough-up the metal (this should not be done on bare copper foil tape), apply
flux and try to solder again.

08/05- When choosing a backing color for copper foil, you should first decide what color your finished solder
seams will be. If you plan to apply a patina:

Silver Seams (left natural)-Silver Backed Foil
Black Patina-Black Backed Foil
Copper Patina-Copper Backed Foil

This is especially necessary when using a transparent or semi-transparent glass. I have also had trouble
using a copper backed foil on a white opaque glass. When light transmitted through the glass, it appeared to
take on a peachy glow (because of the inside seam where the copper backing was being reflected).