Mt St Helens

[Tre V]

Thanks Gwen.
   I have a Weller 80 iron, and it doesn't hold heat evenly. I have a equally inexpensive controller..it goes from 1-5, and from what I can tell most folks set theirs on about 7-8..Anne found an extra one that she doesn't use and is very kindly sending it to me! What nice folks here! I am thinking of investing in a higher quality iron. In order to get a good shape on the bead I have to lay down a ton of solder, then it looks like a freeway. Time will tell. My soldering is better since I took the class but that's because it was so  AWFUL  before     

[AglassAct]

Great panel. I too started with a Weller 80 and could not progress with soldering. I eventually bought a Weller 100 with the temperature controlled tips and soldering got much better.

I still have some problems if I take too long of a break from soldering. I always do a practice suncatcher before I tackle an important project.

[meaco]

Very nice, Tre!!  I love the pattern!  This is how I have been trying to do my patterns...from pictures.  It's harder than it looks!  I think you did a great job with this and I really like the way you added the clouds.  I have a LONG way to go with my designing...it's really nice to see what you came up with from start to finish. :)

[Lou Ann]

Tre,

I have a Hakko soldering iron and I use a controller and wouldn't trade it for the world... my teacher said controllers were a waste of money and kept 2 irons going and swapped back and forth but I couldn't get the hang of that at all (I actually did all the finish soldering on my piece here at home)

As far as your bead, are you using the thin edge of the soldering iron? I find that works best for me when the lines look like they are starting to get thick... Looking at this panel, it isn't blatant that there is a soldering issue so keep at it and stop being so hard on yourself.

Great piece and you should be proud that you took it from design to finish product on your own.

Lou Ann

[LadyInGlass]

Coming from someone who lives in the same state as the notorious mountain, that is a beauty Tre!!  You did a great job :)  I love it.

Linda

[Malinda]

very nice job! and I don't see any solder line issues either??

[memaribeth]

Very nice!  I enjoyed seeing your project from start to finish.  It really looks great!

[Tre V]

Thanks guys!