You have to make sure you flux your spoon shell and use GOLD hooks! They will solder to the proper shell in under 1 seconds. This is an example of what I did. Feel free to use the technique I use. I also do not call mine (Mini Spoons) by that name because I believe Crappie Day has that name trademarked. I have called mine by the generic name of Pinmins when I was in Ohio or just teardrops now. They do work well icefishing or in fresh water fishing.Quote:
Originally Posted by PBUG2009
Getting ready
Once I get my tools rounded up I like to plug in my soldering iron and let it heat up while prepping my materials. First things first, the tip of the soldering gets hot - up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, so don't touch it. If you're using a new soldering iron you will want to put a small amount of solder on the tip of the hot iron before you start working. This is called tinning the iron and you only have to do it with a new iron. Once you start using it will usually have some solder on it already and be ready to go.
HOW TO SOLDER
Soldering is defined as "the joining of metals by a fusion of alloys which have relatively low melting points". In other words, you use a metal that has a low melting point to adhere the surfaces to be soldered together. Soldering is more like gluing with molten metal than anything else. Heat your soldering iron. Wipe the tip clean on the damp sponge to remove oxidation.
1) flux the shell and the gold hook
2) use a Rosin solder .032 diameter
3) solder your work
4) Use a thinner or solvent to remove excess solder
5) paint
Ice blades are usually soldered to (gold) hooks. Bronze hooks will NOT solder unless you scrape the finish off.
Soldering is nearly instantaneous, if the solder doesn't flow around the work in 1/4 of a second then something is wrong and you need to start over again.
Remember that when soldering, the rosin in the solder releases fumes. These fumes are harmful to your eyes and lungs. Therefore, always work in a well ventilated area. Hot solder is also dangerous. Be sure not to let is splash around because it will burn you almost instantly. Eye protection is also advised.
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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...y41/minimi.jpg
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Here is the thread I posted.
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/archi...rdrop-jig.html
Take care. hope this helped some.
