Homemade soldering iron

[claykrys]

I wanted a soldering iron to solder the edges of my copper before riveting or making seams. I made this with an old railroad spike and a deer antler. Just cut the head off the railroad spike, drilled a hole and threaded it. Ran a long bolt through the antler and tightened it up. Have not tried it yet but Im wondering if the handle wont have to be modified to handle the heat. Any suggestions?

[68MUDSTUD]

Why not just use a torch? I fail to see how you are going to heat up the RR spike?

[claykrys]

Why not just use a torch? I fail to see how you are going to heat up the RR spike?

Its for tinning the edge. this will explain better than I can

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDVaO3_CaiA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[cob]

the iron in the video is a copper soldering iron. for your railroad iron grind off all the rust and polish the metal, test the spike to see if you can get it to tin,if it tins use a longer rod to mount the handle about 8" away from the iron.

[claykrys]

the iron in the video is a copper soldering iron. for your railroad iron grind off all the rust and polish the metal, test the spike to see if you can get it to tin,if it tins use a longer rod to mount the handle about 8" away from the iron.

I noticed that after watching the vid again. Im hoping I can make it work doing what you suggest. Thanks for your input.