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?