Temperature

• The maximum temperature for Hakko 455 (45 watt) and 456 (63 watt) soldering irons is 1110 degrees F. They have an alloy coated iron tip that holds heat well and helps prevent corrosion. It is best to run the soldering iron with a rheostat or temperature controlling device. This helps keep the iron at the lowest effective temperature for the type of solder you are using, which will prolong the life of the iron. The tip of Hakko irons provides a steady heat which will make it easier to produce a smooth solder seam.
  
  

Position

• The Hakko soldering iron should be held at an angle with the tip perpendicular to the stained glass piece. The solder should be held against the hot tip in the direction you are moving the soldering iron, so that it runs onto the copper foil seam in front of the soldering iron tip. The solder should bead up and solidify behind the tip, leaving a smooth, rounded seam. If a section needs to be fixed, the tip can be touched against that section and lifted up to leave it rounded and smooth, matching the rest of the seam.
  
  

Solder

• Except for lead-free solder all solder contains lead and should be handled with care. Contact with the solder should be minimized by using plastic gloves if possible, and soldering should be done in a well ventilated area. The most commonly used solder is 60/40 which is 60 percent tin, 40 percent lead. This is used for copper foil projects because it beads well to make a smooth, rounded seam. Solder that is 50 percent each lead and tin tends to make a flat seam making it better to use when soldering joints on leaded came stained glass.
  
  Solder that is 63 percent tin 37 percent lead (63/37), melts and solidifies at the same temperature and is used for decorative solder seams because it hardens so quickly it can be used to make beaded lines and other three dimensional effects. Lead free solder is the most difficult to use because it does not bead well. It is used for projects that will be handled often, be used with food, and anything that will be handled by children.
  
  

Cleaning

• The best way to clean the tip of a Hakko soldering iron is with the Hakko 599B Tip Cleaner. This is made of coils of soft brass that clean the tip without exposing it to the air. The coils clean the oxidation off the tip but leave a thin layer of solder. Using a damp sponge cleans off the oxidation and solder, exposing the tip to both water and air which will oxidize the tip, causing faster corrosion.
  
  If the Hakko Tip Cleaner is not available a natural fiber sponge can be used. Do not use a sponge made with foam or plastic as it will melt and does not clean well.