Know Your Torch Essentials: Smith Little Torch & Accessories with Jennifer Stenhouse, Sept 27 - VIDEO

Recorded Live Saturday, September 27, 2025  

Video Access Expires November 27, 2025

Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse

Soldering is a basic and essential skill for metalsmiths and jewelry makers. However, not all torches or soldering situations are the same. There are many types of torches available. We are going to focus on the benefits of the Smith Little Torch and its potential to be the most versatile torch for your studio needs! I will demonstrate and discuss several solder situations involving various types of tips that can make connecting parts easier for more professional results. Smith tips, regulators, and Paige Tools tips will be discussed along with the advantages of different gases. We can also address soldering challenges each participant may be facing with projects. 

We'll also discuss the various advantages of chip vs wire, pick vs place, balling solder, and paste solder. Other topics to be covered include various fluxes and the challenges with soldering various metals.

Demos will include:

• Basic solder, tips for getting it to flow.
• Cleaning, fitting, heating, and choosing the correct solder for the situation.
• Wire versus chips.
• Balling solder.
• Pick soldering.
• Paste solder.
• Problem-solving.

Recommended supplies and materials are based on the individual’s needs. We will be discussing the best options for you so you can be an informed consumer. You can practice with what you have or order later based on today’s lesson. 

All Levels

. The handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page.

You also get 1-day pass free for a session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

Supply List for Students

Use the links below to purchase any supplies you don't already have for your class. This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Demonstrated Tools & Materials:

• Smith Little Torch tools and accessories
• Paige Tools Torch Tips
• Fluxes
  • Handy Flux (^ 1600˙F)
  • Liquid Fluxes:
  • Stop-Ox II (^1600˙F)
  • Firescoff (non-toxic, self-pickling, flux, and fire scale retardant, preserves polish)
  • Cupronil (^1500˙F firescale retardant, and flux agent)
  • My-T-Flux (^1700˙F self-pickling, no pop or bubbling)
• Easy Paste Solder
• Solder 3” each: Easy - 101100, Med - 101703, Hard - 101704