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Hello again 4884 BigBoy Solder itself is usually a mix of lead and tin (sometimes silver) and most commonly sold in a form that looks like bare wire. There are different mixtures for different uses and different strengths. Most common mix is 50 percent lead and 50 percent tin. Solder has a low melting point (different mixes have different melting points) and is suitable for binding certin types of metals such as brass, copper, tin, silver and some thin steels. Some solders have a core of acid flux or rosin flux . Flux helps clean or etch the metal but the metal must first be shinny (oxidation removed) and free of oils. Depending what you are bonding, flux may or may not be used and is a matter of another discussion. Solder is applied by heating the metals to the point that it melts the solder. Some methods of applying heat are by torch, soldering gun / soldering iron or electrical resistance (a kind of short circuit). Is it required? Well if you want to work in electronics, repair copper blumbing or reattach that wire that broke off the motor in your locomotive and a hundred other uses, then yes. It's a handy skill to have. Or you could pay someone else to do it for you. But remember, if women don't find you handsom, they should at least find you handy! Keep your rails on the track! G. P.S. email me if you have any other question about soldering.
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